The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ON the heels of the King Eric Gibson Sailing Regatta in January, the inaugural King Eric Gibson Memorial Golf Tournament - the first local tournament for the year for the Bahamas Golf Federation - will be held on Sunday, May 3.

The event, at the Lyford Cay Golf Course, is being organised by the late King Eric Gibson's sons, Minister of Labour Shane Gibson and businessman Eric Gibson Jr.

The federation has endorsed the tournament, which will afford local golfers an opportunity to finally play in a tournament in New Providence this year and at the same time show their respect to the late Gibson, a former sporting icon who made a significant contribution to the sport.

"I would like to really, really thank Shane and Ricky for being able to put together this event in honour of their father and in particular, around this time,” said Craig Flowers, the president of the federation, at the event announcement on Friday.

“The federation is having an enormous amount of difficulty getting access to golf courses and so I think this is very timely for them to assist us because we are trying to get more of our players out to practice for the national team.”

Flowers said the Gibson family can be assured that the federation will ensure that its members take advantage of the rare opportunity to participate in a local golf tournament at such a prestigious golf course, which they have not been able to gain access as a body.

Speaking about his deceased friend, Flowers said Gibson has made a valuable contribution to the growth and development of the sport and has assisted thousands of Bahamians in their progress, especially as it pertains to the national team and the junior development programme.

“When his name is called around golfers, I believe those of us who have been around long enough will feel the need to show up,” Flowers said. “The federation is going to give its 100 per cent support of this event as we take advantage of participating in this event.”

Eric Gibson Jr said the tournament is shaping up to be exciting and competitive as only 48 players will be allowed to participate in the two-man scramble format with a maximum of 24 teams. Players wishing to participate can sign up at Bahama Grill, West Bay Street, or with the BGF.

The players will be competing for at least 20 prizes, including the longest drive, closest to the pin on every hole and the hole-in-one competitions. The awards presentation will take place at Bahama Grill immediately after the event.

Shane Gibson said the family is thrilled to host the tournament in memory of their father, who was one of the people instrumental in breaking down the barrier that allowed the black players to gain access to the private golf courses.

He said his father went on to represent the Bahamas on many national teams as a member of the Hoerman Cup and the Francis/Steele-Perkins Cup for super seniors at the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships before he became a coach.

The brothers were introduced to the sport around the age of five or six and they went on to secure full athletic scholarships to attend St Augustine’s College in North Carolina before they, too, became members of the national team.

Part proceeds from the tournament will go towards the BGF’s junior development programme, which according to Eric Gibson was dear to the heart of their father.