Betty Ann Shiels tees off for her ninth Integris Credit Union Simon Fraser Ladies Open title today at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club.
But, she warns, she's a little rusty after winning the 2013 Simon trophy a year ago.
"I haven't played that much, maybe only 10 rounds of golf after I hurt my left arm," said the chair of 2014 golf tournament. "I've only been playing since the second week of July. I just want to put two solid rounds of golf together."
The field includes 65 players from Prince George, Mackenzie, Williams Lake and Quesnel.
"From Williams Lake we have Lisa Kerley and Kelly Flaherty who both have low handicaps, as well as Cheryl Poulin from Mackenzie who also has a low handicap," said Shiels. "From Prince George there's Kirstin Jorgensen as well as Marcia Martinson who's had two holes-in-one this year."
Laurel Clark of Prince George, who finished second to Shiels in gross score at the 2013 tournament, is back for another shot at the title.
Natasha Kozlowski, 13, will also aim for success at the Simon this year. As a rookie 12 year-old in the 2013 tournament, Kozlowski, won the low-net with a two-day score of 136, factoring in her 33 handicap.
"I'm really pleased with the field. Any number of those players has an opportunity or a chance to win," said Shiels.
Players begin teeing off bright and early today at 8:27 a.m. with a similar start time on Sunday. The tournament should wrap up by 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
