The Brockton (Mass.) City Fourball tournament is one of the oldest of its kind in the country, annually attracting a loyal gathering for three days of golf on three different courses, all within city limits. But where eligibility in previous years was confined to being a current or former Brockton resident or a member of one of the city’s four courses (Thorny Lea, Brockton CC, D.W. Field and White Pines), this year’s tournament was expanded, to allow members of other clubs outside Brockton (LeBaron Hills CC in Lakeville, Segregansett CC in Taunton, and the Country Club of Halifax) to also participate, according to a report on www.wickedlocal.com.

“We’ve had the same menu for so long,” said Mike Lacey, President of the Brockton Golf Association and a member of Thorny Lea, in explaining the change. “As a committee, we just thought it was time to go in another direction to help to create more interest and competition in the seeded division [for low handicaps].

“The field division [for high handicaps] always averages around 50 teams,” Lacey added, “but the seeded division only had about 20 teams last year.

“We’re just trying to draw more attention to the seeded division,” Lacey said a week before the event. “This is not etched in stone for years to come. We felt comfortable adding these three clubs and we’re hoping it also brings out more spectators. I remember the days when several hundred people would come out to watch the final round.”

Lacey said he had mostly had positive feedback about the change, with only a few traditionalists voicing displeasure.