The Tribune

COMPETITION on the course may be on a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the Bahamas was still engaged with the international women’s golf community through a new initiative.

Belén Mozo of Spain was the winner of the first Islands of The Bahamas Virtual Shootout, hosted Wednesday night by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. The virtual closest to the pin golf shootout, streamed live on the WGT Youtube, featured 16 contestants.

Mozo topped a field that included two-time Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic Champion Brittany Lincicome, 2019 Bahamas Shootout Champion Alison Lee, long drive champion Troy Mullins, and trick shot artist Tania Tare.

The competition format was “survive and advance” in a March Madness-style bracket configuration. The livestream benefitted the Bahamas Red Cross.

“While the current environment has impacted the way golf players and fans enjoy the sport, The Islands Of The Bahamas remains a top golf destination, so we are thrilled that we are able to virtually bring fans to the course to watch the Closest to the Pin golf shootout from the comfort of their own homes,” said Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, deputy director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation.

The event underscores the unique, ongoing relationship between Global Golf Management and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

Previously, GGM and BMOT partnered with the LPGA Tour to conduct the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic at Ocean Club Golf Course.

In 2019, the Bahamas White Sands Golf Series was launched. The series featured a Pro-Am event, custom television content, and a NCAA golf invitational that included top men’s and women’s teams.

The Bahamas White Sands Series is scheduled to return in 2021.

“Global Golf has served as a conduit for the sport of professional golf for 28 plus years and the Virtual Golf Shootout allowed us to develop a unique concept with existing and new partners,” said Jeff Raedle, principal at Global Golf Management.

“Our goal was to pivot from some of the traditional golf activities and provide the golfers, fans and corporate partners like The Islands of the Bahamas, Atlantis, LPGA TOUR and WGT by Topgolf new opportunities to connect with each other. What a great opportunity to showcase an incredible destination that is very close to our hearts, see world-class athletes compete online, and continue to work with extraordinary partners,” added Raedle.