FORMER Guyana Open champ, Mike Mangal, stormed a field of talented players to emerge victorious when  the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) held its ‘Shoot for Cash’ event in support of Cancer Awareness Month, with proceeds going towards the fight against the disease.

Played under strict Covid guidelines, the event was coordinated by Al Junior Wilson, Sean Barrington, Lynette and Michelle Codrington and Philip Haynes.

Sunday’s e excitement was visible and tension thick as player after player focused on the challenge at hand– to hit 10 balls into a bullseye just 100 yards away with a chance to win $50,000 in cash!

But, despite the handicap of having to hit from a longer distance than the women and beginners, it was the veteran Mangal who carted off the grand prize.

In the men’s Professional division, Mangal fought off the tough challenge from his son, Rohan Albert, who came out on his birthday to support the event, and narrowly bested Top position finisher, Satrohan Robin Tiwari and past LGC president, Aasroodeen Shaw, who came in second.

Samuel Carter, recently back from the UK, travelled twice all the way from Land of Canaan to qualify and compete in the men’s Amateur division, his effort being rewarded as he took first place honors away from newcomer to the sport, Ryan Gonsalves.

But the women’s Division, with more than 15 women competing, saw the biggest upsets with two newcomers to the sport, Leota King running away with first,and Shez Andrews taking second place.

President of the GGA and Nexgen Golf Academy & Driving Range, Aleem Hussain, thanked the local fraternity for their support of the event.

“Golfers in Guyana have been active in supporting charities but especially Cancer Awareness for many years. Having experienced personal loss to cancer, our family of golfers are dedicated to helping as much as possible as was evident by the support by Banks DIH and Citizens Bank last year.”

He thanked the corporate sponsors for this year’s event that included Ramesh Sunich, Trophy Stall; Yogendra Arjune, Assuria General Insurance;  Karan Mehra, Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon; Sammy Arjune, Guyana Beverages; Paul Jiwanran, AR Printery; and Rudy Ramalingum of CIMGRO Maraiko Bay Golf Resort.

Hussain said he was especially grateful to see event attended by experienced players from the LGC including past president, Brian Hackett, Rakesh Harry, Mahindra Harry, Romel Bhagwandin, Ajay, Ian Gouveia, Adrian Barrow, as well as newcomers, Linden Pickett,  Michelle Codrington, Ashley Chu, and Ms. Carter amongst the many who came out in support.

 “With hundreds of golf clubs and balls now available, we expect to begin opening the sport region by region in the hopes of bringing Golf to the people in a manner that was never done before. Our goal is to have more than 2,000 new players by the end of 2021, and we will make it happen, ” ended Hussain.