The Legends Golf Tour will be held in Barbados for a second year at Apes Hill Barbados Golf Resort and Community, from April 25 to 27.
The event returns to the Apes Hill property following resounding praise for the venue as a world-class facility, having hosted the event in May 2024. This was disclosed by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) Director of Marketing, Robert Chase, during a media launch this yesterday at the Apes Hill’s Club House, St. James.
Mr. Chase noted that the BTMI is an official sponsor of the tournament and values its partnership with the Barbados Legends and Apes Hill Barbados, as it takes steps to reinforce the island as not only a world-class holiday destination but also a premier choice for sports tourism.
“The Barbados Legends, part of the esteemed European Tour Group, presents an incredible opportunity for Barbados to shine on a global stage. With a target audience of affluent individuals aged 45 to 65, this event aligns seamlessly with our strategic goals to attract high-net-worth visitors, who are seeking unique premium experiences….
“What excites us most about this partnership is its far reaching impact. The tournament will broadcast globally through the Tour’s collaboration with Sky Sports in the UK and many other global broadcasters, ensuring that Barbados is showcased to millions of viewers across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. Additionally, the presence of over 200 professional amateur players, along with their families and friends, further amplifies economic and cultural benefits to our island,” Director Chase stated.
The BTMI official also shared that the tournament has a community initiative component, where Barbadian youth will be introduced to the sport.
European Legends Tour’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Phil Harrison, noted that The Legends Tour is the current name of the European Senior Tour and is the official tour for players over 50. It is part of the PGA European Tour alongside the DP World Tour and European Challenge Tour, and provides the greatest amateur experience in golf with opportunities to play alongside legends of golf.
Mr. Harrison indicated that the Barbados leg will have 60 players from all over the world, including South Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and last year’s tournament winner Peter Baker, from the United Kingdom, competing for a total of US$600,000 in prize money.
Apes Hill’s Director of Golf, Jody Addison, said: “We are delighted to host the Legends Tour for the second time of a three-year partnership, welcoming back some of the biggest legends in the game of golf, including former Rally Golf stars and major winners. As we continue our journey and vision to become the Caribbean’s best golf and lifestyle venue, we’re truly honoured to host such a prestigious event … having only just opened in 2022, [and] we look forward to welcoming the players and spectators to what promises to be a spectacular event showcasing the inspiring nature of Apes Hill.”
Tour and host ambassador, Ian Woosnam, said it was a delight to be the ambassador for the tournament, and “in a way” also for Barbados and Apes Hill.
He said the “players absolutely love it” here in Barbados, just as he does. Mr. Woosnam added that he purchased a home here more than 30 years ago and he hopes to continue being an ambassador. (PR/GIS)
Caption: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) Director of Marketing, Robert Chase, speaking at today’s media launch for the Legends Golf Tour. He is joined by (left to right) – European Legends Tour’s Chief Executive Officer, Phil Harrison; Apes Hill’s Director of Golf, Jody Addison; and last year’s tournament winner Peter Baker. of the United Kingdom.
