Journal File Photo J.J. Svac, a member of the Minnesota State Unversity golf team, hoists the New Ulm Invivational trophy last June after carding a 143 in the tournament. Svav is not able to play this year after suffering a broken wrist.

NEW ULM — The 59th annual New Ulm Invitational Tournament championship at the New Ulm Country Club is up for grabs this weekend.

“It’s the most wide open field I’ve seen in years,” said club pro Tim Huffman. “There have been years where I’ve been able to look at the list and almost pick who would win, but not this year.”

Last year’s Invitational champion, J. J. Svac, is unable to return and defend his championship, said Huffman. Svac, a member of the Minnesota State University Mankato golf team, broke his wrist playing basketball earlier this year and has missed the entire golf season.

A few of his teammates have signed up to play this year, though, and any one of them could put together a good weekend and come away with the trophy.

That includes Ethan Kraus, who finished second or tied for second in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Others from MSU are Colin Huffman, Tim’s son, who certainly is familiar with the course and Ben Laffen.

Nate Weisenberter, a former assistant pro to Huffman is coming back and could mount a challenge.

Johnny Larson of Springfield, the winningest champion on the tournament list, was unable to sign up this year, barring a last minute registration.

The Championship Flight features a lot of golfers who call New Ulm Country Club their home course, or are New Ulm natives who come home for the tournament.

Jason Wieland, Aiden Guggisberg, Ty Hirth, Ted Wirtz, and Scott Paa and Glavine Schugel are all registered.

Huffman said the interest in the tournament is growing, especially among the younger players.

2011 champion Brian Reagan, who also holds a string of second place finishes, will be playing in the Championship Flight. He is always a strong competitor.

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This year’s tournament will follow the format adopted four years ago. There is no more Senior Champions flight, which drew a lot of very good golfers away from the Championship Flight. Instead, those golfers start out in the Championship Flight for the first day. After Saturday’s round, the Championship Flight is cut, and those who are cut are placed in a President’s Flight, where they can compete for a flight championship.

The tournament is a 36-hole tournament for the regular flights, with the Championship Flight golfers playing an extra nine holes for the title on Sunday afternoon.

The public is welcome to come out and view the action. Rounds start at 8 a.m. Saturday, and 7:30 a.m. Sunday. The final Championship nine starts at about 4 p.m. at the 10th hole.

People can also come and view practice rounds today, and special events tonight and Saturday.

A very popular feature the past few years has been the Shootout competitions. On Friday there will be a Championship Flight “Shootout” at 7 p.m. 14 members of the Championship Flight will golf on holes #10, 11 and 18. Players will be eliminated on each hold via high score or a chip-off, until only two players will remain to compete on the 18th tee.

A “Choppers Shootout” is being held Saturday at 7 p.m. for the rest of the field. using similar rules. There will also be a closest to the pin contest on the 10th hole on Saturday night, starting at 8 p.m., which is open to tournament players and guests as well.

Huffman said the course is in great shape for the tournament, and if the weather is good it will be a great experience for golfers and spectators alike.