Gary Sadler (fifth right) share a photo opportunity with the winning Argentina teams.
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In a glowing endorsement of the vital role played by Latin American travel advisors, Gary Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, lauded their unwavering efforts in driving tourism to Jamaica and other Caribbean destinations, particularly where Sandals Resorts are located.
Sadler expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their continued dedication to promoting the Sandals brand and the broader Caribbean region, as he acknowledged the crucial role they play in not only attracting visitors but also in strengthening the tourism sectors of the countries they serve, with a special emphasis on Jamaica, the home of Sandals Resorts.
“Jamaica and Sandals continue to be a very strong product for Latin America. You have seen just a part of Jamaica, the Ocho Rios region, but as we continue to invest in Latin America, you'll find that the Caribbean, such as Barbados, with flights four times a week from Panama with Copa Airlines, and Bahamas Nassau, again with Copa Airlines flying from Panama, will continue to grow. We are throughout the Caribbean, hence the reason that we can provide the diversity that you need,” Sadler said after another successful staging of the Sandals Latin America Travel Advisors Golf Tournament on Monday.
“Your commitment to showcasing the beauty, culture, and luxury that Jamaica and the Caribbean have to offer is nothing short of extraordinary. Each year, your efforts bring more and more visitors to our shores, allowing them to experience the unparalleled service and hospitality that Sandals is known for,” he added.
Gary Sadler shares a light moment with Arlenes Garcia.
The 10th edition of the Sandals Latin America Travel Advisors tournament brought together travel advisors from 11 Latin American countries—Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Mexico—for a few days of networking, education, and friendly competition at Sandals Golf and Country Club in Upton Estate.
Two teams from Argentina were crowned joint champions, as both teams finished tied on 68 after the two days.
One team, comprising Gabriel Miguens, Pablo Moioni, Gaston Serra, and Ulises Chiappe scored 34 across both days, while the other team of Maria Luisa Rodriquez, Fernando Rafael Quintes, Pablo Wolinsky, and Cesar Suarez scored 36 on day one and 32 on day two.
Peru’s team of Cesar Ruiz, Denitza Almeyda, Diego Sorni, and Micaela Oslcese, was third with 72, following scores of 39 and 33 across both days.
Beyond the competition, the advisors, many of whom were visiting the island for the very first time, were given a firsthand experience of the luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and vibrant culture that they market to their clients.
The tournament not only served as a platform for professional development but also as a testament to the strong partnerships that Sandals has built with the Latin American travel industry over the years.
Gaston Serra, a member of the winning Argentina team, makes a put.
Sadler highlighted the importance of these partnerships, noting that the continued success of Sandals Resorts in Latin America is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the travel advisors.
He also encouraged the advisors to keep pushing for sales in their regions, emphasizing that their efforts have a direct impact on the growth of tourism in the Caribbean.
“What that means is that you have the ability to sell the Caribbean, especially the English-speaking Caribbean. Every time a visitor from Latin America visits the Turks and Caicos Islands, it's the quality vacation that you sell that makes a huge difference. My own experience visiting Brazil for carnival, visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio, tells me that everyone must travel to experience the world,” Sadler declared.
"Your influence in the Latin American market is undeniable, and so I urge you to continue your relentless pursuit of excellence. Together, we can further strengthen the Sandals brand and ensure that Jamaica and the Caribbean remain top-of-mind destinations for travelers from Latin America,” he stated.
“We're grateful that you can make it Sandals and you can make it Jamaica, and I sincerely hope that everyone had a wonderful, wonderful experience. Thank you for your commitment to Jamaica, and thank you for your commitment to Sandals,” he ended.
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
Lawrence aiming to overhaul 'idol' McIlroy in Race to Dubai chase
Thriston Lawrence said winning this week's DP World Tour Championship and overhauling Rory McIlroy to clinch the Race to Dubai title would "mean the world" to him.
Lawrence is the only player who can prevent McIlroy from winning the Race to Dubai title – formerly the Order of Merit – and joining the late Seve Ballesteros on six and going only two behind Colin Montgomerie's record.
The South African, however, needs a victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates and then needs Northern Irishman McIlroy to finish tied for 11th or lower.
McIlroy finished third at the Abu Dhabi Championship last weekend, crucially finishing a shot ahead of Lawrence as Paul Waring claimed his second DP World Tour success, and his first title in six years.
Lawrence has had five runner-up finishes - including at The Open and the BMW PGA Championship - and five more top-10s during an impressive campaign.
It leaves him currently 1,785 points behind McIlroy with 2,000 available to the winner in Dubai, and Lawrence is relishing the opportunity of competing against his "idol".
"It's nice to have a chance," Lawrence said in his pre-tournament press conference. "It's going to take a lot, but just incredible to have an opportunity. I'm very grateful just to be inside the top 50 to be able to compete this week.
