NATCHEZ — Heavy rains that came through the area early Saturday morning caused some concern, but the clouds cleared and the sun came out in full to allow the first day of the Joe Fortunato Golf Classic to go on as scheduled.

Over 150 golfers are taking part in the event, which ends today at Duncan Park Golf Course.

The rain seemed to help the scores, as numerous teams took advantage of the soft greens to post low scores.

The foursome of Eric Smith, Ronnie Martin, Anthony Kent and Greg Cotton are tied for the lead with the foursome of Richard Edgin, Tom Matthews, Wesley Rogers and Jason Rooks. Both teams shot a 54.

The final round will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. today.

All the proceeds from the tournament go to the Miss-Lou chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s scholarship awards given to one outstanding student-athlete from each of the seven local schools.

“We had a very good day,” chapter president Terry Estes said. “At about 3 a.m. we were concerned with the weather but after watching the Weather Channel we felt it would move out of here and it did. It was cool in the morning and never got hot, hot. It was a good day for golf.”

Fortunato was in agreement that the day turned out just how everyone wanted it to be.

“Everything went real smoothly,” Fortunato said. “Everyone enjoyed playing and played great. There were a lot of great scores. The course was in amazing shape after the rain.”

Fortuanto said he was pleased with the great turnout for the tournament.

“We had a full house,” he said. “There’s a lot of people who have been playing with us from day one and this is our 16th year. I’m very happy with the turnout.”

Fortunato also gave credit to the many volunteers and workers it took to put on the golf tournament.

“We have a great crew which is what makes the tournament a success,” he said. “They work hard and know it’s for a great cause. Every penny we make stays right here in the Miss-Lou.”