LOCAL GOLF / GAVIN KEEFE

"I looked at him and said, 'I've got it.' He just started giggling."

Svab plans to keep Doerr updated about the tournament over the course of the weekend. Doerr will be in everyone's thoughts and prayers.

Like on Broadway, the show must go on.

"Something like that always distracts from what you're doing," Svab said. "I think everybody here is professional enough that we're going to figure it out. Everyone just does a little bit more and chips in. Everything will go off as planned. We'll miss Jeff all weekend."

The 92nd Norwich Invitational, the second oldest amateur tournament in the state, begins on Friday with qualifying-round action and culminates with Sunday afternoon's championship round.

One hundred and forty-three golfers, including defending champion Josh Cameron of Uncasville, will be in the field.

"We've got a good turnout and a strong field," Svab said.

Cameron beat former Killingly High School all-state standout Drew Aitken, 4 and 3, last year to become the first Norwich Golf Course