The current inclement weather could play a major role in the outcome of the R1 Vodka sponsored Guyana Open Golf championships which tee off this morning at Lusignan Golf course, East Coast Demerara.
Officials of the Lusignan Golf club have been finalizing preparation with one eye on the weather after rain drenched the course over the past three days, and weather forecast predict more rain over the next few days.
Club Captain Patrick Prashad said they organizers are aware of the current weather pattern and are putting systems in place to ensure that at least 18 holes are completed to determine a winner.
Two years ago it rained heavily on the opening day but the event was completed in brilliant sunshine.
The two-day tournament will tee off this morning with 74 golfers registered, a record number of entries for the prestigious event which has attracted golfers from the United States, Canada, European Union and neighbouring Suriname.
Avinash Persaud and Christine Sukhram the 2009 men’s and ladies champions will be hard pressed to retain their titles following the impressive showing of both local and foreign players in recent tournaments.
Persaud could face stiff competition from his younger sibling Avinda Kishore, runner up at the 2010 Suriname Open, former champions Imran Khan, Mike Mangal, Mohanlall Dinanauth, Alfred Mentore and Jaipaul Suknanan of Canada who are all fired up to stake claim to the crystal trophy up for grabs.
Sukhram, on the other hand will be up against the battle-ready Rita Heikens, Joaan Deo and Surinamese Grace Motjee and Lilian Hermelijn.
The United States team will feature Mo Shafi, Fazil Safi, Salim Rasheed, Alim Badrudeen and Mark Wosley, while Canada team will include Roger Rajkumar, Seepaul Suknanan, Andrew Claxton, Rajiv Misir, Ramesh Amrud, Gord Ramkissoon, David Persaud and Seepaul Persaud.
The neighbouring Suriname side will also include Marcel Chehin, George Brahim, Allan Beeldsnijder, Vijay Jaikaran, Freddy Linge, Perry Oemrawsingh, Roy Kaliar and Roel Motjee.
The men will compete in the following handicap flight 0-9, 10-18, 19-28 while the ladies will battle in the 0-36 handicap flight.
The players were expected to attend a tournament briefing and cocktail last evening.
The tournament is sponsored exclusively by beverage giants Banks DIH and plans are in place to entertain children attending the event, the company’s Sales and Marketing Executive Carlton Joao said.
He said there will be trampolines and other attractions for the children and he has urged parents and the general public to attend the tournament.
Tee off on both days is 06:30 hours.
