The Sandals US Travel Advisors Golf tournament has become a staple in Jamaica’s tourism calendar, and its 21st staging at the Sandals Golf and Country Club in Upton, St Ann, was no exception, raising funds for local youth while promoting the island’s golf tourism offerings.

The two-day tournament, which concluded on Saturday, not only showcased Jamaica’s stunning golf courses but also raised US$2,025 for the Care for Kids programme, a local charity that provides golf lessons and life skills development to kids..

According to Jonathan Newnham, director of operations at Sandals Upton Estate, the tournament was a resounding success.

“The two days were great. We had great fields, 16 teams of four, 64 players, and it was great. The weather cooperated, and the feedback was great from the teams; they had a great turnout, and it was a great two days,” Newnham told the Jamaica Observer.

The tournament’s primary objective is to give travel agents a first-hand experience of Sandals’ product, allowing them to better sell it to their clients and Newnham emphasised the importance of this experience.

“It is important for us to give the travel agents…the exposure of what the product is, what Sandals offers in Jamaica, particularly the side of Upton Estate, so that they can, in turn, sell back to their guests and really get to experience first-hand,” he explained.

Newnham also highlighted the impact of the Care for Kids programme.

“We raised just over US$2,000 which is the most of all these tournaments have made and this goes directly to the Care for Kids programme as part of the foundation. And that is doing great; it is the heart and soul of the course at Upton, where every week we gave lessons to the kids and the surrounding communities free of charge.

“Yes, they are learning golf, but they are also learning lifelong lessons, patience, discipline, time management, honesty. These are critical skills that we believe are important to empower the generation,” he outlined.

Team #1 comprising Jeremy Lee, David Anderson, Adam Anderson, and David Schutz emerged victorious. They secured the top spot with a total score of 121 points, achieved through scores of 57 on day one and 64 on day two.

This winning team outpaced Team #5 — consisting of Pete Drab, Brad Beckman, Bruce Bentley, and Daryl Hubbard — who accumulated a total score of 125 points. Team #2, made up of Chris Garton, Mark Deffenbaugh, Brandon Kendrick, and Ross Kendrick, claimed third place with a total score of 127 points.

Lee, who is a part of the winning, expressed his excitement.

“It feels great. This three out of the last four years, every year is a struggle position as there are some golfers here but it is always great winning. It is never a bad day when you win,” he told the Observer.

He attributed their success to their strong teamwork and chemistry.

“Honestly, the first day we put the lights out; we couldn’t hardly miss putt and we build such a big lead but we had such a good chemistry. We have played together for four years and we just have a good chemistry and we feed off each other and we have a lot of fun,” he said.

Karen Mahror from Team #14 won the Women’s Closet to the Pin, while Harold Kelly from Team #2 won the Men’s Closet to the Pin sectional competition.

The Longest Drive for Women was won by Ro Gallo from Team #9 and Ryan Freeman from Team #10 won the Longest Drive for Men.

The Best Dressed Team award went to Team #3, consisting on Larry Field, Dennis Field, Craig Scime, and Mike Zuch. The Most Honest Team Score was won by Team #13 – Ro Gallo, Mike Tipple, Cara Dillion, and Jody Dillion.

Jake Coldiron ( left), Sandals National Sales Manager of Golf, and Gary Sadler ( right), executive vice-president of sales and industry relations at Unique Vacations, present the Closet to the Pin for Women award to Karen Mahror of Team #14 at the presentation ceremony of the 21st US Travel Advisors Golf Tournament held in the Ballroom at Sandals Ochi Resort on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

Ro Gallo (centre) of Team #9 collects her Longest Drive For Women from Jake Coldiron ( left), Sandals National Sales Manager of Golf, and Gary Sadler ( right), executive vice-president of sales and industry relations at Unique Vacations, at the presentation ceremony of the 21st US Travel Advisors Golf Tournament held in the Ballroom at Sandals Ochi Resort on Saturday, September 13, 2025.