Fennell implores golfers to lift game

The 20th staging of the Alliance/Buccaneer Golf tournament takes place this weekend at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club.

The tournament was launched at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday. Guest speaker and Jamaica Olympic Association president, Mike Fennell, charged parties responsible for hosting the tournament to try and take it to the next level.

"If we want to progress we need to have properly run tournaments, according to the rules, where golfers can participate at the highest level.

"The connection with charity and other things is great, and if that attracts the top players, then so be it, but this is a large turn- out and large entry list, and it has to continue and be sustained."

The tournament is divided into two competitions, a 36-hole Jamaica Golf Association qualifier for professionals, men's, senior's, super seniors, ladies and juniors, taking place tomorrow.

The 18-hole Stableford men's and ladies will be played on Sunday. Juniors will compete in Under-17, Under-15 and Under-13 categories for the Vitoria Marley trophy.

Alliance president, Peter Chin, said his company was extremely pleased to be associated with arguably the biggest golf championship on the local calendar for the last seven years.

"It is important for the company because it gives us exposure, and it is well worth the input and the cost. Alliance has always been involved in sports, and we are very happy with the results and the charities that benefit from this tournament," he added.

The tournament makes an estimated $1 million for charity each year, and Chin is hoping to improve they can on that.

Some of the big pro names on show will be Wesley Brown, Fabian Campbell, Ewan Peebles and Paul Warren. Khai Harris and Tianna Cruz highlight the juniors.