NATCHEZ — Men’s professional golf is making its return to the river city this week as tournament play begins today in the Taco Bell Natchez Classic taking place at Beau Pré Country Club as part of the All Pro Tour.

On Tuesday, competitors participated in a long drive competition at noon before pairing up for a pro am round Tuesday afternoon.

Tyler Gray of Indiana won Tuesday’s long drive competition with a drive of 338 yards to take a cash prize of $500.

Brett White of Houston took second place with a drive of 328 yards and a cash prize of $300, and Jacob Bergeron of Slidell, Louisiana, took third place with a drive of 310 yards and a cash prize of $200.

“Years ago, (this tournament) started at the old Belwood Country Club. It just evolved when it came here,” Beau Pré and host professional David Meyer said. “The tournament began many years ago.”

But it has not been as prestigious as it will be this year. For the APT field, at stake is an estimated purse of $125,000, with the winner at the end of the four-day tournament on late Saturday afternoon receiving a minimum of $20,000 guaranteed.

Action got under way on Monday afternoon as the top players on the ATP money list competed in a shootout. Tuesday was a long-drive and Pro-Am and practice rounds were Monday and Tuesday as well for the players to get acclimated with the par-72 course.

APT Tournament Director Patrick Murphy said he is excited about the tournament so far.

“I think everybody is happy with the weather and the course conditions,” Murphy said, adding that Natchez is a friendly and welcoming city. “We have a solid group of players.”

A field of over 100 professional golfers from around the world, including current money leader Logan McCracken of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Bergeron of Slidell, Louisiana, who had a four-day total of 20-under-par to finish in second place last year, will participate in the 72-hole stroke-play tournament that starts today with tee times beginning at 8 a.m.

There will be a cut after the second round on Thursday with the top 35 percent of the starting field, including ties, moving on to play on Friday and Saturday.

Attendance is free to the public.

“Spectators are welcome (to follow the players around the course),” Meyer said.

Scott Hawkins, editor of The Natchez Democrat, contributed to this report.