For the first time in recent program history, WKU’s men are hosting a tournament in Bowling Green.

The Toppers will host the WKU Kenny Perry Invitational at The Club at Olde Stone, starting this weekend.

The 54-hole tournament will begin at 9 a.m. Sunday, with the second round taking place at 9 a.m. Monday and the final round teeing off at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

The event is named for Kenny Perry, a Franklin native who played golf at WKU from 1979-1982 before going professional in 1982.  

Perry, who currently competes on the Champions Tour, tallied 14 PGA Tour victories and helped the U.S. national team to victories over Europe in the 2004 and 2008 Ryder Cups.

WKU coach Phillip Hatchett and Perry were collegiate teammates on the Hill.

“It’s nice to play close to home,” Hatchett said. “The families can come and watch and be a part of something special.”

Hatchett was named head coach in 2010. He graduated from WKU in 1985 and was on the golf team all four years he was on campus.

This weekend’s tournament is the first hosted in Bowling Green under Hatchett’s tenure.  

He said he believes the home course advantage should play out well for his guys.

“I’m looking forward to a top-three finish, hopefully,” Hatchett said.

As of Herald press time Thursday, the qualifying rounds had not been finished, thus WKU’s final roster hadn’t been named.

However, senior captain Will Beard is exempt from qualifying and is guaranteed a spot for the Toppers.

In the 2011-2012 season, Beard played in nine events and averaged a score of 76.88 per round.