Now, however, they've dammed the creek by order of the tournament chairman, Hord Hardin.

The award was established during 1987 in honor of the first tournament chairman, Walt Murr.

The honoree is selected by the board of directors upon recommendation from the current tournament chairman and vice chairmen.

Dede Patterson, the tournament chairman, said tickets were still available for all four rounds but that gate sales might eventually have to be limited.

In fact, said Bob Glover, the tournament chairman, probably 60 percent of the entrants were professionals.

Patrick McNickle, 33, is one of the tournament chairmen this year.

"We know that Palmer will swell the attendance," said Jack Russell, the tournament chairman.

Dee Finley, Colonial's tournament chairman, refused to confirm that today, but he also did not deny it.

Flory, who was born on May 31, 1922, died on January 31, 2013, remaining tournament chairman until his final day.

"It is a complete mystery," the tournament chairman, Alan Mills, said of Seles's withdrawal.