SANDALS Resorts International yesterday announced a sponsorship package, valued at US$30,000 (J$3 million), of Jamaican golfer Wesley Brown to compete professionally in the National Golf Association Pro Tour which kicks off on Monday in the United States.

Brown, a caddy at the Sandals Golf and Country Club, is expected to leave the island today and will join the ranks of professional golfers from around the world competing in the 10-tournament series over a 12-week period, as he seeks to realise his dream of matching skills with the likes of Tiger Woods on the US PGA Tour.

In announcing the sponsorship at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club, general manager of Sandals Grande Riviera Brian Roper said Sandals Resorts International stands committed to the development of golf in the island, both at the amateur and professional levels.

Roper noted that Brown has had a spectacular amateur career and his company saw it as a solid investment in his future.

“He is a very good player, with a great attitude and we think he can go a far way in the world of professional golf,” said Roper.

President of the Jamaica Golfers Association, Wayne Chai Chong, lauded Sandals for their continued investment in the development of the sport locally. He noted that the sponsorship would allow Brown a solid platform and was confident he would do the island proud.

Meanwhile, Brown thanked Sandals for the sponsorship and their help in his development and was looking forward to the series of tournament. He said he was pleased with his training and expected to offer stiff competition to his more experienced counterparts.

Brown will begin his quest on Monday at the Sandpiper Bay Golf Club in North Carolina.

“I am very proud of my development and confident that my abilities will take me a far way. I know that the competition will be fierce, but with the help of Sandals I know I will succeed,” Brown noted.

Since turning professional late last year, Brown has won two tournaments and had a second place finish from four starts, including topping the 2012 Alliance Buccaneers Memorial tournament. His top 20 finish in the 2012 US Open Qualifiers was marked by a strong showing, which culminated with his leading at the half-way point.