The Bermuda Amateur Golf Association sent out the following Press Release.

The 2008 World Amateur Team Championships will be held in Adelaide, South Australia. They will be held from October 4th to the 19th. This event occurs every two years and is organized by the International Golf Federation. It is jointly supported by the R and A and the USGA.

The Bermuda Golf Association will be sending both Men’s and Ladies teams to this event. In the world of amateur golf, this competition is known as the “Olympics of Golf”. The men will be competing for the Eisenhour Trophy with close to 80 countries participating. The Bermuda Men finished tied 39th in 2006. A feat that this year’s team hope to better.

The Ladies compete for the Espirito Santo Trophy with about 60 countries entered. In 2006 Bermuda Ladies finished 32nd out of 42 countries. Many future professional golfers will be representing their countries. Amanda Blumenherst, the top USA college player and US Amateur Champion will be playing for the USA.

Past players in this competition include household names such as Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh and many, many more. The Ladies include Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, etc.

The Men’s team will consist of Daniel Augustus, Nick Jones and Jarryd Dillas whilst the Ladies will be represented by Tariqah Walikraam, Kim Botelho and Ebonie Burgess.

The above selection resulted from the 2008 Stroke Play Championships which were used as a playoff for those eligible to represent Bermuda. With the exception of Botelho, it is a very youthful team with ages from 18 to 22.

Captain of the Ladies Team will be Eddie Marshall whose daughter Kim is also playing. The Men’s Team will be captained by Rick Bartlett.

Accompanying the teams will be supporters Harry Botelho, Jan Marshall, Eardley Jones, Kevin Burgess and Cavon Spencer.

The event is played over 72 holes with the best two scores from each team counting each day. The two courses being used for this event are the Grange Golf Club and the Royal Adelaide Golf Club. Both have been used for championship events in the past and will provide a good test for golfers.

WHEW!! Now that my daughter is “Down Under” I can get back to judging music. Good luck everyone!