The Winners, Otis Thomas (Left) and Omarry James (right) are joined in celebration by franchise owner of Golf Experience Caribbean, Zorol Barthley

26 pairs competed in this year’s Sandals Resort International Pairs, held yesterday at the Cedar Valley Golf course. Omarry James and Otis Thomas emerged as winners of an all-expenses paid trip to Spain to represent Antigua and Barbuda at this year’s International Pairs in October; and will join Haydn Imam and Monty Chapman from Trinidad and Tobago and Dave Ramsumair and Harry Harridyal from St. Kitts and Nevis as representatives of the Caribbean.

In a rain affected competition, James and Thomas finished two strokes ahead of the field with 44 points. The next four places were decided on count backs and past winners Sir Vivian Richards and Errol Samuel were second, with Avery Jonas and Dougie O’Brien third, both teams had 42 points. Fourth position went to Andy Hall and Claudio Iturriaga, with fifth place to Gregory Georges and Ivan Hixon.

26 pairs teed off and despite a rain delay, the competition was fierce: “It was great to see how much the players wanted to finish the competition today, despite the  challenges of wet fairways and greens, “ stated Zorol Barthley, CEO Golf Experience Caribbean, organisers of this event. He added that he was very pleased with the intensity of the competitiors, which persisted even through the hour and a half rain break.

The Winners, Otis Thomas and Omarry James, are flanked by General Manager of Sandals, Gaurav “Mr. G” Sindhi (left) and franchise owner of Golf Experience Caribbean, Zorol Barthley

James and Thomas won airline tickets courtesy of Virgin Atlantic; blazers from Will City; Johnnie Walker Platinum Scotch Whisky courtesy Kennedy’s and trophies courtesy of Aeropost and presented by Gaurav ‘Mr. G’ Sindhi, General Manager of Sandals Resorts, Antigua and Barbuda.

Sir Viv and Samuels received Gucci watches courtesy Abbotts Jewellery, Johnnie Walker Gold Route Scotch Whisky courtesy Kennedy’s and trophies courtesy of Aeropost and presented by Parliamentary Secretary, Senator Colin James, Junior Minister in the Ministry of Sports.

Jonas and O’Brien received gift certificates courtesy Abbotts Jewellery, Johnnie Walker Double Black courtesy Kennedy’s and trophies.
Abbott’s Jewellery presented fragrance gift baskets to Hall and Iturriaga, while Georges and Hixon were presented with gift baskets from Java Roast Coffee.

Senator James commended the organisers for an excellent event and challenged the management of Cedar Valley Golf course to develop a plan to present to the Government so that the club can be upgraded and become one of the leading courses in the region.

 Marketing Representative of Abbott’s Jewellery, Christine Hughes, congratulates fourth placed winners, Andy Hall and Claudio Iturriaga

Sindhi added that Sandals Resorts is committed to working with young sports persons in order to develop the next generation of world leading sports persons.
New company, the Nolan Hue Foundation Inc. presented its Young Professional Development Award to Demar James, who also silenced the adult competitors by winning the closest to the pin award for Hole #8.

Barthley thanked the sponsors, team of volunteers, the management and staff at Cedar Valley Golf Course and the media for their support, hard work and dedication in making this one of the leading amateur golf competitions in the region.
The sixth hosting of the International Pairs qualifier was endorsed by the Antigua Barbuda Tourism Authority and the Antigua Barbuda Golf Association, and was graced by the presence of the Honorary Counsel to Spain, Mitchell Hill, who promised the winners that the venue for the World Finals, Denia, Spain will spoil them for hospitality.