Plantations give big boost to Tobago golf

THE development of Plantations Beach and Golf Resort at Lowlands has given a significant boost to the game in the sister isle.

The 18-hole 7,000 yard par 72 championship course is the shining star of a Master Community planned by property developers Guardian Life of the Caribbean and Angostura Limited on 750 acres of prime real estate. Apart from providing a top class course for up and coming golf stars in Trinidad and Tobago to play on, it has attracted several international stars, more recently for the Seniors Tour competition which was shown on cable television worldwide. One person who is pleased with this development is the most recognised name in local golf, Carlos “Sexy” Baynes, a product of Bethel and a more than average footballer. The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Works Department employee said he sees great things ahead of Tobago golf and would like to get involved in the junior programme at some stage. Baynes shares the same optimism as Chris Patey, the amiable Scoresman who is Director of Golf at Plantations and who harbours the wish of producing a national junior player from Tobago within the next couple years.

Baynes has been selected on the team for the annual regional championships to be staged at Plantations from August 3 to 10 and expressed confidence in his form and ability to do well. “I just have one concern. My putting needs some work and I intend to concentrate on my short game just in time for the Caribbean Championships,” he said late last week during a tour of the magnificent facility. Also present was fellow Tobagonian Jesse Jattan, picked as a reserve for the Mid-Amateur contest but who has been in ripping form recently and is optimistic of squeezing into the reckoning. The restaurant owner recently won the Open Division of the South Caribbean Championships by an emphatic six strokes. “I have improved greatly over the past months,” said Jattan.