This week, it's the guys' turn.

        Last week the Women's Met ended in dramatic fashion when Katie Rakel and Melissa Beck played 19 holes on the final day of the tournament to determine the best female golfer in the Cincinnati area.

        Today at Traditions Golf Club in Hebron, Ky., the 92nd annual men's Metropolitan Amateur championship begins.

        Greater Cincinnati Golf Association communications manager Scott Seward described Traditions' final hole as “robust,” which could mean another fantastic finish.

        “If a match gets to the 18th hole, it's going to be a great way to finish the match,” Seward said.

        Traditions' 18th is a 452-yard, uphill par-4. Sand traps border the left side of the fairway with a creek hazard on the right. The third, 10th, 14th and 17th are considered the signature holes. Par is 72 for the 7,103-yard course.

        There are 35 Northern Kentucky golfers — a larger figure than last year — among the 208 entrants, Seward said. Of the 35, there are 22 from Traditions.

        Jim Volpenhein, who has won a record six Met titles (1981, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992 and 1999) is among the Traditions players.

        “It's familiar territory for them,” Traditions golf pro Rene Osmen said. “Playing at your home course is an advantage, but there's some pressure too. ... I's gotta be played at somebody's home course. It might as well be ours.”

        Most of the other contenders in the tournament have also played the course, Osmen said.

        Last year's Met winner, University of Cincinnati grad Jim Herman, has turned pro and is playing on the Hooters Tour.

        Back for this year's five-day tournament is 2000 runner-up Tim Donovan, a Xavier University and St. Xavier High School alumnus. Traditions player Dave Macke, a semifinalist two years ago, also returns.

        The golfers will play two rounds of stroke play today and Tuesday. The field will be reduced to 32 after Tuesday.

        There will be one round of match play on Wednesday and two each on Thursday and Friday for the championship.

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Tristate golf guide

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