With an anticipated five-year sponsorship deal, golfers turned out in large numbers for the prestigious Citizens Bank-sponsored Players Championship tournament on Sunday.
And, at the end of an enthralling day the ever-consistent Mohanlall “Santo” Dinanauth secured the first lien on the Championship Trophy.
Dinanauth was in fine form once again recording a net 67 from a gross 72 playing off a five handicap on his march to victory against a field of over 45 golfers.
He also copped the best gross prize in a stunning display and will have the privilege of having his name inscribed on the Players Championship honours board erected in the Club House.
Teenage golf sensation Avinda Kishore claimed the second position on a countback from the impressive William Walker as the two golfers continued to show their prowess ahead of the Guyana Open championships next month.
Kishore had a net 68 from a gross 79 playing off an 11 handicap while Walker also recorded a gross 68 from a gross 75 playing off a handicap of seven. However, Kishore returned a better score on the back nine.
Reigning Guyana Open champion Christine Sukhram carted off the ladies title with a net 77 from a gross 86 playing off a nine handicap.
Citizens Bank Managing Director, Eton Chester, said that the Players Championship will run for an initial five years.
According to Chester, plans are afoot to invite players from the Caribbean to compete next year.
“The Players Championships will run for five years and we want it to be the best championship so we will be inviting players from the Caribbean to participate next year,” he said.
The bank presented a cheque for $20,000 to support a golf academy for persons who are interested in learning the game. The LGC also received a cheque for $50,000 from the bank.
LGC Secretary Walker said the Players Championship was a premium event and he thanked Citizens Bank for partnering with the club.
Also present at the presentation ceremony were Citizens Bank Chairman, Clifford Reis, Director Dunstan Barrow, Banks DIH Human Resources Director, Andrew Carto and the bank’s Assistant Manager of Corporate and Commercial Credit, Philip Jaiserrisingh.
