Sandals US Travel Agents Golf Tourney tees off

OCHO RIOS:

More than 100 golfers will participate in the 14th annual United States Travel Agents Golf Tournament which tees off today at the Sandals Golf and Country Club, Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

The two-day event will comprise teams playing in a four-man scramble format, putting their skills to the test, competing in various competitions throughout the tournament.

Categories to be contested include: Overall Champions and Runners-up; Closest to Pin Female; Closest to Pin Male; Longest Drive Female; and Longest Drive Male.

Garth Laird, Sandals Resorts' director of travel industry programmes, was upbeat about the event, noting that this year promises to be the most exciting yet.

"All is in place for what promises to be a great event," Laird said. "The Travel Agent Golf Tournament is of great benefit to both Jamaica as a golfing destination and Sandals Resorts as it gives the travel partners a chance to experience the products first- hand, hence being better able to market the destination and facilities to their respective clients."

FIRST-TIMERS

Laird added that there were many of first-timers taking part in this year's event, which gives them a chance to experience the renovations done at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, the most complete destination in the Caribbean.

"Areas such as the Ochi Beach Club, Rabbit Hole Speakeasy, Le Gourmand and Vista Sky Restaurants have been the subject of much interest in the marketplace and will be on show during the event," Laird observed.

Laird said Sandals Golf and Country Club has a distinct advantage over most courses.

"Our caddies play an important role as they are very good golfers themselves. Wesley Brown, Dane Bailey and Gifford Wilmot, who have all represented Jamaica in the Hoerman Cup event, are part of our staff," he said.

Sponsors for the tournament include Logistics Outsourcing Inc, Appleton, Red Stripe and Coffee Traders. The awards presentation will take place tomorrow at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort.