The Lawrence Amateur Golf Assn. will have more participants in this weekend’s 2006 LAGA Big Event than ever before.

This year’s turnout of 142 is nearly double last year’s 76, which was previously a record number. Reasons for the record turnout varied. The association put on four tournaments last year on four different weekends, said tournament committee chairman Kyle Taylor. This year, LAGA could focus all of its attention on this weekend. Taylor also said LAGA did a better job of marketing – through e-mails, fliers and signs – and spreading the word.

“The main thing is that we want to have a fun event,” Taylor said. “We want people to get out there and play competitive golf.”

Eagle Bend Golf Course will play host to the first day of the tournament today. The first tee time is scheduled for 6:45 a.m. The tournament will conclude Sunday at Alvamar Golf and Country Club.

The tournament will be a stroke-play format. Players will be placed in one of four divisions: men’s, women’s, senior (50+) and super senior (60+).

Taylor feels Stewart Platz and Adam Stanley are the favorites for the men’s city championship. Platz won the tournament last year, while Stanley took the crown in 2004. Greg Sharp is another name to keep an eye on because of his experience. He won the tournament in the early ’80s.

Carol Rau won the ladies city championship last year. She is also scheduled to compete this weekend.

The winner of each division will receive a trophy, which will be presented at 75th St. Brewery, 3512 Clinton Parkway, at 6 p.m. Sunday. Cash prizes of various amounts will also be awarded.

LAGA will donate a portion of the money it raises to the Headquarters Counseling Center in Lawrence. Headquarters serves as a support center for individuals with personal concerns. It also helps with suicide prevention.

Taylor said LAGA donated $1,500 to the center in 2004, and $2,500 last year. The amount LAGA will donate this year is not yet known.

If it rains this weekend, Taylor will attempt to finish the tournament at some point Sunday.

“As far as another date, we don’t have one set,” Taylor said, when asked if rain could move play to Monday. “We’ll do the best we can to finish up that day.”