Island Classic success

Bahrain's premier golfing charity event, the AMH Island Classic, teed off with a glamorous swing at the royal golf course in Malkiya at the weekend.

Organised to raise funds for the American Mission Hospital, the event attracted 57 corporate sponsors who raised a staggering BD83,500 in cash and BD73,000 in kind.

More than 200 golfers, including tennis celebrity Boris Becker, DJ Krazy Kevin, Riffa Views CEO Richard Browning, Peter O' Brien of African & Eastern, John Sutcliffe of Aer Rianta International, Martin Fish of Standard Chartered, Donald McDonald of Chevron and Khalid Jassim of Arcapita, celebrated the occasion by competing on what is currently the kingdom's only grass course.

The event was organised under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and was held for the 11th consecutive year.

Hugh O' Shea, sales and marketing director of platinum sponsor, Riffa Views, said: "We are here to get actively involved in the community and this was an opportunity to not just give a donation but to bring celebrity status to the island by inviting Boris Becker to play on our team."

Mr Becker, who felt privileged to be invited to play on the royal grounds, said: "Last year I got to play tennis with His Majesty and this year I am honoured to play golf on these grounds."

The nine-hole royal golf course with three lakes is a beautiful venue which has hosted scores of politicians, sportsmen and dignitaries.

Among those who have teed on the grounds are George Bush Sr, Fidel Ramos and Colin Montogomerie. It has been described by professional golfers Scott McCaw and Chris Kelby as "beautiful and well kept".

Dr Paul Armerding, Chief Medical Officer and CEO of the American Mission Hospital said: "The first Island Classic was held in February 1997. Receiving the patronage of the HH the late Amir, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, was very significant. It was the royal imprimatur, a signal to the community that he gave credibility to our entire fund raising exercise."

"I have been here 20 years and it is most satisfying to get to know the community. There are no tax benefits for the sponsors, yet they keep coming back and we add new ones every year."

This year's funds will go towards upgrading and replacing hospital equipment at the American Mission Hospital, funding community outreach programmes and health education.

- Anasuya Kesevan