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Steamboat Springs — World Series-winning pitcher Tom Browning and former Chicago White Sox slugger Ron Kittle will test the fairways at Catamount Ranch & Club during this weekend's Celebrity Golf Classic, which benefits Tier 2 sports at Steamboat Springs High School.

Browning, who pitched a perfect game for the Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 16, 1988, will be among a group of former Major Leaguers taking part in the tournament at the invitation of Jim Bronner. Bronner is a semi-retired sports agent who serves as an assistant coach for the Sailor boys basketball team.

Bronner said golfers will be able to purchase mulligans that will allow them to hit second tee shots with a baseball bat. In the past, some players have actually reached the green using a bat, he said.

The celebrity golfers are being hosted by the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel, which donated the rooms. The players are a snapshot in a September tourism picture that is surpassing what Steamboat experienced a year ago.

The lodging barometer published by the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association anticipates 7,365 visitors will check in to area lodging properties Saturday night. That's more than double the number projected for the corresponding Saturday in 2006.

If last year's trend holds true, Steamboat could see substantial walk-up numbers this weekend. The 2006 lodging barometer projection of 3,550 visitors converted into 6,010 actual tourists.

Mountain hotels are showing the strongest occupancy rates Saturday night at 82 percent. Mountain condominiums, in contrast, are expected to be 26 percent full.

Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel Manager Mike Lomas said that in addition to the former Major Leaguers, his property would host a number of weddings and a BMW motorcycle group that has reserved 45 rooms.

Browning's career highlights include winning Game 3 of the 1990 World Series against the heavily favored Oakland A's. The Reds swept the Series.

Among the other former Major Leaguers slated to play in the golf tournament Saturday and Sunday is former Colorado Rockies pitcher Bryn Smith. He was the opening day pitcher in the Rockies' inaugural season.

Another former Rockies pitcher, Steve Reed, also is in the field. Lifetime .300 hitter Reggie Jefferson, Paul and Rick Reuschel and Kevin Tapani will take part, too.

Kittle's drives on par-fives such as the No. 2 at Catamount could be something to witness. He was best known for smacking seven line drive, rooftop home runs at the historic Comiskey Park.

- To reach Tom Ross, call 871-4205

or e-mail tross@steamboatpilot.com