Approximately 80 golfers will participate in the 15th annual United States Travel Agents Golf Tournament which tees off today at the Sandals Golf and Country Club in Ocho Rios.

The two-day event will comprise teams playing in a four-man scramble format, putting their skills to the test in various competitions throughout the tournament.

Categories to be contested include: Overall Champions and Runners Up; Closest to Pin Female; Closest to Pin Male; Longest Drive Female; Longest Drive Male.

Garth Laird, Sandals Resorts’ Director of Travel Industry Programmes, was upbeat about the event, noting that this year promises to be an amazing tournament.

“All is in place for what promises to be a great event,” Laird said. “The Travel Agent Golf Tournament is of great benefit to both Jamaica as a golfing destination and Sandals Resorts, as it gives the travel partners a chance to experience the products first hand and hence being better able to market the destination and facilities to their respective clients.”

Laird said there are many first-timers taking part this year which gives them a chance to experience the renovations done at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, the most complete destination in the Caribbean due to its myriad offerings.

“Areas such as the Ochi Beach Club, Rabbit Hole Speakeasy, Le Gourmand and Vista Sky Restaurants, have been the subject of much interest in the marketplace and will be on show during the event,” Laird observed.

The director also pointed to partnerships with local companies Red Stripe and Appleton which will showcase the partnerships with some of the country’s leading brands.

He also noted that the tournament was not just showcasing golf and Sandals, but offering the travel agents a chance to see a number of Jamaican hotels and attractions as some will be staying on the island after the event to enjoy the Jamaican hospitality.

The Sandals Resorts’ Director of Travel Industry Programmes noted that Jamaica is the most complete and visited destination in the Caribbean with a tourism product that is going from strength to strength, and his company is proud to be at the forefront of promoting it internationally.

Laird said that as a venue the Sandals Golf and Country Club has a distinct advantage over most courses.

“Our caddies play an important role as they are very good golfers themselves. Wesley Brown, Dane Bailey and Gifford Wilmot, who have all represented Jamaica in the Hoerman Cup event, are part of our staff.”

Sponsors for the Tournament include Appleton, Red Stripe, Wisynco and Jamaica Tourist Board.

The players will also participate in resort tours, meals and cocktails at Beaches Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club and Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios Jamaica throughout the event.

The awards presentation will take place tomorrow at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort.