Banks Classic is ideal preparation for Guyana Open – Sheilds

By Clifton Ross

Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) President Hilbert Shields said the Banks DIH/Citizen Bank Golf tourney is the ideal platform for local golfers to get themselves fully ready for the upcoming Guyana Open Tournament.
During an exclusive interview with Shields on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Course where a number of top golfers were in action for the one-day event, the veteran golfer told Guyana Times Sport that the competition was a great way for players to get themselves match-ready for the Cup which tees off from November 3 to 5.
“Like in every sport you can practice, but there’s nothing like match practice, you really test your mental by getting into a tournament format. It allows players to fine-tune their skills under match playing conditions, because you know how ready your game is when you play in a tournament” said the veteran golfer.

Regarding the turnout and support shown by not only the local golfers but those who flew in from other parts of the world, Shields commended the players for embracing the event and for making most of the groomed up fairways which he said will be further prepared up ahead of the cup.
“This is a phenomenal warm up for the Guyana Cup, the courses are in excellent shape and the course will be made more challenging as we progress into next week. The local golfers are trying to make sure the overseas guys don’t take their trophies, so were excited to be here and things have been progressing well”, He said.
“The open is where the best golfers in Guyana play and the best male golfer will win” declared Shields as he backed the fact that Guyana having both the Male and Female titles in their possession heading into the Cup, could see the titles held respectively by Joaan Deo and Avinash Persaud, staying within local grasps.
Apart from the action on the greens, the President thanked the government for works on ensuring the road leading to the course was in excellent shape as it will further encourage more visits to the LGC. He also confessed that with new initiative such as inviting schools to participate in a mini putt-off will also help to widen the spectrum of the sport in Guyana.
Action in this year’s Open Cup will tee off from Friday November 3rd and wil culminate at the Lusignan Course on Sunday November 5. The event is sponsored by Ganesh Parts and is endorsed by the Ministry of Social Cohesion.