The tournament commences next Friday, November 2 and will be run over the Melbourne Cup long weekend, concluding on Tuesday, November 6.

Organiser Rod Sheppard is pleased with the interest that has been generated, thanks to fliers and an e-mail sent out to various clubs notifying them of this annual golfing event.

"We haven't advertised any pre-bookings, but we've actually received pre-bookings," Mr Sheppard said.

"We've discussed it (the tournament) with a number of clubs and they're very keen as well."

Mr Sheppard has invited a number of clubs from metropolitan Melbourne, including Huntingdale, Southern Golf in Keysborough and Cheltenham and for the first time, has even contacted clubs overseas such as Lilleybrook in the United Kingdom.

"You never know, there may be members out in Melbourne who might be picking it up," he said.

"Coming from Melbourne myself and playing on courses in a sand built area, I thought why not?"

Southern in Keysborough responded to the e-mail with an invitation of its own - four Southern Golf Club corporate guest invitations that the Stawell Golf Club will raffle off.

Fisher's IGA has also chipped in with second prize for the raffle, donating a $70 food voucher.

Tickets are now available for $2 each and you can enter by dropping in on Rod Sheppard at Simpson Personnel, or purchase them from Stawell Golf Club on any club day or on each day of the open tournament.

The raffle will be drawn following the final days play.

Mr Sheppard said Stawell was thrilled to receive the special guest tickets from Southern Golf.

"To receive the tickets is just a real boost for the club," he said, adding his thanks to Southern Golf Course's operations manager Braden Ingham.

Stawell Golf Club's annual open tournament kicks off next Friday with a three ball best ball Irish stableford, 10am shotgun start.

Saturday is a men's day stroke event, however the club will accommodate for any ladies who are visiting for the weekend with their partners and wish to play.

Players can choose to play 18 holes in either the morning and afternoon, or 36 holes for the day.

The morning/daily session is set to begin at 8.30am and the afternoon kicks off at 12.30, both with shotgun starts.

Throughout the five day event, there will be continual nearest the pins on the ninth hole along with daily nearest pins on all par threes.

Monday, November 5 has been dubbed 'Wackiest Clothing Day', where there will be no dress code on the course.

However those planning to wear something a little different must play in the clothing all day, so choose carefully.

For visitors arriving in Stawell for the event, accommodation is available for the weekend at HiWay 8 Motel Inn.

HiWay 8 is a sponsor of the Stawell Golf Club and bookings are available by contacting Brian and Linda on 5358 2411.

For more information on the Stawell Golf Club annual open tournament, phone Rod Sheppard on 0414 776 285 or e-mail rod@simpsons.net.au or contact Kaye Skinner on 5358 2942.