THE 13th Annual Ocho Rios Charity Golf Tournament held at the Sandals Golf & Country Club last Sunday raised approximately $1.7m for local charities, including the Three Hills Primary, Hamilton Mountain Basic Schools, the Animal House and the Port Maria Hospital.

The money was raised from entry fees, sponsorship from main sponsor Digicel Business, as well as insurance companies – Guardian General Jamaica, ICWI, BCIC, General Accident and Advantage General.

Funds were also raised from a silent auction of 28 room nights, donated by Couples Resorts.

The Three Hills Primary School is currently undergoing a re-paving of their playground at a cost of $1.3m; the Port Maria Hospital recently had their X-ray machine – originally donated by Couples Resorts — repaired at a cost of $2m.

Last year, the Hamilton Mt Basic School was re-tiled at a cost of $300,000.

Last Sunday’s tournament attracted 72 players, with Ian Royal and Glenroy Stephenson emerging as first-place winners (gross), with Dr Carl Bruce and Cedric Blair finishing second.

Gifford Wilmot and Johnny Marsh were first, on net scores, ahead of Cindy Douglas and partner, with Nick Borie and partner finishing third. Fourth place went to Mark and Terri Morante, with Kaleel Azan and Greg Chong finishing in fifth place.

In the putting contest, Vin Dell won and received a Wassi Art vase, while the five closest to the pin prizes were won by Howard Lau, A Stephenson, Dr Arscott, Dean McIntyre and Sally Roper. These prizes were donated by John Crow Tavern, Mystic Mountain and Tifosi Sunglasses.