Opening up the 2012 Watertown City Men’s Golf Championship to the entire county has given this year’s tournament its highest turnout in a number of years.

As of Thursday night, 61 players had signed up to play starting Saturday at Watertown Golf Club, nearly double the 31 who competed last year at Ives Hill Country Club.

Saturday’s 18-hole qualifying round will start at 7 a.m. with a threesome composed of former champions Tyler Woodward, James Ambrose and Steve Ahlgrim. Eight other former champions are also in the field, led by defending champion Ryan Clark.

Eleven-time winner Bob Hughes is competing along with champions John Bufalini, Dave Gerken, Tim Phillips, Joe Tufo, Adam Brown and Toby Draper.

The top 32 from Saturday will make up the championship flight, with match play beginning Sunday and continuing through the week. The second flight also will enter match play on Sunday.

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