The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas will play host to more than 100 professional women golfers competing in the inaugural Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Classic at the Ocean Club Golf Course, Paradise Island.

The $1.3 million event, set for May 23-26, will be one of three new tournaments on the LPGA schedule.

According to Virginia Kelly, general manager for sports tourism development in the (Bahamas) Ministry of Tourism, the event is a tremendous boost for the Bahamas.

“We’ve got about 300-plus volunteers who have signed up with the LPGA to assist in the tournament,” said Kelly of the event which will be aired on the golf channel and taped for rebroadcast on a number of other international sports stations in the future.

During a press conference on Monday, Matt Truax, tournament director of Pure Silk Bahamas, said they are excited about hosting the tournament in the Bahamas and they are looking forward to the recognition that it will bring.

“Next week, starting on May 22, the gates will be open to the public,” said Truax, who noted that there will be free entrance and parking on Paradise Island, as well as shuttle services provided daily during the course of the tournament.

Bahamian golfer Georgette Rolle has been given an exemption to play directly into the main draw for the prize money, while Raquel Riley will be a part of the 200-member field expected to compete on Tuesday for entrance into the main draw.

“For us, when you consider international TV broadcast, I don’t believe there is a better marriage for the LPGA and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism,” said Truax, noting that every hole on the 6,644-yard, par-73 golf course that was designed by Tom Weiskopf makes it quite interesting for both the participants and the spectators.

Ed Fields, senior vice president of public affairs at Atlantis, said they have made renovations in the six-digit figures to get the golf course ready, but he’s excited that because of the enormous work that has been done, they will be able to enhance the club for future LPGA events and even possible Professional Golf Association (PGA) events in the future.

By the end of the week, the organisers say they anticipate that all of the work will be completed.

With the tournament being held during the American Memorial Day holiday weekend, Field said they are anticipating that the hotel will be filled to capacity, which will help to boost the fan support during the four days of intense competition.

The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organisation for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. Its headquarters is in Dayton Beach, Florida, and its home channel is the Golf Channel.