By Tym Glaser, Associate Editor - SportDELROY CAMBRIDGE and Seymour Rose will again spearhead the Jamaican charge when the second Digicel Jamaica Classic tournament tees off at the Half Moon course near Montego Bay next Wednesday.
The European Seniors Tour event boasts prize money of US$250,000 and some of the top names on that circuit including England's Carl Mason, Scot Bill Longmuir and Australian Terry Gale.
Also included in the strong field are defending champion Ray Carrasco of the United States, last year's runner-up, Spaniard Miguel Pinero, and third-place finisher Guillermo Encina of Chile.
However, local interest will focus on Cambridge - a top performer on the European Seniors Tour - and the evergreen Rose from Runaway Bay who again received a sponsors' invitation.
At last year's inaugural Classic Cambridge finished tied for 11th while Rose completed his three rounds tied for 53rd but welcomed the chance to play against some of the world's top Senior players.
At the tournament launch at Constant Spring Golf Club on Wednesday, Minister of Industry and Tourism Aloun N'dombet-Assamba praised Digicel for continuing its sponsorship of the Classic and said it was a sign of bigger and better things to come in the marketing of the island as a golf tourism destination.
"Last year provided ample proof that Jamaica is truly a golfer's paradise," N'dombet-Assamba said of the first Classic.
"Indeed, it comes as no surprise that Half Moon recently won the Meetings and Conventions magazine's '2004 Gold Tee Award' as one of the world's best golf and meeting properties," she said.
"We are intent on improving our reputation as a leading golf destination. Three new signature golf courses are slated for the north coast in the Harmony Cove development that will offer an unparalleled vacation experience and bring to 14 the number of world-class courses which grace our beautiful island.
PROMOTIONS
"Golf has been chosen as a major activity attraction in our Product Enhancement Programme and will also receive targeted marketing support in overseas promotions," the minister said.
Digicel Jamaica's chief executive officer, David Hall, said his company was "delighted" to continue its sponsorship of the Classic.
"Digicel's sponsorship, which converts to J$15 million, is our vote of confidence in this country as one of the world's premier golfing destinations. Live television coverage will showcase Jamaica's natural beauty and immaculate course at Half Moon, beckoning golf enthusiasts the world over," Hall said.
The event begins on Wednesday and Thursday with two Pro-Ams and is followed by the 54-hole Classic from Friday through to Sunday.
Sponsors of the event also include Sony Ericsson, Facey Commodity, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Air Jamaica, Real Rock Beer, Catherine's Peak, Budget, Half Moon Hotel and the Jamaica Golf Association.