"It has been an unbelievable year. Rory [McIlroy] has been an idol for me since growing up as a youngster and being able to clinch it this week would be the cherry on the cake for myself.
"It would mean the world - being the best golfer on the European Tour over the year is an unbelievable achievement.
"Sitting here right now, I've achieved a lot of things that I've wanted to. But to get this trophy behind me would just be unbelievable."
Lawrence won twice on the DP World Tour in each of his first two seasons and has since moved inside the world's top 50 despite his only 2024 victory coming on the Sunshine Tour, with the 27-year-old proud of his progression as a golfer.
"The consistency has been the highlight," Lawrence added. "Finishing in the top 10 ten times this year proves that I'm growing as a golfer, and I'm getting more comfortable out here.
"Obviously, ranking-wise, it's the best season I've had in my life. I won twice in my rookie year, twice last year. This year, I won on the Sunshine Tour, which is nice.
"I always feel like with the strength of golfers in today's time, winning on any tour is quite an achievement.
"Not won on this tour yet, but there is still one event left, so maybe it's my time this week. Where I am now, it just feels comfortable.
"It feels like I can win every week. Just to see myself grow from two years ago is just unbelievable."
T&T's Martin joins American McClear atop leaderboard ahead of final day at Jamaica Open
Trinidad and Tobago’s Benjamin Martin joined American Mac McClear atop the standings at the 57th Jamaica Open Golf Championships after another positive display on Monday’s second day of action at Tryall Golf Club in Hanover.
Both Martin and McClear are tied at six under par 138 heading into Tuesday’s final day, which will determine this year’s Jamaica Open champion.
Martin, who shot 70 on Sunday’s first day, showed great composure to achieve a four under par 68 on day two, a performance that propelled him into contention for top honours.
“It’s always nice to lead, and I hope it can stay that way for the final round. It is key to stick to the routine, take it one shot at a time, and try your best,” Martin said.
Interestingly, Jacob Lehman of Canada also posted a four under par 68 to move fifth overall at two under par.
McClear, who scored a one under par 71 for the second round, acknowledged that he fell well short of his day one performance, a five under par 67.
“I didn’t have my best stuff today. I didn’t do a whole lot right, but I battled hard and am happy to be tied for the lead. I just have to do the same thing as I have been doing the last two days, which has been working so far, so I’ll just keep doing it,” he said.
Another American Ryan Sullivan and Frenchman Pierre Viallaneix are tied for third place on 139. They were just one stroke off the leaders, which makes for an exciting final day.
Justin Burrowes is the best-placed professional Jamaican golfer in seventh at 144, and he expressed pleasure with his performance in the championship so far.
“It feels good, I would say. I know I could do a little better for sure, but I feel like I am in a good spot after two days. I just have to keep on doing what I am doing, stick to the process, and kind of enjoy it. I feel like I have enjoyed it a lot more this year than last year, so that really helps when you are not focused on all of the external stuff, so I just plan to do more of the same tomorrow, hopefully some puts fall in and that’s about it,” Burrowes reasoned.
Meanwhile, Trey Williams, who recently excited the junior ranks, was having his best run at the Jamaica Open. His two-day score of six over par 150 puts him at three shots ahead of his nearest competitor in the amateur section.
Oshae Haye, the day one joint leader, ended the penultimate round three shots behind Williams on 153, while Sean Morris, the defending champion, occupied the third spot but was just one stroke back on 154 after shooting two over par 74 in the round.
Waring sees off big names in Abu Dhabi as McIlroy consolidates Race to Dubai lead
Paul Waring edged out some of the DP World Tour's biggest names to claim the Abu Dhabi Championship title on Sunday.
Waring, who shot a course-record 61 in the second round, closed out with a six-under-par 66 at Yas Links to beat Tyrell Hatton by two shots, finishing on 24 under.
Rory McIlroy finished third after going round in 64. He was tied on 21 under par for the weekend along with Matt Wallace and Thorbjorn Olsen.
Waring's win marks just his second DP World Tour success, and his first title in six years.
"To keep control of myself in the way I did, I'm really proud of myself. I'm a bit taken aback right now," said Waring.
"I felt that my golf game has been in such a good place over the past year, I just haven't put it all together. What a week for it all to click together."
McIlroy's efforts on the final day, meanwhile, saw him finish a shot ahead of Thriston Lawrence, who is the Northern Irishman's closest challenger in the Race to Dubai rankings.
"I set myself a target with six holes to go and I achieved that target," said McIlroy.
"I was glad to make the four at the last and give myself a little bit more of a cushion going into Dubai."
Tommy Fleetwood rounded out with 67, meaning he finished tied for fourth on 20 under, two shots ahead of Shane Lowry, who dropped three shots across the final six holes.
The DP World Tour season wraps up in Dubai next week, with McIlroy looking well set to finish top of the standings.
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