Barbados’ No. 1 golfer, James Johnson, will be putting his United Insurance/Digicel Rockley Open title on the line when that well- subscribed tournament tees off this weeekend at the Christ Church course.
Significantly, Johnson, who has been on fire on almost every golf course in Barbados, will be in a head-on battle with six-time champion Judd Cozier.
Last year, Johnson ended Cozier’s run with a thrilling tussle on the final day to decide the title.
Helen Foster is also expected to be defending her crown, with Rockley Golf Club captain Clarence Hiles indicating that they were looking for a maximum subscription of close to 100 participants.
“Outside the top players, there will be separate flights to accommodate the medium and high handicap competitors and with a strong presence of Rockley ‘snow birds’ – members from overseas – these sections are sure to be ultra-competitive,” Hiles said.
The club captain also expressed appreciation to sponsors United Insurance and Digicel with United giving support for the sixth year in succession.
“At United, we’ve always recognized the positive impact sports has on people’s lives and that is why we’re happy to support sport in Barbados and indeed around the region,” said United’s Sharron Alleyne-Elcock.
“With this event the impact is two-fold where local golfers and golf in Barbados benefit from the Open and, with most of the overseas participants planning their visits to Barbados around this event, we know it’s contributing positively to sports tourism.”
Tee-off time on both days will be at 6:20 a.m., the award presentation taking place on Sunday at 6 p.m. at Rockley. (KB)