West Punt — The island’s most popular golf tournament, unfolded on the award winning Robert Trent Jones II course, on Saturday, and concluded with father & son duo Mike and Maurice DeIisle in the lead, followed by father & son duo Frans and Matthew Brinkman, in second place, and George Wong and Don Quant, in third.
The tournament, organized for the eleventh annual time as a fund raiser by Arion Wine Company NV in conjunction with Wente Vineyards from California and Papiamento Restaurant signed up 128 players, for the fun two person scramble format. The funds collected were earmarked for the Autism Foundation, supporting kids and parents dealing with the complex disorder.
The shotgun start at 12:30pm was personally overseen by Golf Pro James Kiley and Director of Golf Oliver Riding, supported by Govert van der Hout of Arion Wine Company NV and Eric Wente, Chairman of the Board at Wente Vineyard, who thanked each player their participation.
Having enjoyed an excellent afternoon on the golf course participants congregated around the pool at the clubhouse at sunset, for some delicious soups and sandwiches provided by the restaurant at Tierra del Sol, paired with Wente Vineyard wines, chased by an award ceremony, prize presentation, and picture opportunities, which concluded the action-packed day.
All prizes were sponsored by Wente Vineyards and included some of the winery’s finest wines, in oversize bottles, as well as a trip to the winery in California for the first place winners to play on the Greg Norman designed golf Course, dine in the famed restaurant and of course tour the production facilities.
The award ceremony also acknowledged the closest to the pin shots including Tom Deem, on #3, Ray Freake on #7, Harold Hagens on #13, Libby Ter Weeme on #15, and Maurice DeLisle on #17. Nigel Barrow won the wine quiz, showcasing his knowledge of the Wente brand. He was rewarded with a 3 liter bottle of Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay.
All players expressed their complete satisfaction with the detailed organization of the tournament, and the many special touches; compliments were lavished on Papiamento Restaurant for the creative Italian inspired sandwiches-to-go served during the day.
“We are doing the tournament next year, again,” says van der Hout, ”Eric Wente already announced he will be back for the 12th time in a row tournament,” which involves meticulous planning on behalf of the Arion Wine Company team.
Pictured here Eric Wente, Govert van der Hout, James Kiley and Oliver Riding at the award ceremony with the happy winners.
