The two-course Albert Lea Invitational is returning for a second season.

The top high school boys’ golfers in the state from 20 teams will compete Friday and Saturday for medals and trophies in what has become one of the largest prep golf tournaments in Minnesota.

The Albert Lea Invitational began in May 2010 after Tigers boys’ golf coach Riley Worth decided he wanted to do something special for a unique group of seniors who eventually won a Big Nine Conference championship. After two years of planning, Worth brought in 16 teams from the Twin Cities metro area and outstate Minnesota in what he hoped simulated the state tournament. On Friday they played at Green Lea Golf Course and Saturday at Wedgewood Cove Golf and Country Club. Worth said the feedback was great.

“They loved the two courses,” Worth said, of visiting teams. “It was interesting because they have access to the best courses in the state.”

At last year’s tournament, the Tigers were leading the field after Day 1 at Green Lea and eventually finished third. This year will present new challenges as the field has grown, and the Tigers have a much younger team.

Eight of the top 20 ranked teams in the state, according to the Minnesota Golf Association, will be teeing off at the Albert Lea Invitational on Friday, including Orono — the three-time state defending champions. Other top-ranked teams participating in the Albert Lea invitational are No. 2 Wayzata, No. 3 Rogers, No. 9 Rochester Lourdes, No. 11 Anoka, No. 17 Roseville, No. 18 Chanhassen and No. 20 Mankato West.

The tournament begins at 2 p.m. Friday at Green Lea Golf Course and 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Wedgewood Cove Golf and Country Club. There will also be longest drive, longest putt and closet to the pin challenges on Saturday.

Look to the Tribune for more coverage of the Albert Lea Invitational later this week.