Sandals US Travel Agents golf tourney tees off
OCHO RIOS, Jamaica — Approximately 100 golfers will participate in the 14th Annual United States Travel Agents Golf Tournament which tees off at the Sandals Golf and Country Club, Ocho Rios today.
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 male and female, and longest drive male and female.
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,” said Laird.
“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,” he added.
Laird further stated that there are a lot 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,” he revealed.
He also pointed to partnerships with local companies Red Stripe and Appleton which will showcase the collaboration with some of the country’s leading brands. Other sponsors of the tournament include Logistics Outsourcing Inc and Coffee Traders.
Laird reiterated 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.”
The players will also participate in resort tours, meals and cocktails at Beaches Ocho Rios Resort and Golf Club and Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios Jamaica throughout the event. The awards presentation will take place on Saturday at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort.
