THE annual Sir Garfield Sobers Golf Championships are getting bigger and better.
The tenth edition of the championships, which will be played from April 28 to May 1, is expected to attract close to 300 competitors, including more than 230 from overseas.
Additionally, the event has matured into a 72-hole competition with the inclusion of Apes Hill Club as a host venue and it is now regarded as the premier amateur golf championship in the Caribbean.
Details of the event were unveiled on Thursday at a media briefing at Royal Westmoreland where Sir Garry himself spoke highly of the event.
“This tournament is the greatest tournament of its kind not only in the Caribbean, but also in the world,” he said.
“This is because most tournaments are played in a 36-hole format, while this is played in 72 holes on four courses. I would like to say many thanks to the owners of the four courses for facilitating the championship tournament, and I’m very grateful to them and our sponsors.”
This year’s event includes James Johnson, the current Caribbean Amateur champion.
Alex Sandeman is also defending his championship this year against ten other professionals.
Women’s champion Mary Ince is on holiday from university and will also defend her title. She will be joined by 15-year-old Serena Smith and former women’s champion Lynn deCambra-McCleod.
Overall net winner Barry O’Brian is back to see if he can repeat his good form.
Michael Comissiong, who defeated Ricky Skeete last year to take the seniors title, will tee up against 59 other seniors.
Richie Alleyne will have his work cut out for him in the super seniors where he defends his title against 47 other entrants.
Barbadian Freddie Jackson is defending his title in the first flight.
This championships will also have the presence of former West Indies cricket captain Brian Lara and former Trinidad and Tobago football captain Dwight Yorke. (HG/PR)
