A chance meeting during the recent Sir Garry Sobers Golf Championships has resulted in top junior player Iz Hustler receiving an invitation to the pro-am curtain-raiser to the BMW PGA Championships at the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.
The courtesy was extended by cricket icon Brian Lara.
“This will be an incredible opportunity for IZ to further develop his game. The exposure to such a high-profile tournament will provide him with a first-hand look at what it takes to become a professional golfer, which is his ultimate dream,” said Lara.
As the only junior contesting the men’s championship flight during the four-day Sir Garry Sobers Golf Championships, Hustler was twice paired with the former West Indies captain. Lara’s ensuing mentorship of the 14-year-old Combermere student resulted in the invitation to Surrey.
“I am very grateful for the chance to travel and play with Brian, and I realise that it comes with a lot of responsibility. Since we met at the tournament last week, he has been encouraging me, not just about golf, but about things like patience, composure and dedication to the game,” said Hustler.
Telecommunications provider LIME is facilitating Hustler’s participation as he caddies for Lara.
“I have represented Barbados at tournaments in Trinidad and Tobago, the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico, but this will be my first professional tournament,” said Hustler. “I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to taking it all in and returning with some new knowledge to share with the other junior players who represent Barbados.”
Patrick Hinkson, LIME’s chief financial officer, said the telecoms company was pleased to continue its support of young sportspersons.
“LIME prides itself on playing a central role in the development of our young, outstanding sportspersons. This is evidenced through the company’s continuing support of tennis player Darian King, surfer Chelsea Roett, race driver Dane Skeete, along with volleyball players Daran Gill and Sheldon Roach, all of whom are official LIME ambassadors. Congratulations to Iz, and we are sure he will benefit greatly from this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity,” he said.
The 2015 BMW PGA Championships will be contested between May 19 and 24. (PR)