NATCHEZ — Forty-five golfers got a jump-start on their Independence Day celebrations by taking to the course for a quick nine holes before heading out for barbecue and fireworks Wednesday.

Beau Pré Country Club hosted its weekly Luck of the Draw Tournament, but bumped it up a day to coincide with Independence Day.

“We usually have our Luck of the Draw on Thursday evenings,” Beau Pré President Chuck Fields said. “But we moved it up a day, and it brought a good crowd.”

The four-man scramble team of Lloyd Trisler, Woody Allen, Robin Punches and Chris Maxwell managed to edge Stephen Hollingsworth, David Harris, Brandon Garrity and Stuart Heflin for the victory.

“My guys made every putt they looked at today,” Trisler said about his teammates. “I didn’t have to putt but about twice.”

Trisler’s foursome finished the round with a score of 26.

Wednesday’s tournament was not just about winners and losers, however. It was also a chance for some golfers to enjoy a light-hearted day on the course.

Kurt Russ and his daughter, Chandler, spent the morning scrambling with Robbie Savant and Scott Christian. Kurt said his daughter had a great round and really surprised him with her play.

“She carried me around out there today,” Russ said. “She played really well, and I was impressed with some of the shots she hit. It was a great opportunity to spend time with my child playing.”

Chandler, who is a member of the Cathedral School golf team, said she even surprised herself with the way she played.

Beau Pré golf pro Carey Witten said the Independence Day Luck of the Draw tournament provided a new way for golfers to come out and enjoy the game.

“It’s a unique format where teams try to win skins with the lowest score on each hole,” he said. “It’s one of the strongest player development formats.”

Golfers teed off from different tee boxes depending on their respective handicaps.

Fields said he liked the early morning, nine-hole format, because it allowed the golfers to come out and enjoy the tournament and still make it back to celebrate Independence Day.

“Some of the fellas are still going to play, but I’m headed to a family get-together,” he said. “We played early, so we still have most of the day to spend time with family and think about Independence Day and what it means.”