Will entries be capped for the 30th annual La Crosse County Amateur Golf Championships as presented by Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse? It's anyone's guess right now.
Several major changes are in store for this year's popular events due to the current coronavirus pandemic.
Among them are that while golf carts are mandatory for all tournaments, players are being asked on entry forms if they would be willing to share a cart with another player due to social distancing. If not, they will have their own cart.
However, County Amateur tournament sites have a limited amount of carts available. The Golf Club at Cedar Creek and Drugan's Castle Mound Country Club each have 60 carts. Forest Hills Golf Course has 50 carts available.
So far, entries are arriving more quickly than previous years.
"For sure, I wouldn't delay to send in entry forms," said Bob Lamb, longtime tournament director. "Once we reach our limit in the number of carts each course can accommodate, we will be forced to cap the fields."
Entry deadline for the Kwik Trip Seniors County Amateur and the Pepsi Women's County Amateur is midnight on Monday, July 13.
Entry deadline for the 36-hole Men's County Amateur as presented by Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse is midnight on Monday, July 20.
Tournament dates are:
* SATURDAY, JULY 25: La Crosse County Women's Amateur Golf Championship as presented by Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse, at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska.
* SUNDAY, JULY 26: La Crosse County Seniors Amateur Golf Championship as presented by Kwik Trip, at Forest Hills Golf Course in La Crosse.
* SATURDAY, AUG. 1: La Crosse County Men's Amateur Golf Championship as presented by Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse, at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska.
* SUNDAY, AUG. 2: La Crosse County Men's Amateur Golf Championship as presented by Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse, at Drugan's Castle Mound Country Club in Holmen. Entry forms are available at http://www.boblamboutdoors.com/, the official website of the 2020 County Amateur, as well as on the websites of all three participating golf courses: * The Golf Club at Cedar Creek - http://www.cedarcreekonalaska.com/* Forest Hills Golf Course - http://www.foresthillsgolf.org/* Drugan's Castle Mound Country Club - http://www.drugans.com/golf/
For more information, contact Lamb at 608-781-4408, or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or associate directors Jackie or Bruce Kaiser at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The horrifying coronavirus pandemic has forced cancellation of the majority of sporting events and festivals throughout the Greater La Crosse Area and beyond. However, the most popular golf tournament in the Coulee Region remains on the 2020 calendar.
Considering the late July and early August dates for the La Crosse County Amateur Golf Championships, tournament officials are moving ahead with plans for this year's events, albeit with extreme health and safety precautions for players, spectators, volunteers, and tournament and course officials.
The County Amateur Board of Directors met recently and unanimously approved the tournaments for the 30th straight year.
First, and perhaps most important, there are two schedule changes.
The Women's County Amateur will be held as planned on Saturday, July 25, at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska.
However, the Kwik Trip Seniors County Am, traditionally held the same day, has been moved to Sunday, July 26, at Forest Hills Golf Course.
The Men's 36-hole tournament will be played at both The Golf Club at Cedar Creek and Drugan's Castle Mound Country Club in Holmen, on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1-2. Fourth, Third and Second Flights will play at Castle Mound on Saturday, then move to Cedar Creek on Sunday. Championship and First Flight players open at Cedar Creek on Saturday and finish at Castle Mound on Sunday. Play begins at 7:30 a.m. both days, with no afternoon tee times.
Splitting the tournament field over two courses both days helps to discourage large gatherings, according to tournament officials, which is important in light of COVID-19.

