Former Open champ Judd Cozier is set to lead a competitive top flight field, including defending champ Carson Leacock, when the second edition of the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) Golf Open tees off on Saturday at Rockley.
The tournament serves as a tribute to the historic first landing of an aircraft in Barbados in 1929 on the same Rockley fairways.
“This is quite significant for the airport and people need to know and understand the history behind aviation in Barbados,” said GAIA corporate communications specialist Keith Goddard.
He also revealed that two light model aircraft would be simulating take-offs and landings at 5 p.m. on the fifth fairway, where there is a commemorative plaque.
Leacock and Cozier will tee off against about 30 overseas-based golfers in the top flight. The tournament is also set to feature a division that will be open to players of all calibre, while three prizes will be up for grabs in each flight.
“The course is in really great condition despite all the dry weather we’re having and the greens are going to be very fast this year,” said Rockley golf director Mark Hasler at yesterday’s media launch at corporate partners Courtesy Garage. “The signup sheet for the golfers has been quite busy, though we still do have some room.”
So far 60 golfers have registered to play the one-round event, with another 25 slated to sign up over the next two days.
Proceeds will be donated to four primary schools while the competition is also expected to raise funds to purchase 280 wheelchairs for the Wheel Chair of Barbados organisation.
The tournament is slated to tee off at 6:30 a.m. (JM)
