Golf: Grand Open qualifiers round on September 2: |11 September 2023
A resounding success
The Seychelles Golf Course witnessed a thrilling spectacle on Saturday September 2 as the second prestigious golf tournament, sponsored and organised by Gran Kaz and ISPC, took centre stage.
With 60 golfers teeing off as early as 8am, the day was filled with competitive spirit, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments as golfers vied for coveted spots in the finals set to unfold on December 2 at the Lemuria golf course on Praslin.
A day of exceptional golf
The Grand Open qualifiers round showcased outstanding golfing talent in various categories, with winners emerging in both individual and pairs divisions. The competition was fierce, but the players rose to the challenge, making this day an unforgettable one for all involved.
A day of celebration
Despite the overcast weather, spirits remained high throughout the day, showcasing the unwavering passion of the golfing community.
The event concluded with a delightful garden party courtesy of ISPC, offering participants the perfect opportunity to relax, socialise, and celebrate their achievements. The prize-giving ceremony was the cherry on top, honouring the outstanding performers of the day.
Speaking on behalf of Gran Kaz at the prize-giving ceremony, PR and communications manager Shama Amesbury explained that behind Gran Kaz’s commitment to community enrichment and engagement in promoting holistic development lies a firm belief that a company's success is intertwined with the well-being of the society it serves.
“Recognising the transformative power of sports, Gran Kaz aspires to kindle interest and active participation in different sporting disciplines, thus not only bolstering physical well-being but also serving as a potent tool to combat social challenges,” said Ms Amesbury.
In his speech during the prize-giving ceremony, the chief executive (CEO) of ISPC, Alfred Fourcroy, said:
“It is with great happiness and satisfaction that ISPC sees the qualifying event of the Grand Open 2023 (ISPC Masters 2023) come to an end. Once again, we brought the community together not only around golf but also the art of living, with the breakfast, drinks, and a selection of canapés that delighted everyone at the garden party. As previously stated, it is ISPC's raison-d'être to provide enjoyment to the community through events of this nature. We aim not only to showcase our expertise in food but also to create magical moments that leave lasting memories for everyone.
In its seventh edition, the ISPC Masters, now in its second edition under the name Grand Open in collaboration with Gran Kaz, has become a much awaited event. Each year, we will strive to make it greater and more surprising. For this, we can rely not only on the support of the community but also on the impeccable work of our teams.
Now, we eagerly look towards the future and begin working on the big final on December 2 on Praslin at the prestigious Lemuria Resort and Golf Club, where we will make every effort to surprise the players and guests once again. This time, for the first time, we will have guests from abroad.”
Winners in different categories:
Best back nine: Craig Garrett with 22 points
Best front nine: Jerry Jean-Baptiste with 22 points
Ladies’ category: Magaret Pragassen with 34 points
Second place individual: Vishal Shah with 42 points
Individual winner: Riaz Aumeeruddy with 44 points
Second place pairs: Gibran Rizvi and Ken Zhou with 74 points
Pairs winners: Jean Yves Asba and Femi Kasmaier with 75 points
Rewards galore
The winners of the Grand Open qualifiers round walked away with a trove of exciting prizes, courtesy of Gran Kaz and ISPC. Their bounty included playing credit vouchers and FNB vouchers from Gran Kaz, bottles of Bottega, and 24 packs of Heineken from ISPC.
The pairs category winners, Jean Yves Asba and Femi Kasmaier, clinched a grand prize sponsored by Gran Kaz. They will be landing on the Lemuria course in style, via Zil Air helicopter transfer, promising them an unforgettable journey to the finals.
Road to the finals
With the Grand Open qualifiers round serving as the crucial gateway to the finals, the top 10 pairs secured their spots in ascending order. The final standings were as follows:
Jean Yves Asba and Femi Kasmaier
Gibran Rizvi and Ken Zhou
Riaz Aumeeruddy and Peter Bennett
Sunil Shah and Vishal Shah
Damien Hoareau and Jerry Jean-Baptiste
Margaret Pragassen and Edwin Palmer
Catney Laporte and Prakash Chetty
Guy Adam and Godfrey Andrade
Craig Garrett and Paul Gordine
Johan Hanekom and Sean Beamish
The Grand Open qualifiers round on Saturday September 2 was an undeniable success, not only in terms of competition but also in fostering a sense of community and sportsmanship among golf enthusiasts.
As the tournament progressed to its grand finals on December 2, and all eyes were on the exceptional talent that emerged from this remarkable day of golf, Gran Kaz and ISPC have once again demonstrated their commitment to promoting sports and creating memorable moments for the Seychelles golfing community.
Contributed