OTHER CHANGES:
* Entry forms will include a waiver of liability that must be signed by all players or entry will be denied.
* Golf carts are mandatory for all tournaments. Players will be asked on the entry form if they would be willing to share a cart with another player. If not, they will have their own cart. While unlikely, fields could be capped due to cart limitations so it is imperative to return entry forms without delay. No caddies are allowed. No spectator carts will be available.
* There will be no posting of scores in the clubhouse. Instead, scores will be posted on www.boblamboutdoors.com, along with tee times for the second day of play, when applicable. Final scores also will be available at the courses upon completion of each day’s play.
* A starter and rules official will be on the first tee at all tournaments but will practice social distancing. Each player will keep a scorecard for another player in their group. They will pick up their scorecard from a table at the first tee. The table also will include local rules sheets, pencils and hand sanitizer. Upon completion of their round, players must turn in their signed and attested scorecards to the clubhouse.
* Pins will not be pulled and bunker rakes will not be available. Instead, lift, clean and place in bunkers will be spelled out on the local rules sheet. Courses will determine whether to use foam in the bottom of the holes. That decision also will be spelled out on the local rules sheet. Players also are asked to social distance on the practice range and putting green.
* There are no restrictions on the use of pro shops and restrooms.
* All first-place ties will be determined by sudden death playoff.
There will be no awards ceremonies at any of the tournaments. All prizes and plaques will be available at the courses on the Monday after the tournaments.
"We know golfers are starved for tournaments, and while many have been canceled, we plan to continue our tradition of providing the best amateur tournament in western Wisconsin," said Bob Lamb, longtime tournament director. "And we believe our plan allows us to do it in a safe and responsible manner.
“We are hopeful these changes are temporary,” Lamb added. “However, perhaps this is the 'new normal' in our world."

2020 LA CROSSE COUNTY AMATEUR TOURNAMENT DATES

SATURDAY, JULY 25: La Crosse County Women's Amateur Golf Championship at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska, WI; contact Bob Lamb at 608-781-4408 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Jackie and Bruce Kaiser at 608-783-0979 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SUNDAY, JULY 26: La Crosse County Seniors Amateur Golf Championship as presented by Kwik Trip at Forest Hills Golf Course in La Crosse, WI; contact Bob Lamb at 608-781-4408 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Jackie and Bruce Kaiser at 608-783-0979 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SATURDAY, AUG. 1: La Crosse County Men's Amateur Golf Championship as presented by Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska, WI, and Drugan's Castle Mound Country Club in Holmen, WI; contact Bob Lamb at 608-781-4408 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Jackie and Bruce Kaiser at 608-783-0979 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SUNDAY, AUG. 2: La Crosse County Men's Amateur Golf Championship as presented by Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse at Drugan's Castle Mound Country Club in Holmen, WI, and The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska, WI; contact Bob Lamb at 608-781-4408 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Jackie and Bruce Kaiser at 608-783-0979 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Entries open today for the 30th annual La Crosse County Amateur Golf Championships as presented by Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced cancellation of many sporting events and festivals throughout the Greater La Crosse Area and beyond. However, considering the late July and early August dates for the La Crosse County Amateur Golf Championships, plans are moving ahead for this year's tournaments, albeit with extreme health and safety precautions for players, spectators, volunteers, and tournament and course officials.
Kwik Trip retains its longstanding title sponsorship of the Seniors County Amateur while Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse continues as presenting sponsor.
Several community partners also continue their longtime support of the tournaments, including the Women’s County Amateur.
Tournament officials urge players to submit entry forms well before entry deadline due to several important changes this year, including the Senior’s County Am moving to a Sunday this year, and a format change for the Men’s County Am. In past years, the tournament featured play at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska on one day, then moved to Drugan’s Castle Mound in Holmen for the second day. This year, both courses will be used both days to minimize the potential for large gatherings in light of COVID-19.
"We know golfers are starved for tournaments, and while many have been canceled, we plan to continue our tradition of providing the best amateur tournament in western Wisconsin," said Bob Lamb, longtime tournament director. "We are hopeful these changes are temporary. However, perhaps this is the 'new normal' in our world."

