Those trying include head pros and assistants from golf clubs around the nation, top amateurs and touring professionals who have lost their exemptions into the event.
The best of them, including Brian Boitano and Debi Thomas, are now touring professionals.
Black/Gold tee markers are usually reserved for touring professionals in official tournaments.
Even touring professionals miss an average of 6 GIRs in a round, making chip shots and other close-in strokes typically made with wedges that much more important.
It has been held by the PGA of America since 1968, when touring professionals split off to found the PGA Tour.
The cost of good hard cases-USD 500 to over USD 2500-tends to limit their use to touring professionals.
Prize money totals $375,000 and 180 men and 180 women, half of them touring professionals and the other half amateurs, are entered in the 57-year-old tournament.
"Touring professionals", also known as "Tournament golfers" or "Pro golfers", who make their income from prize money and endorsements, are a small elite within the profession.
It is now used by touring professionals worldwide.
Still manufactured in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Engelhardt basses and cellos are sturdy instruments widely used by students and touring professionals.
