The absence of Decker — considered by most to be the premier amateur golfer in the state — may take some of the glitter from the 147-man field, but there are plenty of top-notch competitors dying to try on the green champion’s jacket just before dusk on Sunday.

Local golf notes

Little, who has dominated Central Virginia amateur golf for the past two years, will lead the field heading into today’s 54-hole annual Jefferson Cup Invitational at Birdwood Golf Club. It is one of only two local tournaments that Little hasn’t won.

Little is making the most of the opportunity to play so close to home, shooting a 5-under 66 in the second round of the Old Trail Invitational.

Could this be the year that another Central Virginia golfer breaks through? Possibly, as a strong contingent of local players have qualified and will compete in this week’s State Am at Kingsmill’s spectacular River Course in Williamsburg. The course has hosted the LPGA Tour’s Michelob Open the past six years and previously was a regular PGA Tour stop.

Little finished the day with a 1-under par 69. The Crozet resident who attends Radford finished 1-under for the tournament, edging David Passerell by a stroke. Scott Shingler finished third, two shots back of Little.