NATCHEZ — Despite temperatures predicted to hover just under 100 degrees this weekend, the 2007 Natchez Ladies and Senior Men’s Golf Championships will take place at the Duncan Park Golf Course. Tee times start at 8 a.m. today and 1 p.m. Sunday.

And in an effort to make sure everyone has a good time, Duncan Park Master Golf Pro Marvin Gray is not taking any chances — especially with the heat index forecast to be at least 105 degrees.

“We’ll keep our groups small because of the high heat index,” Gray said. “We want to have a good championship and crown the best senior men in the area. We want the ladies championship to be a good event.”

To keep the golfers adequately hydrated, there will be 50 gallons of fresh ice water on hand with cups and straws and the golf shop will serve Powerade.

As for Sunday, when the tee times start at 1 p.m., Gray said, “We’ll play smaller groups. We’re going to play ready golf, which will improve the pace of play. It’s a little less formal, but it allows for a more enjoyable time. Hopefully, we’ll avoid any heat-related illnesses.”

Last year, the two golf championships had a combined 22 players. So far, Gray said 11 or 12 players have signed up, but he’s anticipating several late entries. Those who are going to play include defending Senior Men’s champion Charles Yarbrough and defending Legends Men’s champion Clayton Foster.

Also playing in the Senior Men’s Championship is George Hude, who shot a 75 in the first round of the Men’s City Championship a few weeks ago, and 2006 city champion K.G. Watkins.

There will be a new Ladies champion crowned on Sunday afternoon. Margo McLeod, who won the championship last year, will not be back to defend her title.

Kenny Carlton, who lost to Yarbrough on the first hole of a playoff a year ago, has not made up his mind whether he will play this year or not. However, Gray said that Kenny Boyd, who finished third last year, will play this year.

“Mary Edwards from Jonesville, who finished second last year, and Julia McKey of Baton Rouge, who finished third last year, will not play due to prior commitments,” Gray said. “Beverly Knapp is scheduled to play this year. She finished fourth last year. She had two good rounds last year.”