Goodwill on the Green
For more than half a century tee-totalers have flocked to Bermuda for good golf — and goodwill.

Designed to promote Bermuda tourism and sporting camaraderie, the annual Goodwill Golf Tournament has been drawing avid club swingers since its launch in 1953. Last year the 54th championship pulled in 115 teams of four. The teams played the event over five days with one round each at Riddell's Bay, Belmont Hills, Port Royal, Tucker's Point and Mid Ocean golf courses.

This year's Goodwill tournament in December promises to deliver even more for golf fans, says tournament promoter Alex Madeiros, chief executive officer of To A Tee Bermuda Ltd, a golf management company.

"Upgrades and changes are in store for next year's event" Madeiros said at the 2006 awards ceremony at The Fairmont Southampton. "We will include 24-hour television coverage in each hotel of the day's golf and a modified ladies event. Everything we add to the event will encourage participation and return value to our participants. We are excited to bring more tourism to Bermuda and satisfaction to our players and guests."

In the 2006 event, Keir Smith of the National Golf Club was named Professional Junior Champion and winner of the Bacardi Rum Trophy after posting 15 points at Port Royal and a total score of 97 points. The second-place finisher was professional Michael Sherman of Rosedale CC - A, with 95 points after posting 15 points at Mid Ocean.

Jerry Bruner of Montebello CC was named Senior Professional Champion after posting 16 points at Tucker's Point and a five-day total of 93 points. Professional Adam Brown of The National Golf Club posted 14 points at Port Royal and finished in second place.

Image Kevin Murray/Riddell's Bay Golf and Country Club