Defending Champions Blue Hills CC Wins Jamaica Invitational Pro Am “Annie’s Revenge” in Montego Bay
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Defending champions Blue Hills Country Club from Kansas City are first time repeat winners walking away with top honors at the eighth annual Jamaica Invitational Pro-Am “Annie’s Revenge”, presented by Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum. The three round event which uses the one best ball net format, was played on two of Jamaica’s finest golf courses Cinnamon Hill and White Witch in Montego Bay.
With a capacity field comprising teams from the United States and Canada vying for top honors, Blue Hills CC, led by golf professional Todd Loechler with amateurs John Shultz, Robert Ravenhill and Nikki Cannezarro, captured the Championship with a 54-hole cumulative score of 239. Angus Glen Country Club from Canada with amateurs Gary Goulding, Michael Evans, Conrad Campbell and golf professional Andrew Ximines Fallon were runners-up eight strokes behind at 247.
First time participant Stu Ingraham, golf professional representing Mgolf in Pennsylvania was the leading money winner pocketing $5,650 USD.
“Jamaica Invitational Pro-Am “Annie’s Revenge” has grown over the years and with the support of our new presenting sponsor Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, we look forward to continue to expand the tournament’s reach. Jamaica’s world-class golfing is second to none in the Caribbean, and we are proud to support such a wonderful event that brings teams from all over the world to the island. Congratulations to this year’s winners and we look forward to hosting even more teams in 2014,” says Donnie Dawson, Jamaica’s Deputy Director of Tourism for Sales, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).
Past champions 1757 Golf Club of Virginia, comprising amateurs Alan Waxler, Tom Oliver, Noel Sloley and golf professional Rick Burk took home top honors in Flight B of the Championship Round with a cumulative score of 249; while Windsor Parke Golf Club of Florida and the team of Steve Ivey, Rae Marks, Keith Williams and golf professional Kirk Jones claimed the runner-up spot with a score of 256.
In the Challenge Round, where final round scores were based on a two-best ball 18-hole shootout for teams not making the 36-hole cut, Bella Vista Country Club from New Jersey with golf pro Chris Dzergoski and amateurs John Gutzeit, Joe Melfi and John Castoro scored 127 to win by four strokes in Flight C over Kishwaukee Country Club from Illinois with amateurs Dave Sarich, brothers Michael and John Larson, and golf professional David Paeglow.
Rounding out the winners at the three round tournament were Bent Creek Country Club of Pennsylvania with 134 where amateurs Jim Eberle, Joe Lutz, Timothy Whalen and golf professional Jim Haus emerged winners in Flight D. Country Club of Miami with amateurs Eileen Carol, Jewel Rokx, Cees Rokx and professional Herb Smith were runners-up seven strokes behind the South Florida team.
Blue Hills Country Club Members
“Annie’s Revenge is excited to welcome on board several new partners this year which augurs well for the continued success of the tournament and golf in Jamaica,” says Tom Jaronski, Tournament Director and President of The Golf Connection LLC. “Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum’s increased participation as well as the support of Cobra Puma Golf have served to enhance the tournament for our participants and their guests which has helped to set Annie’s Revenge apart from other destination pro-ams.”
Golf Professionals competed for an increased $30,000 US prize purse, courtesy of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum and Iberostar, while amateurs vied for a wide array of prizes donated by sponsors American Airlines, Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, Cobra Puma Golf, Iberostar Grand Rose Hall and Jamaica Tours Limited.
With a new presenting sponsor this year, an additional feature of this year’s tournament was the Appleton Estate Shootout at Annie’s Revenge, which provided an optional 4th round of play for attendees wishing to extend their stay in Jamaica. A modified Stableford scoring system is being used, which features team and individual competition and a “Shoot for the Flag” style of play.
The Jamaica Invitational Pro-Am, presented by Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum is managed by The Golf Connection LLC with the support of the Jamaica Tourist Board, American Airlines (official airline), Cobra Puma Golf (official apparel and golf club), Bridgestone Golf (official ball), Jamaica Tours Limited (official transportation provider), Chukka Caribbean Adventures (official adventure tour), and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts (official hotel).
