Some of the top golfers in the country will tee off at the Bahamas Masters set for March 19-20 at the Ruby Golf Course in Freeport, Grand Bahama. (Photo: File)
The stroke play event, the first of the new administration of the Bahamas Golf Federation (BGF), is set for this coming weekend, March 19-20, at the Ruby Golf Course, in Freeport, Grand Bahama. It will have a 10 a.m. shot gun start each day, and is open to men and ladies of all ages.
A number of top golfers in the country are expected to take part, and with that, BGF executive Sam Gardiner said that it is expected to set the tone for the remainder of the season.
"This particular tournament, that used to be very popular, was modeled after the PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) Masters in the United States. There was even a blue jacket at one point. This new administration of the BGF has decided that we want to bring this tournament back," said Gardiner. "This is the first major tourney for the BGF for the year, and we want to start things off right. Hopefully, it could set the tone for the others. We're very excited to be staging this tournament," he added.
Prizes will be given out for first and second low gross; first, second and third low net; closest to the pin for men and women; and the longest drive for men and women. The entrance fee is $150 per members, and $225 for non BGF members. Gardiner expects at least 100 golfers to sign up to take part in the tournament.
"What we're really trying to do is to use this tournament as a yard stick for upcoming tournaments," he said. "The iconic Ruby Course is a good draw for us. It has a history for hosting famous tournaments. It's a very challenging course, but it could be very rewarding."
Gardiner said that there are special flight and hotel packages available for golfers coming out of New Providence, or anywhere else around the country. He's expecting a number of the top golfers in the country to sign up, and get in some early competition before the nationals in June. This year, the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships will be held in The Bahamas, and Gardiner is anticipating that a number of the top Bahamian golfers will be trying to make that team in hopes of representing The Bahamas here at home. The 60th Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships is set for July 24-31 here in The Bahamas, but a host course is yet to be decided.
"This is going to be a big year for the federation, and for Bahamian golfers," said Gardiner. "Some of the old guys are going to be here, but there is also a decent group of young guys coming up such as Benjamin Davis and Devaughn Robinson. They are expected to play well, and I'm sure they'll give the veterans a run for their money. At some point, we want to take tournaments to Abaco, Exuma and the other islands with golf courses. We on the move," he added.
Interested persons are asked to contact former pro Emalcus Hield, who manages the Ruby Golf Course, at telephone number 577-4118 or e-mail address marley@rubygolfcoursebahamas.com, BGF President Glen Archer at e-mail address garcher.bgf@gmail.com, or BGF executive Georgette Rolle at telephone number 427-4653 or e-mail address grolle.bgf@gmail.com.
The two day event is being sponsored by SkyBahamas Airlines, Castaways Resorts and Suites and the Ruby Golf Course.
Sheldon Longley
Guardian Sports Editor
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