ExxonMobil’s Phil Rietema retains title

…As NSCC/GGA historic National Long Drive Championships thrill crowd

For the first time since 1966, the unmistakable sound of a golf driver striking a ball echoed through the National Park on the afternoon of Saturday, March 29.
Under perfect conditions, with a strong Atlantic breeze providing an extra challenge, Guyana’s top golfers competed for the prestigious National Long Drive and Straight Drive Championship titles. The event carried an international flair, with corporate tents, sponsors’ feather flags, a giant replay screen, a luxury car display by ANSA Motors, and complimentary beverages and snacks being provided by Guyana Beverages and Sunshine Snacks.
Collaboratively hosted by the Guyana Golf Association, the National Sports Commission, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the event received copious support from several major sponsors, with prizes being generously contributed by Promotech, Pegasus Fusion Restaurant, and Arrowpoint Resort. And the championships lived up to expectations, especially in the highly-competitive Men’s Division.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, congratulating the winners and acknowledging the players who had travelled from Regions 2, 3, 5, 6 and 10 to participate, said, “The Government of Guyana is placing renewed emphasis on developing non-traditional sports, and we are delighted to see golf growing in popularity. With Essequibo claiming three titles and Berbice securing four, it is clear that golf is now a truly national sport.”
The Men’s Division saw ExxonMobil’s John Colling leading with an impressive 294-yard-long drive, while Roy Cummings set the straight drive benchmark at 268 yards. Competitors such as Dustin Spivey (256 yards), Rakesh Harry (292 yards), Videsh Persaud (272 yards) and Munaf Arjune (289 yards) fought hard to challenge the leaders, but it was ‘Big’ Richard Hanif who surged ahead with a 304-yard drive.
The excitement peaked when 13-time Guyana Open Champion Avinash Persaud stepped up and electrified the crowd with two massive shots, reaching 318 yards and seemingly being poised to claim the title.
When defending champion Phil Rietema took his turn, his first drive reached 297 yards, but he adjusted his approach and delivered a staggering 328-yard shot, by which he reclaimed his lead.

Persaud’s final effort fell just one yard short, at 327 yards, and Rietema was able to secure his second consecutive National Long Drive Championship title.
Aleem Hussain, President of the Guyana Golf Association, in praising the increasing participation of young players and women, said, “Thanks to the immense support from the Ministry of Sport, the National Sports Commission, and our corporate sponsors, we were able to provide free access to this event, making it even more rewarding. We anticipate that the 2026 National Championship will be even bigger and better.”
Hussain has extended heartfelt gratitude to key organizers and partners, including Parmanand Persaud, Mark Lewis, Walter Rodney of the National Park (PAC), and his dedicated team — Watson Stafford, Bala Vinjimoor, Philip Haynes, Sammy, Dustin, and Steve Mohitram — for the tireless effort they expended to make the event a success.
Special thanks have also been given to Star Party Rentals, Guyana TV Network, Caliper Drones, Al Wilson Photography, Travelers Sound System, and Playerz Sound System for the essential roles they each played in causing the event to be held flawlessly.

Final Scores
Under-13 Category, Boys: Arif Singh (Essequibo); Girls: Adina Arjune (Diamond)
Under-17 Category, Boys: Longest Drive: Kelvin Layre (Essequibo); Straightest Drive: Jevon Cognet (Berbice). Girls Longest Drive: Chanda John (Berbice); Straightest Drive: Naomi Gibson (Berbice)
Women’s Open: Longest Drive Cassandra Phillips (Essequibo), 2nd Mikaila Prince (Georgetown); Straightest Drive: Azumi Reece (Berbice).
Men’s Open: Longest Drive: Phil Rietema; Straightest Drive: Avinash Persaud
Organizers are extending their gratitude to the Ministry of Sport; the National Sports Commission; Guyana Tourism Authority; Pegasus Hotel, Suites & Corporate Center; ANSA Motors; Guyana Beverages Inc; Toolsie Persaud Ltd; Promotech Guyana; Roraima Airways; Darthan Investments; the Protected Areas Commission; Sunshine Snacks; Guyana Payroll Solutions Inc; Shangri-La Gardens; Puran Bros; Sterling Products Ltd; Ramchand’s Auto Parts; Digicel Business; Balance Waitstaff; Monnaf Arjune Construction; WS Cooling Solutions; Quality Print Services; Trophy Stall; SuperBet; Praetorian Security Services; Madewini Gardens, Pools & Eco Resort; Nexgen Golf Academy; Guyana Breweries Inc; and Westside Golf Course.