Milestone Year For Four-Ball Championships
The 2013 Bermuda Amateur Four-Ball Championships are scheduled to be played from Friday, November 8th to Sunday, November 10th at the Port Royal Golf Course. The event is open to all amateur golfers with an official and up-to-date handicap index.
“The BGA is pleased to be holding the Bermuda Four-Ball Championships again this year, and we’re very excited for the opportunity to roll out some of our new tournament initiatives for the 2013/14 season”, a spokesperson said.
“Alex Madeiros and Port Royal have been great in helping us prepare for the tournament, and we’re happy to announce a significant reduction in the entry fee from a year ago.”
The tournament is a 54-hole better-ball stroke play event for teams of two, played at 90 and 95 per cent of course handicap for men and women, respectively. Teams can choose to enter in one of three divisions – men’s championship, men’s first flight, or women’s championship.
“It’s not often in tournament golf that you’re able to compete with a teammate, so it makes for a nice change and definitely brings a different dynamic into play”, the spokesperson said. “In addition, because the event is being held so soon after the PGA Grand Slam, players will also benefit from the course being in great tournament condition.”
The Four-Ball is one of Bermuda’s oldest national amateur golf championships. The inaugural event was played back in 1953, which means next weekend will mark the 60th anniversary of the men’s competition. The first women’s event was introduced in 1977.
The spokesperson stated: “The popular team event has always been a highly coveted prize amongst the local golfing fraternity, with many of the island’s most recognizable players having lifted the trophy over the years.
“Bill Pitt Jr. holds the record for most wins in the men’s championship with six, while former amateur, turned professional, Judithanne Astwood-Outerbridge, has won the women’s title an unprecedented nine times.”
The deadline to enter next week’s event is Monday, November 4th. The entry fee is $450 per team [$225 per person]; inclusive of cart, with Port Royal & eligible BJGA members offered a reduced fee of $150 per person. The first round of the tournament will begin at 7:30am on Friday, November 8th, with a prize presentation and refreshments to immediately follow the completion of play on Sunday, November 10th.
“This year’s event will begin Friday morning with a split-tee start. By taking advantage of the clocks going back and starting off the 1st and 10th tees, we’re hoping to provide those players with work commitments more of an opportunity to participate in the tournament”, the spokesperson said.
“We will also be introducing a pace of play policy, which we trust will further enhance the tournament experience and improve the overall enjoyment for all participants.”
For more information, or to request an entry form, visit the BGA website, or contact the BGA Office on 295-9972, or at info@bermudagolf.org.
