GGA hosts successful National Long Drive Championship; Rietema retains title

Press Release from Guyana Golf Association

For the first time since 1966, the unmistakable sound of a golf driver striking a ball echoed through the National Park on Saturday afternoon.

Under perfect conditions, with a strong Atlantic breeze providing an extra challenge, Guyana’s top golfers competed for the prestigious National Long Drive and Straight Drive Championship titles.

The event carried an international flair, with corporate tents, sponsor feather flags, a giant replay screen, a luxury car display by Ansa Motors, and complimentary beverages and snacks provided by Guyana Beverages and Sunshine Snacks.

Prizes were generously contributed by Promotech, Pegasus Fusion Restaurant and Arrowpoint Resort.

Hosted by the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) in association with the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and supported by several major sponsors, the championship lived up to its expectations, especially in the highly competitive Men’s Division.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, congratulated the winners and acknowledged the players who traveled from Regions Two, Three, Five, Six and 10 to participate.

“The government of Guyana is placing renewed emphasis on developing non-traditional sports, and we are delighted to see golf growing in popularity. With Essequibo claiming three titles and Berbice securing four, it is clear that golf is now a truly national sport,” he stated.

The Men’s Division saw ExxonMobil’s John Colling leading with an impressive 294-yard long drive, while Roy Cummings set the straight drive benchmark at 268 yards.

Competitors such as Dustin Spivey (256 yards), Rakesh Harry (292 yards), Videsh Persaud (272 yards)and Munaf Arjune (289 yards) fought hard to challenge the leaders, but it was ‘Big’ Richard Hanif who surged ahead with a 304-yard drive.

The excitement peaked when 13-time Guyana Open Champion Avinash Persaud stepped up. He electrified the crowd with two massive shots, reaching 318 yards and seemingly poised to claim the title.

However, defending champion Phil Rietema was yet to take his turn. Rietema’s first drive reached 297 yards, but he adjusted his approach and delivered a staggering 328-yard shot, reclaiming his lead.

Persaud’s final effort fell just one yard short at 327 yards, securing Rietema’s second consecutive National Long Drive Championship title.

Aleem Hussain, President of the Guyana Golf Association, praised the increasing participation of young players and women.

“Thanks to the immense support from the Ministry of Sport, the National Sports Commission, and our corporate sponsors, we were able to provide free access to this event, making it even more rewarding. We anticipate that the 2026 National Championship will be even bigger and better.”

Hussain also extended heartfelt gratitude to key organisers and partners, including Parmanand Persaud, Mark Lewis, Walter Rodney of the National Park (PAC), and his dedicated team- Watson Stafford, Bala Vinjimoor, Philip Haynes, Sammy, Dustin and Steve Mohitram- for their tireless efforts in making the event a success.

Special thanks were given to Star Party Rentals, Guyana TV Network, Caliper Drones, Al Wilson Photography, Travelers Sound System, and Playerz Sound System for their essential roles in executing the event flawlessly.

Final Scores

Under-13 Category: Boys: Arif Singh (Essequibo); Girls: Adina Arjune (Diamond)

Under-17 Category: Boys Longest Drive: Kelvin Layre (Essequibo); Straightest Drive: Jevon Cognet (Berbice)

Girls Longest Drive: Chanda John (Berbice); Straightest Drive: Naomi Gibson (Berbice)

Women’s Open: Longest Drive Cassandra Phillips (Essequibo), Second Mikaila Prince (Georgetown)

Straightest Drive: Azumi Reece (Berbice)

Men’s Open: Longest Drive: Phil Rietema; Straightest Drive: Avinash Persaud

The organisers extend their gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Commission, Guyana Tourism Authority, Pegasus Hotel, Suites and Corporate Center, Ansa Motors, Guyana Beverages Inc., Toolsie Persaud Ltd., Promotech Guyana, Roraima Airways, Darthan Investments,the Protected Areas Commission, Sunshine Snacks, Guyana Payroll Solutions Inc., Shangri-La Gardens, Puran Bros, Sterling Products Ltd, Ramchand’s Auto Parts, Digicel Business, Balance Waitstaff, Monnaf Arjune Construction, WS Cooling Solutions, Quality Print Services, Trophy Stall, SuperBet, Praetorian Security Services, Madewini Gardens Pools and Eco Resort, Nexgen Golf Academy, Guyana Breweries Inc., and Westside Golf Course.