The Tribune

The Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise's inaugural charity golf tournament was a much more than a "putting" success. It attracted well-known golf enthusiasts and supporters, including Rotarians, who answered the call to assist in the fundraising efforts for the autism classroom at the Sister Annie Thompson's Preschool.

The autism classroom offers a stable environment that facilitates participation of autistic children. It has clearly defined areas that support skills, increase educational engagement and independence in autistic students.

However, maintaining specialty classrooms such as this is an expensive undertaking that requires adequate funding. It is the reason Rotarians came together for the Nassau Sunrise Open, to lend support to the school.

The tournament took place at the Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar, with full golf carts participating in the two-man scramble.

There were four winning teams, led by overall first place winners Dwight Tinker and Ural Pratt.

"We are thrilled to have had a wonderful show of support for this inaugural tournament, a true first for our club. The public and Rotarians showed up and were hosted to a memorable day on the course, camaraderie, special sponsored gifts and prizes … all with passion and purpose" said Dr Sophia A Rolle, RCNS's president.

Also present was Rotary International's immediate past president, the Bahamas' very own Barry Rassin, who described the event as "an amazing experience".

"This was a wonderful mix of fellowship, fun and golfing," said Mr Rassin as he congratulated the club.

Winners took home gifts and prizes which included golf swag bags from J S Johnson; a stay at Small Hope Bay Lodge; gift baskets with bottles of wine, champagne and scotch from Commonwealth Brewery; rounds of golf at Sandals Emerald Bay; a twosome of golf at the Royal Blue Golf Course, and goodie bags stuffed with prizes from ALIV.

The tournament winners were:

1st place - Dwight Tinker and Ural Pratt

2nd place - Past District Governor Felix Stubbs and Rotary International's immediate Past President Barry Rassin

3rd place - John Kinger and Kelly Shouldice

4th place - Oswald Moore and Kelsey Rolle