Golfers from around the metro area are gearing up to compete in the once-a-year, two-day Men's Invitational tournament at Spring Valley Golf Club on Aug. 5-6.

"The Men's Invitational is the largest tournament we have all year, said Justin Cirbo, Spring Valley's head golf professional. "Some pretty competitive players come from as far away as Nebraska to compete."

The competition and the big prize purse can be part of the attraction, with the first place team in each flight winning as much as $1500. Second and third place teams can win up to $800 and $500, respectively, depending on the number of competitors entered.

Players can add even more to their winnings through such added features as skins games, horse races and the Calcutta that takes place on the Saturday night of the tournament, Cirbo said.

"It's very competitive," said Zach Luchs, a Castle Rock resident who won second place with his partner in his flight in 2005. "It really tests you and your partner a lot. And, there's a lot of money to be had."

Cary Fishman, a Parker resident who won his flight with his partner in 2004, agreed.

"It's just very different than most tournaments," he said. "They get a great turnout for it. Guys come from all over the city."

Both golfers also said they have fun when they compete in this event.

"It can be challenging, mentally and physically," Luchs said. "I really enjoy it,"

The 36-hole two man best ball tournament also features the Modified Stableford Scoring System - the same scoring that is used when the pros play at the International in Castle Pines each year.

Under that scoring system, one point is awarded for a par, three points for a birdie and five for an eagle, while points are taken away for bogeys, double bogeys and triple or higher bogeys. The end result is that the team with the most points wins its flight.

The entry fee to play in the tournament is $350 per team, which includes a buffet on Saturday night, a continental breakfast on Sunday, the prize purse and a gift at registration.

The deadline for teams to sign up is July 29. Players must have an active GHIN handicap to participate. For more information, call Spring Valley Golf Club at 303-646-4240. Spring Valley is located at 42350 County Road 17-21 east of Parker and north of Elizabeth.