Digicel's chief executive officer, Seamus Lynch (right), gets golfing lessons from top Jamaican player Delroy Cambridge at Emancipation Park, New Kingston, yesterday. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer INTERNATIONAL GOLF of the highest level will return to Jamaica next month.
Yesterday Digicel Jamaica announced its sponsorship of the Digicel Jamaica Golf Classic set for the Half Moon Bay Resort in Montego Bay from March 19-23.
The Classic, a segment of the European Seniors Tour, will be the highlight of a new Caribbean circuit which includes the Royal Westmoreland Barbados Open, March 27-29 and the Tobago Plantations Seniors Classic, April 3-5.
In announcing his company's support of the event yesterday, Seamus Lynch, chief executive officer of the mobile phone company, said the impact of golfing events of this magnitude on the local tourism product and by extension the economies of countries like Jamaica could not be overlooked.
"We are truly excited to bring this level of international golf back to Jamaica's shores through the European Seniors Tour, one of the most prestigious and recognised events on the international golfing calendar. We are also pleased that Sony Ericsson has jumped in as a sponsor of this event," Lynch said. The tournament will help to showcase Jamaica's tourism as it will be shown to millions of viewers on Europe's Sky Television and the American Golf Channel.
The Jamaica leg is a 54-hole event which carries a US$1 million purse (J$52m approx.), the largest of all the Caribbean tournaments. Professionals will also have a chance to win a Chevrolet Avalanche if they hit a hole-in-one. The vehicle will be on display during the event.
Jamaican golfer Delroy Cambridge, a top name on the European senior scene following wins in two major tournaments last year, is among the invitees.
"I am truly looking forward to it, there is nothing like playing at home," Cambridge said yesterday at the launch held at Emancipation Park in New Kingston.
Cambridge will be among the tutors at special clinics for local junior golfers to be conducted by the tour players.
Also at yesterday's function were Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Industry, Wykeham McNeil; James Finnigan, tour administrator, David Brooks, director, International Sports Management and Myrtle Dwyer, director of Sales, Half Moon Bay Resort.
