GUYANA’S premier golf tournament, the Guyana Open, was given a boost today with the announcement of a $3M investment by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT).

Chief Operations Officer of Business Solutions in GTT, Orson Ferguson said that the investment is a reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to local sport.

“This specific game demonstrates a number of lessons like precision, practice and commitment, and focus even in tough conditions. GTT is pleased to make yet another investment in the sports sector and we look forward to a successful two-day tournament.”

A release from the company noted that GTT has made a number of investments in local sport.

PARTICIPATION
Up to yesterday afternoon, 26 golfers (both local and overseas players) had confirmed their participation for this year’s tournament, which is scheduled from October 30-31.

The club, which extended an invitation to golfers from Suriname, the Caribbean and North America, is hoping to attract approximately 70 golfers with a maximum number of 80.

Persons will have until Thursday, October 28 to register for the event.
On Friday, October 29, golfers will take part in a practice round, before the 36-hole competition begins on Saturday morning and concludes on Sunday afternoon.

The battle will include four categories in the male division, the 0-9 handicap, the 10-18 handicap, the 19-28 handicap and a Senior Division for 70-year plus players.

The female players will battle in a 0-36 handicap category.
Although there will be a number of competitions within the tournament, the main will be for the gross champion or best players (both male and female) over the two days.

In the female division, Christine Sukhram, if she plays, will look to defend her title, but the likes of former champions Joaan Deo and Shanella Webster could upstage her.

MALE BATTLE
Avinash Persaud is favourite to win his 11th title this year. Not only is the 30-year-old the best golfer in the country, but he has played quality golf in his last few rounds, including back-to-back below-par performances.

A few persons could surpass him, including the likes of former winner Avinda “Ganguly” Kishore. The younger brother of Persaud, won the title in 2013 as an 18-year-old. In that tournament, he was able to hold his nerve under the spotlight to produce a quality second-day performance.

To upstage Persaud again, Kishore would have to dig deep.

The entrance fee for the tournament is G$15,000 for members and G$20,000 for non-members.