Jordan Farmer will look to defend his title this weekend against a solid field of golfers at the 2017 Beau Pré Club Championship at Beau Pré Country Club.

The two-day, members-only tournament will take place Saturday and Sunday with first round tee times starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday and final round tee times beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Beau Pré golf pro Bobby McCrimmon said that as of Wednesday morning only 17 players have signed up, but he’s looking for that number to climb to at least 40 by the end of the week.

“The members tend to sign up at the last minute,” said McCrimmon, who is in his first year at Beau Pré after taking over for Carey Witten, who is now the golf pro at Panola Woods Country Club in Ferriday.

Among those who have already signed up are Farmer and last year’s runner-up Tom Bryant. Farmer won last year’s club championship by one stroke over Bryant.

“It’s the biggest tournament for us in terms of membership. Bragging rights (are at stake),” McCrimmon said. “The top 13 players qualify for the Beau Pré Cup, which takes place this year in October. So it’s a big deal.”

In addition to the club championship, there will also be a senior championship for members ages 50 to 69 and a super senior championship for members ages 70 and over, he said.

As for the course itself, McCrimmon said it is in good shape despite the rain that has fallen in the area in recent weeks.

“It drains really well. No rain between now and the weekend. The course will be dried up by then,” he said. “I was not here last year, but a couple of people will be helping me out. It will be set up similar to what it was last year.”