2020 LA CROSSE COUNTY AMATEUR TOURNAMENT DATES

SATURDAY, JULY 25: La Crosse County Women's Amateur Golf Championship at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska, WI; Contact Bob Lamb at 608-781-4408 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Jackie and Bruce Kaiser at 608-783-0979 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
SUNDAY, JULY 26: La Crosse County Seniors Amateur Golf Championship as presented by Kwik Trip at Forest Hills Golf Course in La Crosse, WI; Contact Bob Lamb at 608-781-4408 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Jackie and Bruce Kaiser at 608-783-0979 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
SATURDAY, AUG. 1: La Crosse County Men's Amateur Golf Championship as presented by Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska, WI, and Drugan's Castle Mound Country Club in Holmen, WI; Contact Bob Lamb at 608-781-4408 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Jackie and Bruce Kaiser at 608-783-0979 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
SUNDAY, AUG. 2: La Crosse County Men's Amateur Golf Championship as presented by Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse at Drugan's Castle Mound Country Club in Holmen, WI, and The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska, WI; Contact Bob Lamb at 608-781-4408 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Jackie and Bruce Kaiser at 608-783-0979 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Entry forms are available at http://www.boblamboutdoors.com/, the official website of the 2020 County Amateur, as well as on the websites of all three participating golf courses:
* The Golf Club at Cedar Creek - http://www.cedarcreekonalaska.com/
* Forest Hills Golf Course - http://www.foresthillsgolf.org/
* Drugan's Castle Mound Country Club - http://www.drugans.com/golf/
Sponsors, donors, players and fans requesting more information may contact Lamb at 608-781-4408, or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or associate directors Jackie or Bruce Kaiser at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All three sites for the 30th annual La Crosse County Amateur Golf Championships will open on Friday, April 24.
The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska, Forest Hills Golf Course in La Crosse and Drugan's Castle Mound Country Club in Holmen, will open, but under strict guidelines.  
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers' extended "Safer at Home" executive order starts at 8 a.m., on April 24, and extends to Tuesday, May 26.
"There seems to be more updates every day based upon interpretation and clarification in speaking directly with Law Enforcement and County Health officials," said Dave Cornelius, general manager and PGA professional at Cedar Creek, in a statement to his members late last week.
For example, updated regulations for Cedar Creek state:
1: The use of golf carts are prohibited. This will include homeowner carts at this time.
2: Social Distancing Requirements must be observed at all times unless the players reside in the same living unit or household.
3: All tee times and payments must be made in advance online, member charge, verbal credit card outside of building or by phone.
4: The clubhouse and pro shop must remain closed. A bathroom will be available in the bar & grill.  
5: Any restaurant or bar facility may remain open and must comply with all restrictions in Section 13.d and 13.e of the governor's order. However, it is now clear in those sections carryout items must not be consumed on the premises, indoors or outdoors. We will only be open Fridays for carryouts due to this rule and as stated all food may not be consumed on premise.
5: Tee times must be spaced to avoid multiple foursomes from clustering or gathering at any stage of the course.
6: All practice areas must remain closed. This includes the putting green and chipping green on the range.
7: Finally, it is very important that our customers do not huddle together or practice tailgating in the parking lot before or after play. We do not want pictures to end up in social media that Cedar Creek is not following the Executive Order.
8: Guest Play is welcome - $43 on Friday and $58 on Saturday and Sunday. Senior and Junior rates are available.
Meanwhile, Keith Stoll, PGA professional and general manager at Forest Hills, said his staff is making final preparations for Friday's opening.
"We're chomping at the bit. We're just excited to get started again," he said, late Monday morning.
Stoll said new course superintendent Jake Dunn is doing a marvelous job readying the historic 18-hole layout for the season.
"Jake's got the greens running fast. We had a pretty mild winter, so the course is in fabulous shape," Stoll said.
Tee times begin at 8 a.m., on Friday.
"Oh yeah, we're ready to go," Stoll said, with a broad smile.
Drugan's Castle Mound could not be reached for comment.
The La Crosse County Seniors Amateur Golf Championship as presented by Kwik Trip is scheduled Sunday, July 26, at Forest Hills Golf Course. The La Crosse County Women's Amateur Golf Championship is one day earlier (July 25) at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek.
The La Crosse County Men's Amateur Golf Championship as presented by Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse is Saturday, Aug. 1 and 2 at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek  and at Drugan's Castle Mound Country Club.
For more information, contact Bob Lamb at 608-781-4408, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Jackie and Bruce Kaiser at 608-783-0979 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..