The 50th annual Bend Ladies Invitational golf tournament begins today with a practice round at Bend Country Golf and Country Club.

The tournament is the longest-running women’s event in Central Oregon, and it is one of the few stroke-play events for women in the Pacific Northwest.

The tournament begins Saturday with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun. The second and final round gets underway at 9 a.m. Sunday, again with a shotgun start.

About 100 women are expected to compete in four flights; handicaps range from 0 to 32.

Competitors from five states are represented and four recent winners are in the field. Last year’s champion, Awbrey Glen’s Rosie Cook, Eugene’s Leilani Norman (2013) and Bend G&CC members Amy Anderson (2011) and Nettie Morrison (2008) are expected to compete.

Spectators are welcome free of charge; proper golf attire is required. A dinner celebrating the tourney’s 50th year will be held tonight for tournament participants. Call the pro shop for more information at 541-382-3861.

— Bulletin staff report