All set for Tryall-CUMI Charity Golf tournament

Western Bureau:

Jamaica Golf Association president Jodi Munn-Barrow says all is in place for today’s inaugural staging of the Tryall-CUMI Charity Golf Tournament.

The tournament, to be hosted at the Tryall Golf Club in Hanover, replaces the annual 5K Walk/Run which was the main fund-raiser for the Committee for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill (CUMI). All proceeds will go towards the 30-year-old Montego Bay-based rehabilitation day centre for the mentally ill and homeless.

Over 50 participants have been confirmed for the tournament which will have a two-person per team scramble format. CUMI’s aim is to raise $2 million.

Munn-Barrow said playing in this tournament at what is probably the top golf course in Jamaica in Tryall is more than just for sport, as the cause is even greater.

“It’s the cause that it goes to. CUMI, as you know, reached far and wide in the Montego Bay community as a charitable organisation. So the fact that we have the opportunity to support such a great cause is absolutely fantastic,” said Munn-Barrow. She added that, with the COVID-19 and all the restrictions, golf is lucky to be an outdoor sport and one where people can easily socially distance.

ADHERING TO PROTOCOLS

“ There is also no sharing of golf clubs and things like that, so we can adhere to the COVID-19 protocols,” she noted. “I am looking to go out there, getting in the competition and having a great time. Any golfer that says that they are not looking to win it is lying. Whenever there is a hole-in-one prize, everyone is excited. Thanks to Stewart’s (Auto) for making that donation. We are definitely excited to play for that car, so, of course, I’m looking to win it ( hole-in-one).”

Stewart’s Automotive Group has donated the hole-in-one prize of a 2021 Suzuki Jimny which have all the participants in a frenzy. However, if there is no winner at the end of play, the car will be auctioned for participants only.

One of Jamaica’s top senior golfers, Sean Morris, said he is excited about playing in the tournament.

“I am excited to be a part of it. It’s always good to give back. I try to play as many charity golf tournaments as I can, and this is just a small token that we can do. JMMB has asked me to partner with them on their team and I immediately said yes. CUMI is one of the great causes which they support (JMMB),” said Morris who is even more excited about the hole-in-one.

“For sure I’m looking forward to that hole-in-one and the prize. Whenever we have these kinds of things everyone is perked up and going all-out to win such a prize in these charity events,” he added.

Debbie Newnham will be pairing with her brother Mark who will go head-to-head with Sean Morris, the golfer he partnered with last month to win the Jamaica Golf Association’s Four-Ball Trials at the Caymanas Golf Club. Debbie said the entire family is excited to not just play but to give back.

“We are extremely excited to play golf. We are a family of golfers, my father and brother played for Jamaica, as well as my nephew who is the youngest ever to play for Jamaica. On top of that, giving back to such a worthy cause is a big deal for us as well and, what a wonderful combination!” Debbie said.