WESTERN BUREAU:
OVER 180 local and overseas golfers are slated to put their talent on the line in Montego Bay today when the two-day Pro-Am, the stellar attraction in the prestigious Celebrity Players Tour (CPT), unfolds on three separate golf course in the Rose Hall area of the city.
The event, which forms a part of the Jamaica Tourist Board's (JTB) plans to showcase Jamaica as the Caribbean premier golfing destination, started with a series of familiarisation exercise yesterday. The event, which is in its sixth year, is being staged outside of the United States for the first time.
"The CPT is excited about the possibilities that Montego Bay brings to our tour," said CPT president, Kurt Bevacqua, in expressing his enthusiasm over the decision to stage the tournament in western Jamaica. "With its superior golfing facilities, Jamaica was a natural choice for us."
The event, which will unfold on the city's leading championship courses - the Cinnamon Hill at Wyndham Rose Hall; the White Witch at the Ritz Carlton; and the Half Moon Course - is a joint venture between the JTB, CPT and the Jamaica Golf Association, which has fully endorsed the event.
In expressing his satisfaction that Jamaica will be hosting this prestigious tournament, Director of Tourism Paul Pennicook says the tournament, high-profile scorers, rules officials, scoreboards and hospitality tents, will undoubtedly assist in enhancing the island's visibility in the market place as a golfing destination.
"The Pro-Am should provide two days of exciting golf," said Mr. Bevacqua, who described the event as a make for television celebrity shoot-out. "It is the premier corporate hospitality golf tour in the world today as it offers an opportunity for client interaction with major sports and entertainment celebrities."
Among the overseas media expected to provide coverage of this event are The Washington Times, New England Journal of Golf, Southern California Golf Tips, Texas Golfer, Fairways and Caribbeangolf.com.
A.F.
