HUNTSVILLE- The professional golf stars of tomorrow are here. The Huntsville Championship, one of 26 stops on the PGA’s Korn Ferry Tour, is this week at The Ledges as more than 150 players will take to the challenging course with a chance to take home part of the $750,000 purse with the winner cashing in on $180,000.

“These guys are one swing away, one win away from earning their PGA Tour card and playing with the big guys,” said Penn Garvich, tournament director. “Last year we had four days of fantastic weather, which allowed folks to come up here (The Ledges) and experience it and walk away with a great feeling and ready to come back for more. We cross our fingers we have that weather again as weather can make or break you in an event like this.”

The five-year partnership that is in place through 2024 began last year as the inaugural tournament was a rousing success with a playoff to determine the winner. Tournament owner Knight Eady of Birmingham looks to make events with the tournament even more enjoyable this year.

Among the exciting happenings this year includes a concert on Saturday after play concludes around 4:00 p.m. at the suites on the ninth hole. American Idol’s Brandon Elder will be performing with the concert open to everyone. All military, veterans and first responders and a guest are admitted free during the tournament play. A “Hero’s Pavilion” will be located on the course with all Heroes having access as food and drink that will be provided.

More than $50,000 was donated by the tournament to local charities last year, and to assist in this facet of the pro tournament this year is the “Birdies for Charity” whereas $50 will be donated per birdie registered on holes number nine and 13 to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.

“The big differences in this year’s tournament will be the spectator amenities as we’ll have additional drink stations on the course,” added Garvich. “Our relationship with The Ledges and the entire community has been great. We believe in sports and we know how it impacts and drives the community and city leadership understands that as well. The players and caddies all said this was one of the best stops on tour.”

More details on tickets and other facets of the tournament are available at www.huntsvillechampionship.com.