Take it from Jim Thorpe: Winning the $1.5 million Commerce Bank Championship at Eisenhower Park for a third straight year won’t be easy.
“It’s going to be tough,” said Thorpe, who returned Long Island yesterday to talk about his chances of a three-peat in the 54-hole Champions Tour event scheduled for July 1-3 at Eisenhower’s fabled Red Course.
“The level of competition gets tougher every year,” he said. “You’ve got Jerry Pate, Curtis Strange, Hale Irwin, Dana Quigley, Allen Doyle. You’ve got to play your best to beat those guys. Three times, to win here, would really be a treat.”
Thorpe, a two-time winner this year, successfully defended his crown last year with a one-shot victory over Bobby Wadkins, Wayne Levi and Andy Bean. In 2003, he won at Eisenhower after firing a 10-under 60 in the second round.
Gene Contino, Eisenhower’s superintendent, said the Red Course will remain open for public play until June 20. For tournament info, call 516-674-GOLF.