The Tribune

NOT only is the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic attracting hundreds of avid golf fans to the gorgeous destination, but it is also opening the door to countless opportunities for young Bahamian golfers such as 14-year-old Ashley Michel.

Ashley got an opportunity of a lifetime when she teed off at the Pro-Am Competition in the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Challenge for the first time in her career.

The competition, which was held yesterday, is an opportunity for amateurs to play with tour players and the occasional celebrity to compete in a best-ball fivesome. While the competition may have served as a friendly game to some, to others such as Ashley it’s a step into one-day competing in the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic.

Ashley said her next goal is to be a full participant, next year.

“Since it was my first year, I didn’t expect much. I was just trying out for the qualifiers and even though I didn’t make it, I’m happy with what I did. It’s not easy to go out there and do something perfectly, one shot,” she said.

Ashley is also thankful to be able to emulate the professional players and use it to perfect her golfing game.

“It’s good to be here and meet new people that eventually turn into role models. Competitions such as this show young players the competitive edge they need to compete,” Ashley said.

“We as junior players come in and we meet everyone that has been working and playing for years, seeing them work so hard and fight for what they have, I just wish to be there some time. I pray the next day, it’ll be me.”

This year the tournament hosted two kids clinics in an effort to inspire young Bahamians. This past Saturday, Bahamian professional golfer, Georgette Rolle and LPGA golfers Casey Grice and Regina Plasencia lead the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Junior Clinic at the Blue Hills Driving Range. On Tuesday, LPGA players Ally McDonald and Paula Reto greeted more than 60 boys and girls for the annual RBC Junior Clinic held on the driving range at the Ocean Club.

This is the fifth time that the first leg of the LPGA season has been held in The Bahamas and the Deputy Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson believes that events of this nature are great for The Bahamas.

“We have the opportunity to showcase the Islands of The Bahamas to the world and the benefit is the fact that 600 people are here to this event,” he said.

President of the Bahamas Golf Federation, Glenn Archer said the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic presented opportunities not only to the country but to golfing in The Bahamas.

“It is an event like this, that has inspired gold and the growth of the game here in The Bahamas. It’s really a memorable event and gave an opportunity and inspired the young people of this community for the future,” he said.

The official tournament officially kicks off today through January 29 with free admission and free parking.

One hundred and eight golfers from around the world are teeing off at the beautiful One and Only Ocean Club Golf Course for the first leg of the LPGA season.

The Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic is sponsored by 35 organisations including; Aliv. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, John Bull and Royal Bank of Canada.