by HALLAM HOPE

THE TWO-DAY RBTT CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT could well produce a new champion this weekend.

But this would not be unusual since the sponsor, RBTT Bank, has attracted large, competitive entries over the years and nobody has managed to score a repeat victory.

This is probably the most competitive event outside of the Beacon Barbados Insurance Open. It comes off Saturday and Sunday at Durants with between 80 and 90 golfers anticipated to enter in the various categories. Last year's winner, Simon Proverbs, the teenager who made his debut for Barbados in the Hoerman Cup competition this year, is reported to be overseas studying.

There is a lot to win and several categories in which to win. In addition to the men's championship flight where the players with handicaps of nine and under compete, there is the men's first flight, which is always very competitive, the Seniors event and the women's championship flight for ladies with handicaps of 12 or less.

But there is a lot at stake for the players with high handicaps where the format changes from strokeplay to Stabeleford, where handicaps can make a big difference in who wins.

In the men's category the handicaps are 19 and over while for the women it is 13 and over. So plenty of action is expected in this segment of the tournament as well.

Golfers have been reminded that Wednesday is the deadline for entries.

The Barbados Golf Association (BGA) will be hoping for fine weather over the weekend to end this year's calendar on an enjoyable note.