"We are very proud to be associated with this historic event," said Errol K. Miller, LIME's regional vice-president, corporate communications, at yesterday's press launch where details of the sponsorship were announced at the LIME Golf Academy in New Kingston.

The value of the contribution is worth $3 million. Miller went on to described the opportunities that could arise from participating in the lucrative golfing event, to be held from December 2-5 at the Half Moon Golf Course.

"There is no question that this event is seen as a testing ground for young golfers, including Bruce Fliecher, who was a regular at the Jamaica Open," said Miller in reference to Fleicher, who became a multi-millionaire after he graduated to the senior PGA Tour, following his participation at the Open.

Wayne Chai Chong, president of the JGA, expressed gratitude for the investment by the telecoms firm, which facilitates the 46th staging of the Jamaica Open.

"LIME's sponsorship of the Jamaica Open is especially appreciated, considering the difficulties being experienced all around," said Chai Chong.

Breathing room

The JGA president further noted that because the sponsorship is for two years, it would give the JGA some breathing room and confidence that next year there will be a Jamaica Open.

Besides LIME, other sponsors confirmed are Half Moon Golf Course, Wray & Nephew through its brand Appleton, Anixter and Kilpatrick.

The director of golf at Half Moon, Ewan Peebles, said hosting the Jamaica Open fit their vision.

"Hosting the LIME Jamaica Open fits neatly into Half Moon's vision of establishing Jamaica and particularly Rose Hall as the premier golf destination in the Caribbean," said Peebles.

The Open will cost US$100,000 to stage, with prize money accounting for US$70,000. Major prizes are: first US$14,000, second US$8,000, third US$5,500, fourth US$4,000, fifth US$3,000 and sixth US$2,600. The entry fee is US$500 for professionals and US$250 for amateurs.

Wayne Chai Chong (second left), president of the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA), and Errol K. Miller (right), LIME's regional vice-president, corporate communications, hold the JGA championship trophy for the Jamaica Open, during the event's launch at the LIME Golf Academy in New Kingston yesterday. Looking on are Orville Marshall (second right), general secretary of JGA, and Ewan Peebles, director of golf at Half Moon Course, where the tournament will be held.