LIME tees up $4.3m for Jamaica Open

Full-service telecoms provider LIME has returned as title sponsor of the LIME Jamaica Golf Open tournament for the third consecutive year, with sponsorship valued at $4.3 million.

LIME's contribution was handed over during the tournament launch at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston yesterday.

The tournament will be played at the Half Moon Golf Club in Montego Bay, teeing off on November 30 with a pro-am tournament; and will run until December 3.

Edward Gabbidon, the telecommunications company's vice-president, corporate & SME sales, underscored their commitment to promoting local golf and exposing the sport, which is growing in popularity globally.

Golf growing fast

"Gone are the days when golf was a sport only for the elite, it is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and with the natural sporting ability of our people, given the right support, Jamaica can have a major impact on international golf, the same way we've made our mark in cricket, football, boxing, netball and, of course, track and field," he said.

"All of us at LIME certainly think that the LIME Jamaica Open will help to generate more local interest in golf and attract more players, fans and supporters to the sport, and we are thrilled to play a pivotal role in building a foundation for what we feel will become a much more popular sport in Jamaica," added Gabbidon.

President of the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA), Wayne Chai Chong, announced that the tournament's top draw will be 2011 US Open champion Olin Browne.

"The LIME Jamaica Golf Open has always attracted top calibre players, and this year is no exception, as the field will include Olin Browne, who is a three-time winner on the PGA Tour and one of only a handful of players to have won on the PGA, Nationwide and Champions Tours. He has eight career wins and is currently ranked in the top 10 on the Champions Tour money list, with lifetime earnings of more than US$10,000,000," Chai Chong said.

Top players to compete

Other top players scheduled to compete include last year's winner Ron Schroeder, many-time champion John Bloomfield, three-time PGA tour winner Donnie Hammond, and Michael Bennett, inventor of the 'Stack and Tilt' swing method.

Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, said the LIME Jamaica Open has served to put Jamaica on the map as an international golfing destination. The minister also used the occasion to signal to international golfing associations, players and enthusiasts that Jamaica is open for business for recreational and professional golf events.