PLYMOUTH – Something about the Canasawacta Country Club Men’s Member-Guest tournament gets its participants fired up.

Every year, returning players count the days on their calendar until the tournament opens on the first Thursday of August. Others playing it for the first time will surely be as hooked as the veterans, and those who have not played the tournament in a while would likely jump at the chance to rejoin a fraternity of players where friendships are renewed, and family bonds strengthened.

“I think there is just the tradition of the tournament and a great sense of pride to play,” said CCC head professional, Charley Winn.

This is the 53rd incarnation of the tournament. The format has changed a few times, but has remained 54 holes of best ball, stroke play for over 30 years. Not too many member-guests in the Southern Tier enjoy this type of three-day event, and the championship team each year knows that it earned the title. “There is a lot of importance around here in winning this tournament, and it’s a real feather in anyone’s cap,” Winn said. “This is a true test of golf, and for those players in the Masters Flight (championship flight), the tournament is a real marathon.”