2010 Digicel Golf Classic starts today

Telecommunications giant, Digicel, in collaboration with the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) on Wednesday launched the 2010 Digicel Golf Classic which will be held today at the Lusignan Golf Course, East Coast Demerara.

An annual event, this year sponsorship by Digicel will amount to $1.4 million in trophies and prizes, and the cheque for these were handed over Wednesday during a press conference held at the company’s boardroom, Kingston.

At the conference Digicel’s Public Relations Officer, Shonnette Moore, noted that, as always, the company was very happy to sponsor the development of sports in Guyana. Moore pointed out that Digicel was always eager to give back to the community, and would continue to give sponsorship support whether the sport was small or not because in the end it will help in the development process. The cheque was handed over to Treasurer of the LGC, Brian Hackett, while Captain Patrick Prashad expressed appreciation to Digicel for their support towards making the event possible.

Digicel’s Shonett Moore, left, and Lusignan Golf Club’s Brian Hackett, display the sponsorship cheque. At right is Patrick Prashad.

Prashad said that the tournament will feature a medal play so that each player will have a handicap and nobody will be starting on an advantage. However, with time constraints owing to the large number of entries, the tournament will begin at 8:00am today and tomorrow.

Prizes will be up for grabs for the individual winner on each day as well as for an overall winner of the tournament. A prize will also be given to the player with the longest drive.

Prashad also pointed out that defending male and female champions, Vijay Deo and Kristine Sookram will be taking part in the tournament and this is sure to bring some fierce competition to the field. However, he noted that due to the small number of female entrants there will not be a specific ladies category.

Meanwhile, Prashad disclosed that  players from Canada and the United States  as well as a few French Guiana players are expected to take part in the tournament.