Golf association takes a swing at helping out

By Cayman Sports Buzz
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Updated: 8 April 2020

The islands’ golfing community may not be able to get together on the course right now, but they are hoping to collectively do good for some of those who have been there for them but have been impacted by the measures put in place to stem the flow of COVID-19.

The Cayman Islands Golf Association (CIGA) on Wednesday, 8 April, launched an initiative to support local charities and restaurants.

“We are asking Cayman’s golfing community to do some good. Simply support one of the many charitable organisations on islands that are working hard during this crisis. Donate $5 or donate $500. Do what you can,” the CIGA urged.

Another option is to support one of the association’s 15 restaurant partners by ordering takeaway or delivery. Restaurants are among the businesses hard-hit by the Cayman Islands shutdown, with many laying off employees whose services are not needed while restaurants are limited to take-out and curb side food collections by customers.

“The industry has long been a key supporter of golf in Cayman. They help fund junior development, our National Teams, our monthly stableford events, and the CIGA Pairs tournament. They need our help to get through this period. If you are thinking about ordering food, please consider supporting one of our partners,” the circular stated, adding that a list of the partners could be found on the association’s website, www.ciga.ky.

Once you have donated or supported a restaurant, click ‘register’ on the ciga.ky homepage. Provide your name and the name of the organisation you supported, although you are not required to disclose how much you donated.

At the same time, the CIGA announced it was supporting golf professionals at the North Sound Golf Club, Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Golf Course, The Golf Lab (Brad DeSchiffert) and Cayman Golf Guru (Kevin Hinton).

“We will be donating $10,000 by purchasing roughly 100 hours of teaching lessons,” stated a CIGA circular. “A portion of the teaching lessons will be used to promote junior and women’s golf development, two key programs for CIGA.”

The remaining lessons will go into a draw for use once the various facilities are open again. Although all members of the association are automatically entered to win, other members of the golfing community can also participate. With courses closed, golf pros are among those who are unable to work.

“We look forward to having the driving ranges and lesson facilities on Island full of golfers knocking the rust off their games. Let’s all hope we get through this crisis safely and that we will soon be back out on the course!” the circular from the CIGA Committee concluded.