Willemstad, Curacao (April 9, 2015) – The 9th annual MCB Curacao Masters got under way today under gusty winds at the beautiful Blue Bay Golf. Twenty-eight professionals and 39 amateurs, including three CJGA members, Ty Celone, Keaton Gudz, and Charles Thompson teed it up in today’s first round. The professionals will be playing in a three day stroke play competition for the Curacao Cup while the amateurs will be battling for the Curacao Top Amateur title.
Charles Thompson led Team CJGA today with a round of 76 (+4) on the challenging Rocky Rocquemore designed course. “It was tough day with the wind. It was the strongest I’ve ever played in” said Thompson. “It really tested my mental game. I honestly just tried to stay alive today but hitting dry land.” After a four over front nine Thompson begin his back nine with some solid shots, giving him some confidence. “I said to myself just swing at it instead of steering it. Thompson will now turn his focus to tomorrow and trying to move up the leader board.
It was a struggle today for Victoria, BC native Keaton Gudz, who finished the day shooting 81 (+9). “I wasn’t happy with my front nine today” said Gudz referring to his triple bogey on hole 6. “I wasn’t hitting the ball bad, I was just playing shots I’ve never done before because of the wind.” Although it was a bad start, Gudz can see the advantages of the competition. “It’s been fun playing golf and traveling together as a team.”
Ty Celone joined his teammates today on the golf course after recovering from an illness. Still feeling under the weather in the blazing sun Celone finished the day shooting 82 (+10). “It was a grind today. With not feeling well I just try to post a number that wouldn’t put me out of the tournament.” Like his fellow teammates Celone also struggled with the wind. “Gauging the strength of the wind was tough. I didn’t trust myself hitting some shots.” Celone also saw the advantages of playing with the professionals. “It was cool playing with James (Love). He is a great golfer and has a lot knowledge of the game playing on the Web.com Tour.” When asked what the plan for tomorrow will be, Celone simply replied “one shot at a time.”
On the professional side, Canadian Scott Stiles of Calgary, Alberta opened with a round of 72 (E) for a share of the first round lead. Stiles, a member of PGA TOUR Canada and a CJGA alumnus, is making his first appearance at the MCB Curacao Invitational Pro-Am. Other Canadian professionals in the field include James Love of Calgary, Alberta who opened with a round of 75 (+3) and Andrew Jensen of Ottawa, Ontario who also shot 75 (+3).
The 9th annual MCB Curacao Masters continues tomorrow at both Blue Bay and Emmastad Golf Course. The professionals will be joined by their teams of amateurs for the Pro-Am competition which will take place over two days. The top 14 professionals from today’s round will compete at Emmastad GC tomorrow and close out the event at Blue Bay on Saturday.
For tournament information and to follow the results check out the official tournament website.
MCB Curacao Masters Tournament Website
With direct flights from Curacao to Canada, the chance has never been easier to get away to this spectacular Caribbean island, whether it be for a golf getaway or family vacation, Curacao has it all.
About Blue Bay Curacao Golf & Beach Resort
On your way to the golf course you hear a rustling sound. A bright green iguana emerges from the grass. You remain motionless, admiring the rich colors of this pre-historic creature. On sensing that it is not alone, the iguana raises itself high on its paws and quickly disappears in the shrubs. You continue walking towards the golf course, where you and your neighbor plan to play a relaxing round. Will you succeed this time in conquering that notorious water hazard at hole five?
Blue Bay is the most versatile resort in Curacao, where the residential and vacation destination combine harmoniously. Its major assets include its central location at Curacao’s Southern coast, its breathtaking sea views and a varied landscape where you can meet tropical animals in the wild. And if you consider the many facilities that include the beautiful and lively beach, the restaurants and bars and the unique 18-hole golf court along the sea, you will understand that this is an attractive residential and vacation venue in sunny Curacao.
Meet and mingle
The vision behind the Blue Bay concept is, that both permanent residents and vacationers should have a great time. This is why the residential and holiday accommodations are located in different parts of the resort. The binding elements are the facilities like the beach, the golf course and the tennis courts, where people meet and mingle in a relaxed atmosphere.
Vacationers enjoy the freedom of their own luxury apartment or villa and the use of the pools, combined with typical hotel amenities such as a linen service, cleaning and room service.
Many of the house owners are former vacationers who chose to settle down in Blue Bay. Blue Bay is also popular with second homeowners. The real estate offering in Blue Bay is remarkably varied and includes villas and apartments as well as an ample selection of construction plots. For some of the apartments and villas a hotel formula applies, enabling you to earn back your investment under attractive conditions.
Do you want to know more?
Follow the example of many present Blue Bay proprietors: book a holiday in Blue Bay and experience it for yourself! www.bluebay-curacao.com
About Curaçao:
Curaçao is a unique Caribbean island paradise, boasting 35 uncrowded beaches and an eclectic mix of history and culture. For centuries, Curaçao has held a vibrant and rich culture rooted in its history. The heritage of the island is both European and African – representing more than 50 nationalities. Dutch, Spanish, and English – as well as the local language, Papiamentu are spoken on the island today.
Art and music are an important part of Curaçao’s culture as the island is home to a multitude of talented artists, photographers, sculptors, and designers, many with galleries on the island. Known amongst foodies as a culinary heaven, Curacao boasts a variety of sidewalk cafés, gourmet restaurants offering international dishes and local eateries influenced by a melting pot of nationalities. From fresh fish to fine dining, gumbo to the grill, Curaçao has something to delight every palate.
Explore the undiscovered, exclusive hideaway that is Curaçao and uncover its many wonders. Relax and unwind amidst Curacaoäns working, playing and enjoying life to its fullest – the same as they have done for generations.
About the Canadian Junior Golf Association
The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is a “registered Canadian amateur athletic association” (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada. The CJGA is dedicated to providing Canada’s junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf.
Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit www.cjga.com.
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Partner, Freedom 55 Financial, which provides financial security advice and planning for Canadians.
For Additional Information:
John Lawrence
Managing Director, Tour Operations
john.lawrence@cjga.com
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