Hoerman Cup starts today

THE Caribbean’s premier amateur golfing event is in Barbados this week.The cream of amateur golf in the region will be showcased at Royal Westmoreland between today and Saturday with competition in the Hoerman Cup for men, the women’s championship and Mid-Amateurs, Seniors and Super Seniors for men.Puerto Rico have been the dominant nation in recent years in the Hoerman Cup and much attention will be on the performance of their players.Barbados have chosen a strong team of experience and youthful talent and are optimistic about its chances, given some advantage in playing at home.The linchpin of the team is James Johnson, and an outstanding performance from him will give the host nation its best chance of repeating the win of 2004.Ricky Skeete and Robert Piggott are teaming up again to attempt to retain the Seniors championship which they have dominated in recent times. Orville Alleyne, a former Hoerman Cup player and national champion, is back to team up with Dawn Bispham in the Mid-Amateurs category.The nine teams and countries registered have arrived and have practised at Royal Westmoreland, home to one of the best golfing courses in the Caribbean. Royal Westmoreland brings a handful of challenges for familiar and unfamiliar golfers alike, and should be an excellent test of skill and mental fortitude.The Barbados Golf Association is hoping that these championships will be the most memorable ever, while tourism officials will be keenly watching the level of media publicity which Barbados will receive during a traditionally challenging Summer season. Several teams are expected to have a media following to report on their progress.