WHEELING — The 2021 Bordas & Bordas Amateur Golf Classic, considered the oldest amateur event in the Tri-State area, returns June 12-13 on the Crispin Golf Course at Oglebay Park featuring a very strong field.

“Pretty much everyone is returning who placed in the top five in each division last year,” said tournament director Dan Tennant.

Once again, a $10,000 purse is up for grabs for the event and a portion of the tournament proceeds from benefit the Oglebay Foundation’s Access to the Parks scholarship program.

“Access to the parks allows local children who would not otherwise be able to afford to go to the park access to enjoy many activities throughout the summer months,” said Bordas & Bordas partner Scott Blass. “Bordas & Bordas took over the tournament four years ago and we are proud that it allows us to witness great talent on the course and give back to the community.”

Returning to compete in the Championship Flight is 2020 winner Joey Seabright of Wheeling. Seabright, a teacher and coach at The Linsly School, shot a two-day total of 127 last September. That was just one shot off the all-time two-day total of 126 shot by Thadd Obecny II in 2015. Seabright’s brother Scott will also be Joey’s partner in the event. The 2019 champion, Jacob Nickell, is also returning this year.

Meanwhile, Wheeling’s Bobby Clark of the Oglebay Park Golf Club is back to defend his Senior Flight championship after shooting 132 last year. Scott Jackson is back to try and match his First Flight title.

“We’re going to play preferred lies in the fairway,” Tennant said. “Hitting the fairways will be at a premium. Even when the rough is dry at Crispin, they cut the rough at two inches. It’s pretty harsh. Those golfers that hit the fairway will have the advantage.”

Tennant said 18 juniors have signed up. Ohio Valley high school golf teams set to be represented include Wheeling Park, Central Catholic, John Marshall, The Linsly School and Barnesville. Upper St. Clair High School in Pennsylvania will also be represented.

Tennant said among the great features of this Bordas & Bordas event are a number of father-son combinations as well as high school girls entered in the tournament. He added that more golfers are comfortable entering after the recent pandemic.

“Last year we postponed the tournament from June until the Labor Day weekend,” Tennant said. “That helped us get numbers because the pandemic had waned a bit. But we did have some folks not play because of the pandemic. We hope now we’re turning the corner and people are getting out and back to normal. It’s nice to get back to normal.”

The number of entries, Tennant said, illustrate that.

“We had 152 in 2020 and should have at least that again,” Tennant said. “All champions in all divisions are returning, along with several past champions. It should be another fun Bordas & Bordas Classic.”