Take a walk with Ryder Cup winners at World Par-3

Anthony Mocklow, the director of golf at Turtle Hill GC, has urged the island’s golf fans to make the most of having the Grey Goose World Par-3 Championship on their doorstep.

An array of golf stars will tee it up on Saturday at the Fairmont Southampton course, which gives spectators a genuine opportunity to get up close to the pros’ short game.

Heading the field for the two-round event are former European Ryder Cup players Ronan Rafferty, Barry Lane and Gordon Brand Jr, who have 20 European Tour wins between them.

PGA Tour winner Ian Leggatt, three-time European Senior Tour winner and amateur legend Gary Wolstenholme, and two-time European Tour winner Mark Mouland are also competing in the event.

Bill Longmuir and Oscar Floren are also in the mix, while web.com tour player Michael Sims heads up the local interest.

It all adds up to what promises to be two days of thrilling par-3 golf.

Mocklow told the Bermuda Sun: “The reality is that there is not too many people will get the chance, in Bermuda especially, when the average 15 handicapper or club member can walk the fairways with someone who has won the Ryder Cup.

“In the tournament you are walking the course with guys that have got three or four million dollars career-earning potential. If you want to find out how important the short game is, come down and walk with them - and you don’t have to stay behind the ropes.”

Mocklow has made no secret of his ambitions for the tournament and again stated his belief that it will eventually be televised — the Golf Channel has already expressed an interest — and overtake the Grand Slam of Golf.

He said: “This is not me being arrogant, and I’ve been quite open about this, that I believe we will eventually take the place of the Grand Slam as the main televised event that brings golfers to the island.

“The Champions Tour has just approved a par-3 event and to me that means my dream has been validated that this event is a potential home run.”

On the social side of the event, the accompanying  Golf Live Dinner will take place on Saturday night with the Golf Channel’s lead analyst Charlie Rymer conducting interviews.  Win McMurray, a Golf Channel anchor will also be there. 

Tickets are available at bdatix.com for $125 with part proceeds benefiting the Bermuda Sea Turtle Project. n