[8/26/04]The history for the Clear Creek golfers when playing at their crosstown rivals is less than stellar.

The team has never won the Warren County Cup matches when the tournament is at Vicksburg Country Club, and has only come close a handful of times.

The two squads are set to again to battle starting Saturday in the two-day tournament. Last year, the Clear Creek golfers reclaimed the championship.

“We have never won when we play over there,” said Clear Creek pro Randy Tupper. “It would be a great achievement if we were to win.”

Each team will feature 14 golfers. Saturday morning will be a game of four-ball, followed by an afternoon game of alternate shot. On Sunday, the teams will compete in individual matches that will decide the championship.

“There is so much comfort in our own courses,” VCC pro Kent Smith said.

“They play theirs all the time and we play ours all the time. It’s easier in your own back yard.”

The Country Club lost two of its top players Barry Hassell and Paul Loyacono Jr. when they moved to Jackson last year.

Still, Smith said he is excited about his team.

“We still have a good, deep team,” Smith said.

The tournament, started in 1990, alternates between sites each year.

VCC is known for its grueling hills, smaller greens and tight fairways, while Clear Creek is known for a wider course.

The Country Club won the event for the first several years, but since 1994 the tournament trophy has shifted from Vicksburg to Bovina.

“We have to capitalize on every opportunity,” Tupper said.