From Digicel Sportsmax

Several of the world’s top golfers, playing in the Cayman Islands Golf Invitational, had nothing but praise for the island’s golf courses. The two-day event took place over the weekend at the 18-hole North Sound Golf Club.

Former world No.1 David Duval headlined the field of competitors that included Peter Hanson, Rich Beem and Kim Welch.

Thirty-eight-year-old Richard S. Johnson is among those who have been to Cayman on past occasions. The Swede, who lives in Jupiter, Florida, says local greens have retained their charm over the years.

“This is the fifth year; we had a great time,” Johnson said.

“We’ve been here so many years, we know most of the guys that are playing here. It truly is a nice week for all of us to come. We’re all pretty much on vacation; this is a family week. We all hang on the beach and play golf for a couple hours with these guys. It’s very relaxed. We care a little bit, but it’s not very serious.”

The invitational featured 44 players in 22 pairs. Among the locals to compete were Stu Sybersma (Duval’s playing partner), Joey Hew, Chris Kirkconnell and a handful of top amateurs, including Michael Wight, Colin Mackay and Tracy Moore. Thomas Levet was this year’s winner, with the top squad being the Camana Bay team of Nigel Bates, Cameron Graham and Isabel Mendes (formerly Lawson).

A junior clinic featured trick shot specialist David Edwards. The Doncaster, England, native has travelled to more than 50 countries, performed at major events including the British Open and the Ryder Cup, and impressed the likes of Rory McIlroy. Edwards, 59, says he wants to work with Cayman’s youth in the future.

For more on this story go to: http://www.sportsmax.tv/?q=articles/2014/12/15/cayman-golf-pros-hail-courses