OCHO RIOS, Jamaica — Some 120 golfers will participate in the 13th 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 are Overall Champions and Runners-Up; Closest to Pin Female; Closest to Pin Male; Longest Drive Female; Longest Drive Male.

Garth Laird, Sandals Resorts International’s 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 and hence being better able to market the destination and facilities to their respective clients.”

Laird added thattravel partners will also get a chance to experience the new renovations done at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, the most complete destination in the Caribbean.

“Areas such as the new 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.

He said that as a venue the 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,” noted Laird, boasting of the rich history and legacy of Sandals’ golf.

Sponsors for the tournament include Travel Weekly from the USA, American Airlines, Island Routes Wata and Logistics Outsourcing Inc.

The players will also participate in resort tours, meals and cocktails at Beaches Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club and Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, throughout the event.

The awards presentation will take place tomorrow at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort.