December 16, 2023December 16, 2023

Mingoes start slow against Inter-Nassau, pull off 4-0 win

12 hrs ago
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mingoes Getting it Done (1).jpeg — The University of The Bahamas (UB) Mingoes men’s soccer team started slow against Inter-Nassau FC-17 in their Bahamas Football Association (BFA) match, but quickly picked up the pace and started scoring. They went on to win easily, 4-0.The match took place on Sunday night at the Roscoe A.L. Davies Field. It started off very physical with four yellow cards being issued in the first half, and it was lackluster in terms of scoring. The match went into half, 0-0.The Mingoes celebrated early and often in the second half.Mingoes’ midfielder Peter Julmis scored in the 78th minute. He controlled the ball in the box and was able to find the back of the net. The team celebrated that goal with an almost iconic reenactment of a world cup celebration. That goal put the Mingoes up 1-0.In the 84th minute, Mingoes’ winger Stanley Grand Pierre controlled the ball outside of the box and fired a shot past the opposing goalie for a 2-0 lead for the Mingoes. After that goal, the team celebrated again.Grand Pierre wasn’t done yet. Taking the ball deep in the box, he was able to find Mingoes’ striker Morgan Wood for a goal in the 87th minute. The Mingoes were now up 3-0.One more celebration for the team was on the way. Mingoes’ winger Obryan Hinds had a few misses earlier in the half but was not going to be left out. In the 90th minute, Hinds found the back of the net for the 4-0 lead which proved to be the end result.“We came out here to show that we are the best team in the league,” Wood said. “We plan to be dominant even when the competition isn’t what me may think is on our level. We played hard right up to the end of the match and the score showed that today.”The Mingoes now sport a 3-0-2 win/loss/draw record in BFA action and are expected to play the Dynamos at 3:30 p.m. on January 21, 2024. League action resumes in January at the Roscoe A.L. Davies Field.

The University of The Bahamas (UB) Mingoes men’s soccer team started slow against Inter-Nassau FC-17 in their Bahamas Football Association (BFA) match, but quickly picked up the pace and started scoring. They went on to win easily, 4-0.

The match took place on Sunday night at the Roscoe A.L. Davies Field. It started off very physical with four yellow cards being issued in the first half, and it was lackluster in terms of scoring. The match went into half, 0-

Mingoes’ midfielder Peter Julmis scored in the 78th minute. He controlled the ball in the box and was able to find the back of the net. The team celebrated that goal with an almost iconic reenactment of a world cup celebration. That goal put the Mingoes up 1-0.

In the 84th minute, Mingoes’ winger Stanley Grand Pierre controlled the ball outside of the box and fired a shot past the opposing goalie for a 2-0 lead for the Mingoes. After that goal, the team celebrated again.

Grand Pierre wasn’t done yet. Taking the ball deep in the box, he was able to find Mingoes’ striker Morgan Wood for a goal in the 87th minute. The Mingoes were now up 3-0.

One more celebration for the team was on the way. Mingoes’ winger Obryan Hinds had a few misses earlier in the half but was not going to be left out. In the 90th minute, Hinds found the back of the net for the 4-0 lead which proved to be the end result.

“We came out here to show that we are the best team in the league,” Wood said. “We plan to be dominant even when the competition isn’t what me may think is on our level. We played hard right up to the end of the match and the score showed that today.”

The Mingoes now sport a 3-0-2 win/loss/draw record in BFA action and are expected to play the Dynamos at 3:30 p.m. on January 21, 2024. League action resumes in January at the Roscoe A.L. Davies Field.

December 16, 2023December 16, 2023

Changes coming to anti-doping act

Minister says changes are necessary to be in compliance with global regulations

Simba French
Dec 14, 2023
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w Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg makes his contribution during a debate on the Anti-Doping in Sports (Amendment) Bill 2023 in the House of Assembly yesterday. Torrell Glinton

As the world of sport changes, The Bahamas has to adapt and that applies to the anti-doping aspect of sports, said Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg during the debate on the Anti-Doping in Sports (Amendment) Bill 2023 in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.

The bill will look to amend the act of 2009 which will put the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) in compliance with the global governing body for anti-doping, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). WADA updated its code in 2021.

There were some major changes that were included in the bill such as the removal of the national director of sports from BADC’s board, the inclusion of the athletic director at the University of The Bahamas (UB) to the board, the power of changing of board members’ selection from the minister to the governor general.

By not having the director of sports on the board, Bowleg said that it helps BADC to be more autonomous.

“This decision is rooted in the need for operational independence, ensuring that BADC can function autonomously in its pursuit of a doping-free sporting environment,” said the minister.

As for the addition of UB’s Athletics Director, Bowleg said that helps to strengthen ties with the academic community and fosters collaboration.

“The minister of sports will no longer select board members, a disciplinary panel, and appeals tribunal, ensuring transparency and operational independence by vesting this responsibility in the hands of the governor general,” Bowleg said.

It is important that The Bahamas complies with WADA as it affects several key aspects of international competition, according to Bowleg. Loss of WADA privileges, ineligibility to participate in independent programs, lack of WADA funding, ineligibility of board memberships, inability to host major sporting events, flag absence at international competitions and exclusion from the Olympic Games, are all on the line.

The amended act will come into operation on a date to be fixed by the minister, by notice published in the official Gazette of The Bahamas.

December 16, 2023December 16, 2023

Local teams to play in Hoopfest against American squads

Simba French
Dec 14, 2023
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A couple of local high school teams will play against their American counterparts at the 2nd Hoopfest in Paradise, at Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium this Friday and Saturday. Simba French

Some of the top high school basketball players in the United States of America (USA) are expected to grace the shores of New Providence, playing at the 2nd Hoopfest in Paradise at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium this Friday and Saturday. Showcasing their skills against them will be two select teams out of New Providence.

The announcement was made at the Four Walls Squash Club on Village Road yesterday. There will be a public school select team, and a private school select team, both out of New Providence. Coaching the private school select team is Dario Burrows while veteran coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson will coach the public schools select team. There are 10 teams that will be coming in for the showcase.

“I am excited about it and reached out to all the public schools so they can get their players to come out. This is a very good and talented team. We will compete and give a good showing for The Bahamas. We have been working hard, preparing as best as we can, and we will come out and do our best and win games,” Johnson said.

The public schools select team will be represented by Gerard Rolle, Tashon Butler, Dwayne Finley, Stevacko Jacques, Mario Rolle, McKell Alonzo, Dakulve Cumming, Emmanuel Adams, Sylvano Gibson, Daniel Bodie, Derrick Edgecombe and Condae Smith.

Burrows echoed the same

sentiments as Johnson when it comes to his team being competitive and having a good showing.

“You are going to see a group of young men who will be representing a brand. I have to commend the coaches because my job is easy. We are not trying to teach system at this point but principles. These kids are equipped so it was a seamless process leading them. We want to be a model to try and just sensitize the world to Bahamian basketball at the high school level,” Burrows said.

Making the private schools squad are Treymon Wright, Romail Strachan, Daquan Strachan, Raymone Woods, Nakero Brown, Ray Smith, Treyvon Clarke, Kayden Adderley, Michael Thompson, Dorien La-Roda, Jakayo Kemp and Joel Butler.

Glen Smith, owner of Hoopfest, said they expanded the showcase to include four of the top 10 girls teams in the US.https://f28011573bed6895f19f2eec1b2875b3.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

“We are expecting two days of high-level basketball. It is not only a chance for teams from America but two teams from The Bahamas to showcase their talent in front of college coaches as well as NBA (National Basketball Association) scouts. It will be an exciting time in The Bahamas. We are expecting a few former NBA players with former NBA player Jermaine O’Neal coaching one of the teams,” Smith said.

Making the trip back to The Bahamas is former Gateway Christian Academy guard out of Bimini Valdez ‘VJ’ Edgecombe. The ESPN five star player will be traveling with his Long Island Lutheran High School out of Long Island, New York.

“It was intentional to bring him (Edgecombe) as I was already bringing their girls’ team. Once I found out that he was from here and he found out that the event was from here, I reached out to him and we talked. His coach and I figured it out and they had a game scheduled for this weekend, but we were able to move some stuff around to bring him home,” Smith said.

The first day of hoops action gets underway at 12:30 tomorrow. Saturday’s action gets underway at 11 a.m.

December 16, 2023December 16, 2023

Local Italian community supports the Eleuthera Sailing Academy

Dec 14, 2023
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Now a tradition, members of the resident Italian community in The Bahamas come together each year to donate their time and efforts at the International Culture, Wine and Food Festival (ICWFF). The 26th festival, held this past October at Fort Charlotte, was said to be a delight to attendees.

All proceeds from the Italy booth, each year, are donated to a worthy cause. This year, the team, led by the Honorary Consul General from Italy, Dr. Alberto Suighi, selected the Eleuthera Sailing Academy in Savannah Sound, Eleuthera as the beneficiary.

As an organization, the Eleuthera Sailing Academy supports the Bahamian national sport of sailing by teaching those in the community interested in learning to sail. The program currently has over 35 kids involved, with the most advanced training to represent The Bahamas both nationally and internationally.

During a special presentation at the academy in Savannah Sound, Dr. Suighi met with several young sailors and their coach. Head Coach Martin Marinque thanked the Italian community for their support, stating that the academy is in constant need of materials for repairs and maintenance as well as equipment like sails and boat parts.

Marinque expressed: “Italy is a great example of a country where sports play a huge role in the youth, and is right now the biggest country in youth sailing. We are confident that the community understands the benefits that sailing can bring to the youth of Eleuthera.”

Each year, all proceeds from the Italy booth at the ICWFF are donated to a worthy cause.

December 14, 2023December 16, 2023

Six teams hoist trophies

35TH FATHER MARCIAN PETERS INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

HEART OF A CHAMPION: Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg presents medals to the CV Bethel Stingrays senior girls, who took home the championship title yesterday. Six teams hoisted championship trophies at the conclusion of the 35th Father Marcian Peters Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium. Photo: Dante Carrer

As of Thursday, December 14, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#Six teams hoisted their championship trophies in the 35th Father Marcian Peters Basketball Tournament yesterday evening at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

#On the final day of tourney action, the Jordan Prince Williams Falcons took the title in the intermediate division while the Freedom Baptist Academy Warriors as well as the Teleos Christian School Cherubims won the primary schools boys and girls’ titles respectively.

#The CV Bethel Stingrays took home yet another championship hardware for the senior girls’ division and the CH Reeves Raptors avenged last year’s loss to win the junior girls’ trophy. For the boys, the DW Davis Royals emerged as victors on Wednesday.

#The Stingrays collected a 38-32 win over the CI Gibson Lady Rattlers to take the senior girls’ hardware. Leading the Stingrays to a second consecutive victory at the Marcian Peters tourney was Trinity Bodie. She dropped a game-high 16 points to not only lead all scorers but take home the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) honours. The newly-crowned champions opened the contest 10-3 in the first quarter against the CI Gibson Lady Rattlers. They then closed out the second half with a 17-14 advantage and never looked back.

#Shantelle Rolle, who earned the outstanding coach award for the senior girls, was impressed by them earning a second straight victory.

#“It feels great. I told my girls we have to come out and defend our championship. I think our performance was great. We came out and executed on defence which translated to easy offence. This is our fourth time beating them, every time we play them we have to do what we have to do to beat them,” Rolle said.

#The Raptors were last year’s runners-up in the junior girls’ division but this time around they were crowned champions after knocking off the Lady Cherubims 27-15.

#The victors got a 6-3 advantage in the first period which blossomed into an 11-8 lead at halftime.

#Tajhaniqua Morley poured in 21 points for CH Reeves, scoring eight points in the fourth quarter for the win. Her game-high performance helped her to secure the MVP award.

#Varel Davis, who took home the outstanding coach award for the junior girls, was happy to see the girls – a majority being new players on the roster – avenge last year’s loss. “Throughout the tournament we played extremely well. Last year we were runners-up to HO Nash so I told my girls this is our year to win. We are excited and happy to take the trophy back to Raptors country. This year I have all new players other than two players from last year and to see the growth and improvement over the past few weeks has been good. These girls are dedicated and they are willing to learn so I am very proud of them for the job they did here tonight,” she said.

#The Royals shut down the LW Young Golden Eagles 57-25 to blow out their opponents and take the junior boys’ title. On Wednesday evening, Windisky Paul was too much for the Golden Eagles as he scored 19 points to propel his team over their opponents. Paul was named the junior boys’ MVP. The champions bested the latter 38-17 to go into the second half and after this period the game was a foregone conclusion.

#Mark Hanna, head coach of the DW Davis Royals and recipient of the outstanding coach award, was pleased with the win and tournament experience.

#“This was a very excellent tournament, hats off to the committee, Jimmy Clarke and his crew who did an excellent job. This is the most organised I have seen it over the years we have been coming. It feels great to be a champion in this tournament because it is a collaborative effort between private schools, government schools and island schools, so if you come out on top of this you get bragging rights for the full year,” Hanna said.

#The Falcons defeated Patrick J Bethel in the intermediate boys’ division 43-39. Meanwhile, the Lady Cherubims ended the Warriors 18-13 in the primary girls’ division. Evanaya Pierre was presented with the MVP trophy. The Warriors’ primary school boys toppled the Temple Christian Suns 33-13. Dario Musgrove hoisted the MVP award for the team.

35TH FATHER MARCIAN PETERS INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

As of Thursday, December 14, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#Six teams hoisted their championship trophies in the 35th Father Marcian Peters Basketball Tournament yesterday evening at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

#Shantelle Rolle, who earned the outstanding coach award for the senior girls, was impressed by them earning a second straight victory.

#The Raptors were last year’s runners-up in the junior girls’ division but this time around they were crowned champions after knocking off the Lady Cherubims 27-15.

#The victors got a 6-3 advantage in the first period which blossomed into an 11-8 lead at halftime.

#Tajhaniqua Morley poured in 21 points for CH Reeves, scoring eight points in the fourth quarter for the win. Her game-high performance helped her to secure the MVP award.

#Mark Hanna, head coach of the DW Davis Royals and recipient of the outstanding coach award, was pleased with the win and tournament experience.

December 14, 2023December 16, 2023

Teams announced for Hoopfest in Paradise

As of Thursday, December 14, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER a successful hosting of the inaugural Hoopfest in Paradise High School Basketball Tournament in 2022, the basketball extravaganza has returned for its second year, this time with more teams added to the fold.

#Last year the marquee high school basketball tourney only featured six teams, which has now increased to 10, who will display their skills from December 15-16 at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

#The visiting teams will include four top girls high school teams from the United States along with six top male teams.

#Additionally, The Bahamas will field two teams both hailing from New Providence’s public and private schools.

#Glenn Smith, the event organiser for Hoopfest in Paradise Basketball, has high expectations for the tournament’s second year in New Providence.

#“We are expecting two days of high level basketball, a chance for not only the teams from America but the two teams from The Bahamas to be able to showcase their talents in front of college coaches as well as NBA scouts so I think this is going to be a really exciting time in The Bahamas,” Smith said.

#The girls’ teams competing out of the United States of America are Lake Highland Preparatory School, Etiwanda High School, Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School and Desoto High School.

#For the boys, the six teams expected to compete are the Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School, Mater Dei High School, Link Academy, Dynamic Preparatory, Faith Family Academy and Riviera Preparatory School.

#Top Bahamian prospect VJ Edgecombe, who plays for Long Island Lutheran, will return home this weekend to compete in the tournament and Smith said he is ready to go.

#“I was already bringing the Long Island Lutheran girls team then once I found out that he was from here and he found out that I was doing the event here, I had somebody reach out to him and he had somebody reach out to me. We talked and me and his coach figured it out.

#“I am looking forward to seeing his facial expressions when he walks into Kendal GL Isaacs because everytime we talk on FaceTime, his face just lights up because he is coming back home and this is his first time back, especially playing, and it will be some people here to watch him, not just his family and friends but college coaches from Duke, Kentucky, Florida and Michigan as well as NBA scouts will be here to check him out as well,” Smith said.

#As for the local teams, there will be a New Providence public school team coached by Kevin “KJ” Johnson and a New Providence private school team coached by Dario Burrows.

#The 12 players on the public school team are Dwayne Finley, Tashon Bethel, Stevacko Jacques, Gerrad Rolle, Mario Rolle, McKell Alonzo, Dakulve Cumming, Emmanuel Adams, Sylvano Gibson, Daniel Bodie, Derrick Edgecombe and Condae Smith.

#Coach Johnson was honoured to have the opportunity to lead the charge for the aforementioned team.

#“It is an honour and privilege to coach this all-star team. I made my time available for this occasion, I am excited about it. I reached out to all the public schools so they could get their players to come out and this is what we have,” he said.

#“I think this is a very good and talented team. We will compete and definitely by the grace of God give a good showing.

#“We are excited about it. I know we have been working hard preparing as best as we can and will definitely come out and do our best and try to win some games,” he added.

#On the New Providence private school team are Treymon Wright, Romail Strachan, Daquan Strachan, Ramone Woods, Nakero Brown, Ray Smith, Treyvon Clarke, Kayden Adderley, Michael Thompson, Dorien La- Roda, Jakayo Kemp and Joel Butler.

#Coach Burrows was optimistic about the team’s ability ahead of this weekend’s basketball tourney.

#“I will be leading 12 wonderful young men from private schools throughout New Providence. You are gonna see a group of young men representing a brand and I have to commend the coaches because I can say leading this group my job is easy. We are not trying to teach systems at this point, but we are teaching principles.

#“We want to be competitive. We want to give a good showing and we want to be just a model to try and sensitise the world to Bahamian basketball at the high school level,” he said.

#In addition to NBA scouts and college coaches, expected to be in attendance will be 10-time All Star Carmelo Anthony, Hall of Famer Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith, head coach of Dynamic Prep Jermaine O’Neal and four-time NBA champion Andre Igoudala.

#“We are excited to have them here, as well as the college coaches that will be in attendance and we are super excited for this year’s event. We are looking forward to it and hope everyone will come out and support their local teams as well as come out and check out some of the future stars of tomorrow,” Smith said.

#The teams from the USA will start to arrive today in preparation for this weekend’s tournament.

December 14, 2023December 14, 2023

Local Italian community supports the Eleuthera Sailing Academy

As of Thursday, December 14, 2023

SMILES at the The Italy Booth at this year’s International Culture, Wine and Food Festival.

DR ALBERTO SUIGHI, the honorary consul general from Italy, and some of the young people in the Eleuthera Sailing Academy in Savannah Sound.

#NOW a tradition, members of the resident Italian community come together each year to donate their time and efforts at the International Culture, Wine and Food Festival (ICWFF).

#The 26th festival, held in October at Fort Charlotte, was a delight for attendees. All proceeds from the Italy booth are donated to a worthy cause each year.

#This year, the team led by Dr Alberto Suighi, the honorary consul general from Italy, selected The Eleuthera Sailing Academy in Savannah Sound.

#As an organisation, the Eleuthera Sailing Academy supports the Bahamian national sport of sailing by teaching those in the community interested in learning to sail.

#The programme currently has over 35 kids involved, with the most advanced training to represent The Bahamas both nationally and internationally.

#Outside of sailing, the programme also teaches kitesurfing, windsurfing and more promoting the love of the ocean and natural environment.

#Impressed by the efforts of the sailing academy programme, the enthusiasm and guidance of Mrs.Laura Paine and the positive impact of the sport for the youths of Eleuthera, the Italian community pledged to support by sponsoring an additional 10 local children to join the programme in 2024.

#During a special presentation at the academy in Savannah Sound, Eleuthera, Dr Suighi met with several young sailors and their coach.

#Head coach Martin Marinque thanks the Italian community for their support as the academy is in constant need of materials for repairs and maintenance as well as equipment like sails and boat parts.

#“Italy is a great example of a country where sports play a huge role in the youth, and is right now the biggest country in youth sailing!

#“We are confident that the community understands the benefits that sailing can bring to the youth of Eleuthera,” Martin stated.

December 14, 2023December 14, 2023

Honouring our top athletes

ROADRUNNERS TRACK CLUB’S 23RD ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET @ SANDALS

As of Thursday, December 14, 2023

Photo Gallery

Roadrunners Track Club

#A number of student athletes from the Roadrunners Track Club were honoured on Saturday night at Sandals Royal Bahamian as the club hosted its 23rd Annual Awards & Presentation Banquet.

#Under the patronage of Rev Diana Francis, senior pastor at First Baptist Church, the event was held using the theme: “Chosen to Rise Up,” song “Rise Up” and scripture text from Isaiah 40: 29-31,” which were all selected by Chayanna Hepburn, one of the under-13 girls’ Athlete of the Year.

#Joining Hepburn as Athletes of the Year in the various age group categories were Kenna Smith, under-7 girls; Kasey Rolle, under-9 girls; Jehiani Major, under-11 girls; Jasmine Thompson, under-15 girls; Tamia Taylor and Akaree Roberts, both under-17 girls and Jada Bridgewater, under-20 girls.

#The male athletes of the year were Edvardo Burrows, under-9; Ronald Simon, under-11; Dukari Fulford, under-13; Shawn Ferguson, under-15; Trent Ford, under-17 and Temar Davis, under-under-20 Awards were also presented to the most outstanding athletes. On the female side, the winners were Aliyah Henfield, under-7; Teshan Williams, under-9; Lavaeh Johnson, under-11; Azalia Henderson, under-13; Denika Gittens and Shannon Edwards, under-15 and Katranel Dean, under-27.

#On the boys’ side, the winners were Adyen McDonald, under-13; Ashley Demeritte, under- 15; Ethan Stuart, under-17 and Desmond Harris and Malcolm Williams, both under-20. The Dominique Higgins award, presented to the student athletes with grade point averages of 4.00, were presented to Chyanna Hepburn, Waynedeshia Douglas, Moreon Roberts and Gabrielle McLean. The club also honoured parents of the year Tino and Kissie Wilson and Joyce McKenzie. Among the dignitaries on hand, along with Rev Francis, were Mr and Mrs Harrison Petty, Dr Shantel and Travee Missick, Mr and Mrs William Delancy, Mrs Patrice and Sunae Adderley and Phil Smith of The d’Albenas Agency Limited.

December 14, 2023December 14, 2023

Golfers Robinson and Riley have eyes on national title

GOLFERS DEVAUGHN ROBINSON, left, and Cameron Riley are aiming to win the Bahamas Professional Golf Association’s national championship title. The prestigious event is scheduled to run from Thursday to Sunday at the Ocean Golf Club on Paradise Island.

As of Wednesday, December 13, 2023

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Devaughn Robinson and Cameron Riley are both coming home with the same goal in mind. They want to win the prestigious Bahamas Professional Golf Association’s National Championship title and earn the rights to represent the Bahamas at the two Korn Ferry Golf Tour events in Exuma and Abaco in January.

#Vernon Lockhart, championship chairman of the BGF, headed by Glen Pratt, indicated that all signs are pointing to a very competitive tournament that will run from Thursday to Sunday at the Ocean Golf Club on Paradise Island.

