Now that Payne Stewart has been crowned the national champion its time to get down to some serious local golf – discovering the best player in Moore County.

The 58th annual Moore County Amateur Golf Tournament kicks off Friday with qualifying rounds at Woodlake Country Club.

The tournament, to be held on the Ellis Maples’ course at Woodlake, boasts former winners such as Deane Hundley III, Kelly Miller, Kelly Mitchum and Steve Wright. Last year’s winner was Wynn Solle.

The tournament has been held at many of the area golf courses in its 28-year history.

The field has ranged from 400-to-500 players each year.

Qualifying will last from Friday until July 11. After qualifying ends, the field will be flighted with the top 32 qualifiers competing in the championship flight.

After individual qualifying ends, the tournament becomes a match play event, Danny Barrett, director of golf at Woodlake, said.

There will be three divisions in the tournament – the open division for players 16 through 54; the senior division for players between the ages of 55 and 70; and the super senior division for players 71 or older.

The entry fee for the tournament is $30, which will be used to benefit junior golf programs in the county. A cart fee of $20 will be charged for an initial cost of $50 to qualify.

The money raised by the entry fees has been used to support area high school golf teams. Money from the event has also been donated to the Southern Pines Recreation Department to assist with its junior golf program.

A player can attempt to qualify as many times as desired. The entry fee will be charged for each time attempting to qualify for the tournament. Qualifying rounds will be played from the white tees.

After qualifying, and when the flights are set, the cost will be $20 per player for each match.

To make tee times for qualifying, call Woodlake at telephone number 245-7137. Entry forms are available at the clubhouse.