Top-quality names will help Jamaica Open

Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

Stephen Miller, LIME's regional branding manager, believes the ability of the Jamaica Open to attract top international golfers can only help the sport in Jamaica.

The LIME-sponsored Open, which gets under way today with an 18-hole Pro-Am tournament, has attracted Olin Browne, the 2011 Senior US Open champion; Russ Cochran, the 2011 British Open champion; as well as Jim Thorpe, a multiple Senior Tour champion.

The Jamaica Open officially begins at the Half Moon Golf Course tomorrow and will be played over 64 holes the following three days, ending on Saturday, December 3. It is the first time the Jamaica Open, since it began in 1953, is attracting this calibre of international players to vie for the Jamaica Open Trophy and US$85,000 in prize money.

Raise awareness

"Obviously, it elevates our association with the tournament, but it does even more for the sport. Hopefully, it will light a fire for the youngsters and raise awareness for the sport," he said to The Gleaner on the eve of the tournament.

"It also enhances Jamaica's reputation as the best golfing destination in the region," he added.

The Pro-Am today, which will be played over 18 holes, will see one professional playing alongside three amateur players. The professional from the winning group will snare US$1,200 in prize money, while the amateurs will win high-end phones, courtesy of the title sponsors.

"It's all about fun and a chance for people to network and vie for some top-end prizes," Miller said.

The day's activities will culminate with a cocktail reception that will serve as the official opening ceremony for the Open.

In addition to title sponsors LIME, the Jamaica Open is also sponsored by the Half Moon, RBC Royal Bank, Appleton Estate, Jamaica Tourist Board, and CB Foods.