– Doreen De Caires only female golfer in squad
A small but strong contingent of local golfers will fly to Suriname tomorrow to take part in the annual RBTT Open, Suriname’s biggest tournament of the year. The two-day event at the immaculately kept course, only minutes from downtown Paramaribo, will be a major test with the fast greens and several treacherous par three holes.
Starting from the lowest handicaps, Mikey Mangal (7) is probably the most consistent player at Lusignan with a solid short game and a putter that can catch afire and refuse to cool down.
Can he adjust to a course where he is not setting the pin placements?
William Walker (7) is on top form with two recent victories thanks to some impeccable driving and focused putting. He will revisit the site of his previous victory when he was a 17 handicap, now looking to mix it up in the 1 to 15 handicap group.
Suriname veteran and club captain Patrick Prashad (8) will bring the same competitive spirit that makes him the man to beat on any given day. With an all round solid game and an ability to play out of the toughest situations, he will be looking for some silverware to add to his groaning trophy cabinet.
John Tracey (11) is returning to the links after a couple of years absence. However, judging by the smooth swings observed in practice this week, he looks like he will groove back into the game very quickly. Mike Gayadin (13) is showing signs of great form with his bullet like drives landing square on the fairways. If he can warm up his putter, the championship is well within his grasp. The big hitting Brian Glasford (13) will be swinging for the fences in Suriname; and with that length and the shorter course he could be looking at some major low scores as long as he remains consistent over the two days. Doreen de Caires (29) is the lone female entrant for Guyana. A veteran of Lusignan and always a tough competitor she is viewed with much affection by members and caddies alike and will certainly keep the team in good humour over the weekend. Weight issues for the airplane have been much on the golfers’ minds as they pack their clubs for departure tomorrow morning.
Moreover, if everything goes to plan the hefty silverware might be a concern for the airline on the return trip. Whatever the outcome, the team is sure to enjoy the gracious hospitality of their Surinamese counterparts and an interesting and testing weekend of golf.
