LCC gearing up for 56th Firecracker

There is a simple way to know the Firecracker Open is getting close and that’s to check the thermometer and if it reads 100-plus then you know the event is just around the corner.

The Lawton Country Club is preparing for the 56th Annual Firecracker and while the field is almost complete for the two-person scramble in the lower flights, there is still plenty of room for those who want to challenge the best in the championship field.

LCC Pro Johnny Wilson said the two-person scramble field is full and the field is expected to have a pair of rounds and enjoy the other associated activities being held on Friday and Saturday.

According to Wilson, the 48 two-person teams will play Friday and after that round the teams will be flighted before Saturday’s final round to determine the placers in each flight.

Championship Flight has 19 golfers as of Saturday and there is room for numerous golfers and those who want to chase the title can call the LCC Pro Shop at the number listed above to reserve a spot in the field.

One new feature this year for Championship Flight; the winner will take home a $1,000 cash bonus.

“We are always hoping to get around 25 or 30 players but there are several other tournaments on the Fourth-of-July weekend and that’s been hurting us,” Wilson said. “We didn’t have the Firecracker one year and those guys went to other tournaments and haven’t come back.”

While the field isn’t as large as hoped for Championship Flight, there are some quality golfers who will challenge the LCC course.

“Cullen Stahl and Peter Kim are both former champions,” Wilson said. “Joby Dutcher has played well before in the Firecracker and Bentley Bross has played well in the Firecracker. Neil Sorenson, Vander Winston has played in some mini-tour events and Brady Porter advanced to the second round of qualifying for the U.S. Open, so there are some guys in the field who can play.”

Wilson said the LCC layout is still in good condition despite the hot temperatures over the past 8-10 days.

“We had all that rain which really helped the rough grow but this heat has started to dry out the rough,” Wilson said. “But the fairways, greens and tee boxes are still good.”

Wilson said the interest in the event remains high and he feels he knows the reason.

“This is always a big and exciting weekend for our members,” Wilson said. “We offer a dinner for the players on Friday and that is always something they enjoy after their first round of golf.”

Wilson said he’s seen an increase in the number of new players.

“I think COVID really brought more people into golf,” Wilson said. “That was one of the few things people could do because it was outside and they could keep their distance and still enjoy the game.

“We’ve also noticed more and more people out practicing and they are saying they are having to work on their games because their friends and buddies are out trying to improve so it’s making others more excited about practicing.”