Bajan golfers in World Amateur tourney

Fourteen-year-old Donald Leacock improvising a chip from the edge of the bunker. Charles Leacock and Alric Gaskin look on. (Picture by Clifton Henry)

By HALLAM HOPE | Thu, September 09, 2010 - 12:00 AM

BARBADOS’ tourism product as well as the sport of golf stands to get a shot in the arm from the island’s participation in next month’s World Amateur Team Championships (WATC) in Argentina.

Captain James Johnson said he was hoping this Sunday’s Scramble event at Royal Westmoreland would be fully subscribed and help significantly in raising the budget.

The Barbados Golf Association (BGA) has reminded golfers and their partners to sign up early for the event, which takes the form of a two-ball scramble.

Johnson said an approach was made to the Barbados Tourism Authority to assist in the team’s expenses for the October 16 to 31 world event.

He also lauded Royal Westmoreland for the support for the Caribbean Amateur Championships a few months ago, and the continuing support for local golf.

Sunday’s Scramble at Royal Westmoreland is regarded as a fun event but some golfers will make an extra effort to win.

Johnson, Marcus Clarke and Julian Jordan will represent Barbados at the championships.

The WATC is the highest amateur competition and will be a first for Barbados. This year, it is estimated to attract 120 teams – 70 men and 50 women – and a large global media attendance.