World-class automobile manufacturers Mercedes Benz has partnered with the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, for the 10th staging of the UWI Golf Classic set for July 13 at Caymanas Golf & Country Club.

Yesterday during a press launch at the university's Social Welfare Training Centre, the Mercedes Benz UWI Golf Classic was officially announced.

Several top prizes are to be on offer, including a trip to Bahia, Brazil, for the winners of three categories to participate in the August 6-10 Mercedes Benz Regional Qualifiers.

The top-three finishers in Brazil will represent the region at the Mercedes Benz World Finals in Stuttgart, Germany, from September 25-30.

Olive McNaughton, marketing manager at local distributing firm, Eurostar Motors, told the Observer the value of the sponsorship is "around $1 million", but a long-standing deal all depends on the success of this year's event.

Over 120 amateur golfers are expected to traverse the lush par-72 course, with several sporting icons down to compete.

Former West Indies players Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Jeffery Dujon, Maurice Foster and Courtney Walsh have been listed as "special celebrity guests" for the event.

And according to the organisers, efforts are also being made to have West Indian batting legends Sir Viv Richards and Brian Lara among the stars parade on one of the island's favourites golf courses, famous for its elevated tees and challenging 12th hole.

Meantime, a lot of focus will be on last year's champion, TV Allen, who told the Observer he is "working harder" in practice to defend his title and travel to the beautiful South American country.

The tournament, which is in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the UWI, will be scored under the Stableford format using a 7/8 handicap.

Speaking during the launch, Gordon Hutchinson, president of the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA) and director at the UWI Golf Development Foundation, pointed to the important links being forged between the JGA and the university.

According to Hutchinson, the JGA/UWI Golf Scholarship is one such initiative that is already bearing fruit through national golfer Damion Spencer, a 2004 recipient who will be graduating this year with a bachelor's degree in banking and finance.

David Mais, chairman of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), highlighted the importance of helping Jamaican youths living in underprivileged communities.

Over the years the UWI Golf Classic has become one of the premier events on the local golfing calendar.

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