#With this being the 50th anniversary of the BGF, Lockhart noted that they have combined the men, ladies and senior divisions with the floating trophy for the low total score turned in by any player being presented in memory of Leroy ‘Roy’ Bowe, the first Bahamian professional. The men’s trophy will be in honour of Donald ‘Nine’ Rolle, the first Bahamian pro winner, while the senior men’s trophy is in honour of the late Jim ‘The Swingman’ Duncombe and the ladies’ trophy will be held in honour of Francis Dunn, the first Bahamian female pro golfer.

#Georgette Rolle-Harris, the head golf pro at Baha Mar, and Racquel Riley from Grand Bahama are the only two females participating, while the senior pros are Chris Lewis, Glen Pratt, Vernon Lockhart and Greg Maycock. Robinson and Riley head the list of men who will round off the anticipated field of 15-20 golfers.

#“What we are trying to do is to get the association back on its feet,” Lockhart said. “The association has been dormant for so long and it’s time that we put it on the right footing where we are able to control professional golf in the country.

#“Because it’s been stagnant for so long, things have happened and we have no control over it. So we need to get the association back up and functioning properly. That is the same function.”

#While the event is designed for 72 holes, at the end of the first 36 on Thursday and Friday, the low male professional will gain the exemption for the Exuma Korn Ferry and the male finishers in the final 36 holes on Saturday and Sunday will gain the spot for the Abaco Korn Kerry.

#Robinson, who won the first qualifying tournament to earn the rights to compete in Exuma, said he wants to win again.

#“My game is not as good as I want it to be, but I feel I’m gaining confidence in it every day,” said Robinson. “Ocean Club is a course I know and love to play on, so I just have to manage it well and take advantage of the errors in my game.”

#With both Exuma and Abaco on the line, the 35-year-old Robinson said he might as well go for both spots. He’s also thrilled with the fact that the BPGA is putting the national title on the line as well.

#“I’m happy that the BPGA is bringing the Nationals back and the title is up for grabs,” he said. “It’s something we haven’t done in a long time. We didn’t have the leadership that we have now in Glenn Pratt.

#“He wants us to take golf to the next level and I think we have the talent to do it. So with his support, we are going to try and get it done. This is a step in the right direction to achieving that goal.”

#Riley, who is coming in from Orlando, Florida, said he’s up for the challenge.

#“I expect to compete and play to the best of my ability at the Ocean Club Golf Course,” he said. “My game is in a great spot right now, so I’m planning on taking the tournament one shot at a time and letting everything else work out, controlling what I can control.”

#In preparation for the tournament, Riley said he’s made some changes over the past month that he’s seen some results with.

#“I’ve prepared very intentionally and hard for this event and I’m confident in myself and my abilities going into it,” he stated.

#The 24-year-old admits that his aim for the tournament is a very simply one.

#“I am shooting to win the championship and win both spots for both the events in January,” he said. “They are huge events that can springboard my career and the more experience I can get playing at the highest level, the better for me.”

#Over the past year, Robinson and Riley have been participating in the Advocates Professional Golf Circuit where they competed in about 12 events during the course of the season, in addition to four invitationals from California to Philadelphia.

#“I had a really good start in the season, but I sort of fell off a bit during the year,” Robinson pointed out.

#“But I had some really good showings with some really good scores, so I’m hoping to use what I learned to build as I improve a little more for next year.”

#Like Robinson, Riley too has been playing in the Advocates Professional Golf Circuit.

#He admitted that “it’s been an up and down year, but I’ve had more successes than failures. I’m looking forward to coming home and competing on a course that I competed on as a kid.”

#Lockhart, on behalf of the BPGA, which includes Pratt, Riley, the first female president now the secretary and former president Lewis, who is now the executive director, thanked Insurance Management for putting up the trophies and the Ocean Cluib for hosting the event.

#“We want to make an appeal to the wider golfing community, if they can still assist, we are still looking for a little sponsorship money,” he said. “We have prize money from the registration for all three categories, but if anyone wants to assist in increasing the funds, we will gladly accept the donation.”

December 14, 2023December 14, 2023

Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy ends the year on a high note

As of Wednesday, December 13, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@D tribunemedia.net

#THE Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy closed out the year on a high note with a drive, chip and putt end-of-year celebration at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s practice facility on Saturday.

#The celebratory event came on the heels of the return of the Front 9 golf tournament series at the end of November which was its first hosting since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

#On Saturday, golfers and their loved ones, who got the opportunity to partake in three different skill exercises for a friendly contest, were treated to a complimentary pot luck and reconnected with each other to end the year.

#Georgette Rolle-Harris, founder of the Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy, felt the year end celebration was a great way to cap off a busy golf season. “It was a great way to finish a very busy season. We offered this drive, chip and putt event complimentary to all of our players and their families so it was a really great time for the kids. We had some golfers that went to enjoy the bouncing castle or the 360 photo booth after completing the drive, chip and putt exercises so it was just really good to see them have fun with each other,” the founder said.

#The friendly skills competition allowed competitors to attempt the drive, chip and putt exercises three times and the point total from each was added together to determine a victor of the contest.

#For the men’s category, Danny Davis scored the highest total with 103 for the trio of events. He earned scores of 17 (drive), 36 (chip) and 50 (putt) to become the winner. Ron Haynes placed second with 94 and Malcolm Adderley finished third with 67.

#The third place finisher was very pleased to attend the event and witness the first-hand growth of Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy.

#“It is crazy to see how far the junior programme has grown because I was in the programme at 16 when Georgette first started and to see the growth has been remarkable. Overall, I enjoyed the event and putting was my favourite part of the three,” Adderley said.

#Payton Haye wrapped up the year-end friendly contest in first place with a score of 78 to lead the ladies. Nathalee Tynes, who earned the most points with 19 for the drive, capped off with 59 points for second.

#Lori Greaves and Denise Poitier trailed both competitors for a third place tie with 45 points apiece.

#Jacara Forbes picked up the most points with 104 for the 13-15 girls. She led the way for competitors, scoring a 65 in the putt exercise, 27 for the chip, and 12 for the drive. Maddison Carroll rounded up 72 points on Saturday for second and Chemari Pratt collected 65 points for third.

#Forbes was happy with her efforts, especially for the putting portion of the day. “It feels pretty good. I felt that I did pretty well in the putting event. The chipping event was the best for me and it stands out because I can hit high and low shots which really helps me with my skills,” she said.

#Haley Hall finished atop the girls 10-12 division with a score of 87. Zamira Swann earned 60 points for second place and Mirah Nunn settled for third with 57 points.

#Hall was pleased with not only the victory but being able to reconnect with fellow golfers.

#“The event was great I got to see a lot of players that I have not seen in a long time and it has been good connecting with them again. Putting is my favourite event but I was not able to do well today but I was pretty proud of the chipping event,” she said.

#It was a rivalry among relatives for the girls 7-9 division. Zion Poitier narrowly edged out Zaire Poitier with 82 points compared to 81 points for first place. The latter took the second podium spot, meanwhile Londyn Strachan was third with 56 points.

#Jermany Dawkins was the lone competitor in the 6 and under division. She totalled 28 points.

#For the boys, Andrew Benjamin earned bragging rights in the 16-18 age group after finishing with 100 points for first. Angelino Cooper amassed 67 points for second place.

#Rashawn Hanna stood tall on the winner’s podium after racking up 115 points to lead competitors in the 13-15 division. Juan Wilson took second and Zachary Joseph finished third.

#Briland Cunnigham was most successful in the 10-12 age group with 62 points for first. Reef Harvey was victorious in the 7-9 division and Luca Greaves performed the best in the 6 and under division.

#With the year almost entirely in the rearview for Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy, Rolle-Harris is looking forward to an active 2024 golf season.

#“We are hitting the ground running early January with another drive, chip and putt event then some scramble tournaments which will then propel us into pro golf championships and the US kids’ tour. I see a lot of tournament golf in the future for our players to test and grow their skills,” she said.

#The Front 9 golf tournament series resumes next year on January 10.

Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy ends the year on a high note

As of Wednesday, December 13, 2023