The Barbados Golf Association (BGA) is hoping to raise the standard of local amateur golfers by extending future tournaments to three days.
During a media conference to launch the RBC Royal Bank Barbados 13th Classic Golf Tournament at the Barbados Golf Club yesterday, BGA president Trevor Tasker explained that the extension was critical in their development.
“One of my main objectives for this tournament is to push it to a three-day tournament. The reason for a three-day golf tournament is that you get awarded world ranking points when it is three days or more.
“We need to fall in line and I think globally the structure is going to be changed in that most local amateur golfers, in order to keep competing at the highest level, must attain world amateur golf points and status,” he said.
Tasker said this year’s tournament, which is expected to be staged from November 25 and 26 at the Barbados Golf Club as part of this year’s Barbados Olympic Association’s Barbados Independence Invitational Games, will see competitors from Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and the United Kingdom.
“This year the interest in the tournament has broadened since we have entries from Canada, the UK and Trinidad and Tobago competing in several different flights.
“The UK contingent is expected to be better than last year. Last year we had about five players; this year we are hoping to get double digits.”
Tasker also explained that in previous years there would have been up to 136 competitors but they decided to limit this year’s participants to 120.
The president said that the association came to this decision to ensure the course was manageable and the participants did not have to rush.
Last year’s champion Carson Leacock is expected to defend his crown but he will have to hold off some of the top local golfers such as Simon Proverbs, Julian Jordan, Don Bispham and a past champion Steven Layne, who is returning from Canada to compete.
Junior golfers Iz Hustler and Xavier Wiggins, who recently competed at the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships, will also be in the line-up.
Strong performances are also anticipated from the females and seniors. For the female competition, top local juniors Emily Odwin and Alyssa Innis-Gittens will be out front in the ladies though registration has not yet closed.
The senior category, which is always keen, will see competitors like Michael Haynes, Bill Weir and Robert Piggot.
Tournament director for the Barbados Golf Club Michael Jackman said they have been upgrading the greens to ensure that golfers have a premium experience.
RBC Royal Bank managing director Robert de Silva said that the bank recognised role they play as a title sponsor for the 13th consecutive year and will continue to support the sport while paying special attention to the youth. (RG)