Persistent rain did little to dampen spirits as the 20th annual USA Travel Advisors Golf tournament roared to an exuberant end with the awards ceremony at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in St Ann on Monday.

Though very wet conditions at Sandals Upton Estate Golf and Country Club effectively ruled out any action on Sunday’s opening day, Monday offered some respite from the weather, and the golfers were able to complete nine holes.

Team 6, after topping all comers in 2022 and ending second last year, returned to the victory podium on Monday. Team 6, comprising Jeremy Lee, David Schutz — both situated in Alabama — and the Wisconsin-based father and son pair of David and Adam Anderson, scored 61.

Team 13, which featured JanoWullie Billie, Brandon Kendrick, Chris Garton and Mark Deffenbaugh, finished second with 62.

Team 6’s Captain Lee said the tournament, which offers the chance to showcase Jamaica’s golf tourism product, was another big hit with the travel advisors.

“I think in general, we all could have shot a little bit better, but the weather played into it. Thankfully, there was no thunder or lightning and we ended up coming out okay,” he said, after picking up the winners’ prize.

“Just to get an invite to the tournament means a lot to me. This is my third year… it’s a huge deal. We’re really competitive, but we’re here to have fun, learn more about Sandals and Beaches Resorts products, and learn to sell more,” Lee added.

Garth Laird, vice-president of trade sales for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, noted the competitive spirit of the golfers throughout the tournament. “To be successful in life, you have to be competitive. These people are all the best at their game, but they’re also very competitive.

“So just to see them out there grinding on every putt, groaning on every missed shot, but celebrating every time they had a win or a birdie, it’s just exciting,” he said.

He added that three components encapsulate the tournament and related activities.

“I think the event itself is more than a golf tournament. It’s really about bringing advisors down, it’s about re-engaging with the product and what it has to offer. “If I can use three words: it’s love, legacy and learning. Love of the product, love ofthe destination, love of Jamaica; the legacy that Sandals offers to the greater audience of the travel agency community; and it’s also about learning,” Laird explained.

Lee insisted that Jamaica is his preferred destination when approached by potential travellers.

“I sell destinations all over the world, but when people call me every time they say, ‘what’s your favourite place?’ My answer is Jamaica. And they say, ‘why?’ And I say, ‘the people, the people in Jamaica are so genuine, so nice, so happy for us to be here’. The service is second to none — Jamaica is my favourite place in the world,” he said.

Organisers said they raised US $800 from the tournament which is to benefit the Sandals Foundation and its charity initiatives, including the transformational Care for Kids Junior Golf Programme. The Bill Williams-run junior programme helps numerous at-risk young people to identify mentors, develop life skills, and offers them upward social and economic mobility through sports.

— Sanjay Myers