The GTT Guyana Open golf tournament is scheduled to commence today at 06:00am and conclude tomorrow, and some of Guyana’s top golfers will compete in two days of hectic action.
Some 76 golfers, which include 7 females, are set to participate in the tournament. They hail from countries such as Colombia, Canada, USA, England, Barbados, Suriname, and Guyana as well.
The LGC ground is in pristine condition for the two days of action
What to expect
President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Patanjilee Persaud, in a recent interview with this publication, noted that, over the past six weeks, there has been brilliant sunshine. He relayed that if the weather remains dry, the game is likely to be played with some advantages, as the dryness would aid in driving.
However, he has said that if the rain falls, it would affect the game, as the golfers would have to recalibrate their strategies.
In the case of rain, Persaud said, “The difficulty will be at a far greater level. Golf is an exact and finite sport; it is a very detailed sport, it leaves no room for error, so we expect persons to be at their “A” game. I personally expect the regular score to win the tournament will be a lot lower than in previous years, if the weather has its way. Golfers will now have to put a lot more shoulder into their drives, and they will have to be exact when chipping on the green.”
Further, he related that even the champions cannot afford to make a mistake, but he is of the opinion that that would put some spice into the tournament when the golfers hit the course.
He opined that sunshine would be beneficial to many, as many have seen in the past what it is like to play at the LGC under beautiful sunshine. The firm, dry conditions would make it easier for players to spin the golf ball with a well-struck shot from short grass.
Conversely, when putting greens are soft, they hinder almost any shot, no matter how well it was struck.
However, he thinks that whatever the outcome of the weather, the players will be up and ready for the challenge.
Basic tournament information
Julia Stephenson from Barbados, the tournament’s reigning female champion, will be back to defend her title against Guyana’s 9-time Open champion Christine Sukhram, two-time winner Joaan Deo, and the ever-competitive Shanella London.
For the men, 10-time champion Avinash Persaud will be looking to hold the fort and reclaim his title for the 11th time.
The tournament will be played over 36 holes within a two-day period; each day, a total of 18 holes will be played. This will determine the best golfer who participated in the tournament, male and female (this will incorporate the gross score). The person with the lower handicap has the advantage of winning the tournament.
Some 76 players have registered for this tournament; 25% of them will fall into that category to determine the best male player. There are seven female players, four of whom would be contending for that championship. In the event there is rain and the tournament cannot be completed, the results will be determined via 18 holes.
The LCG has noted that, in order for everyone to be given a fair chance, the golfers will be placed in flights. Individuals with handicaps ranging from 0-36 will be given a level playing field to participate and win net prizes and gross prizes for both days. The flights in the men’s category are 0-9, 10-18 and 19-28 handicap; while the flight in the ladies’ category ranges from 0-36 handicap because of the small field.
This tournament is sponsored by GTT (being the title sponsor), the Bank of Baroda, ANSA McAL, Banks DIH, Inter Caribbean, and Montra Restaurant and Lounge.
