SANTA returns to Constant Spring Golf Club

SANTA, Jamaica's premier and largest amateur golf charity tournament, will again be held at the Constant Spring Golf Club for two days during the Christmas season. The junior segment opens on Saturday and the adult tournament on Sunday.

SANTA, which stands for 'Seeing A Need, Taking Action', has helped over 20 different charities since 2001 by contributing over $30 million in money, time, equipment and materials.

Just last year, $2.2 million was raised for needy charities, and in the Christmas spirit of giving, the organisers aim to raise $3 million this year.

Main beneficiaries for this year's 15th anniversary will be the Wortley Home, Boys' Town Infant & Primary School, Sickle Cell Foundation and Laws Street Trade Training Centre.

On Saturday, the juniors section will cater to all skill levels and allow a maximum participation of 50 golfers up to 17 years old. In addition to playing 18 holes, there will be Red Tees category, as well as 100, 150 and 200-yard categories.

Over the past year, Constant Spring Golf Club has been mentoring a group of youngsters through the CSJP (Citizens' Security & Justice Programme). A select group of these youths will participate as a team on the junior day. It is expected to be a creative and fun day with lots of kid-based prizes such as small electronic devices (tablets, etc.) and gift certificates to the golf shop and several others of interest to juniors.

Adult golfers

On Sunday, the adult section will open to all adult golfers with a Jamaica Golf Association registered handicap. Each adult player, up to a maximum of 144, will get to play a full round of 18 holes. In addition to the coveted Facey Cup, there are approximately 35 main prizes, including 55-inch LED televisions, as well as other electronics and gift baskets.

For the first time last year, SANTA extended the event over two days. It was a winning strategy that attracted a record number of golfers.

The event is presented for the third consecutive year by title sponsor the CB Facey Foundation, which is Pan-Jamaican Investment Trust's charity arm. The Gleaner, Heineken, Jamaica National, Jamaica Broilers Group, ICWI, Proven, CSJP, Hot Off the Press, Whistling Frog, BCIC, and JMMB return as sponsors, while RJR, JNBS, Supreme Ventures, Couples, Mary Brown's Corner Texaco, Pepsi, Guardsman, Microlabs Ltd, Scientific and Medical Supplies, among others, have added their support to SANTA.

A number of national players are expected to participate, including Sean Morris, Radcliff Knibbs and Peter Chin, president of JGA.

Registration is now open at Yes Golf Shop (924-5170) at Constant Spring Golf Club. Entry, inclusive of entertainment and food, is $12,000 for adults and $4,000-$7,000 for juniors.