The Saint Lucia Golf Association produced a memorable result with its latest tournament, raising $120 000 for the Jamaica Golf Association. The Hurricane Melissa Relief Tournament was held on Saturday, November 8, at the Cap Estate Golf and Country Club. A total of 48 golfers competed in teams of two, with a relaxed and engaging better-ball format.
The tournament came just 11 days after Hurricane Melissa swept through western Jamaica as the third-most intense Atlantic tropical cyclone on record. The Category 5 storm, the strongest ever to make landfall on Jamaica, has led to at least 45 fatalities, and the United Nations set the baseline for damage at US$6 billion.
Like the rest of Jamaican society, the golf community was hit hard. Facilities were damaged, players and caddies lost family and property. The JGA had just held the Caribbean Golf Association 4-Ball Championship two weeks prior in Montego Bay, with a team from Saint Lucia taking part. The hosts won the title for the sixth time, beating Trinidad and Tobago in a close finish. But now, everything was upended.
With all that in mind, Saint Lucia’s golfers sprang to action, in particular Dwayne King and Andre Dhanpaul, the latter of whom had competed at the CGA Championships. More than 80 sponsors, including Xhale Luxury Villa and Jade Mountain, came on board. Golf Saint Lucia endorsed the concept, and Sandals Saint Lucia stepped in as hosts.
“Putting this tournament together was a real labour of love,” said Dhanpaul, who grew up in Jamaica before moving to Saint Lucia. “We were simply overwhelmed by the response from our members, and it just goes to show that we can achieve so much in a very short time when our friends and neighbours are in need.”
“On behalf of the Jamaica Golf Association, I wish to extend our deepest gratitude to the executive of the Saint Lucia Golf Association, and the entire Saint Lucian golfing fraternity and family, for your extraordinary generosity and support during this challenging time,” said Jodi Mun-Barrow, president of the JGA.
“In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, many of our caddies and their families have faced unimaginable losses. Your support has brought not just relief, but hope, comfort, and a reminder that we are never alone. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us, for showing kindness, and for reminding us of the true spirit of our golfing family. We will never forget your support.”
Golf Saint Lucia extended its full support to the JGA and all staff, caddies and personnel affected by Hurricane Melissa. “We hope our collective efforts bring relief and encouragement during this challenging time,” read an Instagram post from the organisation. “In this world, we are never alone. Together, we achieve greatness.”
Aside from the $120 entry fee, a silent auction gave participants an additional opportunity to contribute. Businesses and individuals were also able to make direct contributions toward the relief efforts. Among the prizes were dinner for two at Sandals, a day pass at Royalton, and bamboo rafting for two.
The tournament was won by the team of Anselm Mathurin and Simone Skinner, shooting 12-under 59. Ed Lewis and Myung Suk Kim shot 9-under 62, whilst there was a two-way tie for third place, and a five-way tie for fifth.
