Lewiston, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Porter Cup teed-off Wednesday morning at Niagara Falls Country Club overlooking Lewiston. It's the 64th annual Porter Cup and for the first time the men's and women's amateur tournaments
are being combined.
"It's one of the biggest in the country, and the biggest one in our area," said Brian Koziol, host of WGR's Tee 2 Green golf show.
"For the first time, the men and women are going to play on the same course in the same week. Previously, the women had played in early June. But following a trend with amateur tournaments around the country, they put the men and women together this week to make it an even bigger event."
Over the years, the Porter Cup has hosted some of the biggest names in golf.
"You can start with the biggest name, Tiger Woods. He played here in the mid 90's and actually made a hole in one on the 12th hole, which is a par 3," noted Koziol.
Other big names include Phil Mikelson, Porter Cup champion in 1990. More recently, in the 2000's, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, and Adam Scott.
Koziol said about a third of the field at the recent PGA Championship in Rochester in May, at some point participated in the Porter Cup.
There is no age limit to play in the Porter Cup. It's open to anyone with amateur status. Most of the field is collegiate level, about a handful are in high school range.
As soon as someone plays in tournaments where you accept money, you are no longer considered an amateur.
This is an easy event for spectators to attend.
"Niagara Falls Country Club is encouraging people to come out," added Koziol. "They want to see more youngsters and have parents bring their sons and daughters. They're excited about having the men's and women's tournament at the same time. The crowds are not what you would see, at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill, for example. If you have a son or daughter who are into golf, and you want them exposed to great golf, bring them to the Porter Cup. Admission is free. Everyone at Niagara Falls Country Club is super welcoming."
The course is roped off like a professional event and Koziol said you can literally stand right next to the tee box, right next to these players. "I brought my son a few years ago and the players tossed him a ball, they took a picture with him and signed autographs. It's a really good atmosphere if you're looking for something to do over the next four days."
Niagara Falls Country Club is located at 505 Mountain View Dr., Lewiston, NY 14092.