Coveted Four-ball title up for grabs

Calling all amateur golfers — the 2013 Bermuda Amateur Four-Ball Championships are scheduled to be played from Friday, November 8 to Sunday, November 10 at Port Royal Golf Course. 

The tournament is open to all amateur golfers with an official and up-to-date handicap index.

Bermuda Golf Association Golf Administrator Gary Venning said in a press release: “The BGA is pleased to be holding the Bermuda Four-Ball Championships again this year.

“Alex Madeiros and Port Royal have been great in helping us prepare for the tournament, and we’re happy to announce a significant reduction in the entry fee from a year ago.”

The tournament is a 54-hole better-ball stroke play event for teams of two, played at 90 and 95 per cent of course handicap for men and women, respectively. 

Teams can choose to enter in one of three divisions – men’s championship, men’s first flight, or women’s championship.

Venning added: “It’s not often in tournament golf that you’re able to compete with a team-mate, so it makes for a nice change and definitely brings a different dynamic into play. 

“In addition, because the event is being held so soon after the PGA Grand Slam, players will also benefit from the course being in great tournament condition.”

The Four-Ball is one of Bermuda’s oldest national amateur golf championships. The inaugural event was played back in 1953, which means next weekend will mark the 60th anniversary of the men’s competition. The women’s event was introduced in 1977.

Rich history

The popular team event has always been a highly-coveted prize, with many of the island’s most recognizable players having lifted the trophy.

Bill Pitt Jr. holds the record for most wins in the men’s championship with six, while former amateur, turned professional, Judithanne Astwood-Outerbridge, has won the women’s title an unprecedented nine times.

The deadline to enter next week’s event is Monday, November 4. 

The entry fee is $450 per team ($225 per person); inclusive of cart, with Port Royal & eligible BJGA members offered a reduced fee of $150 per person. 

For more information, or to request an entry form, please visit the BGA website at www.bermudagolf.org, or contact the BGA Office on 295-9972, or at [email protected].