Barbados Celebrates Golf, Culture and Elegance at the 2025 Panama PGA Championship

Barbados showcased its vibrant culture, world-class golf tourism and unparalleled hospitality to an international audience of golf enthusiasts. At the official opening on January 29, the head table featured PGA Tour’s Rob Keller, Tournament Director Carlos Sacre, CGP General Manager Heath Henrich, CGP President Alvaro Tapia, and Corey Garrett, LATAM Director of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. The opening tee shot was delivered by Corey Garrett.

A highlight of the event was the activation on holes 10 and 18, where two award-winning Barbadian mixologists, Shane McClean and Phillip ‘Casanova’ Antoine, wowed attendees with their creativity, crafting signature cocktails inspired by the island’s unique flavours and incorporating traditional Barbadian snow cones into their mixes. Attendees also had the opportunity to enter a digital draw to win a trip to Barbados.

In addition to the activation, several notable figures participated in the PRO-Am tournament on January 29, where professional and amateur golfers had the opportunity to play together. Representing Barbados were cricket legend Shamarh Brooks, Barbados Golf Association President David Phillips, professional golf instructor Sean Edey, and Charles Edey, former Barbados national team player (1998–2011) and 2011 Caribbean Mid-Amateur Golf Champion. Team Barbados was paired with Rob Oppenheim, a seasoned professional golfer who has competed on both the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour, earning multiple top-10 finishes throughout his career.

Elevating Barbados’ Global Presence
Barbados’ participation in the Panama Championship reinforced its commitment to amplifying its presence in the global golf and sports community in Latin America. The island boasts seven world-class golf courses, including Sandy Lane Green Monkey, Apes Hill Barbados Golf Resort and the Barbados Golf Club, cementing its reputation as one of the premier golf destinations in the Caribbean. Through a strategic partnership established in 2024 with the PGA Tour, Barbados continues to position itself as a world-class destination for golf, culture and luxury.

Corey Garrett, LATAM Director at BTMI, highlighted the impact of these efforts: “Our partnership with the PGA TOUR is much more than a collaboration, it is a gateway to showcase Barbados’ charm, luxury and extensive golf offerings to a global audience. Events like the Panama Championship give us a platform to connect with fans, players and travelers, strengthening our position as a leader in sports tourism.”

Announced in 2024, Barbados’ partnership with the PGA as an Official Destination Partner positions the island as a premier luxury destination for business, leisure and world-class golf. The agreement, which runs through 2027, will see Barbados Tourism participate across the PGA TOUR landscape, including digital activations and creative content, as well as other global PGA TOUR tournaments.

The event also marked the celebration of the agreement between Barbados Golf Club and Club de Golf de Panamá, signed in 2024. This agreement grants members exclusive access to each club’s top-level facilities, fostering cross-border collaboration and enhancing the golf experience.

Fuente: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.