In recognition of Port Royal Golf Course’s 50th Anniversary Year, the Port Royal Developmental Golf Program is to restart Port Royal Developmental Golf Tournaments with a renewed purpose.
The tournaments which were discontinued because of COVID introduced many entry-level golfers to the game, will be restarted with an enhanced mandate - to also honor past Port Royal Golf Course Legends, Educate the public about past achievements of Port Royal Golf Course Legends and Donate Funds to support the Port Royal Golf Youth Developmental Program.
The Port Royal Developmental Golf Program was based around coaching and tournaments developed by many entry-level adult and junior golfers, most notable junior golfers Kenny Leseur Jr, Cory DeSilva, Samson Douglas and Oliver Betschart.
Under the leadership of former Bermuda Olympian Xavier James, the Bermuda Government Trustees have passed a resolution to mandate that the Port Royal Golf Developmental Program formerly construct a youth development program that organically incorporates principles and values that promotes inclusiveness, embraces diversity, and removes all barriers by reaching out to all segments of society, especially those nontraditional future golfers.
Golf Course Chairman Kim Swan proclaimed, “I fondly remember the encouragement and support given to me by the late Greg Maybury, General Manager of Port Royal Golf Course when establishing the Port Royal Developmental Program.”
“Since becoming Chairman of Bermuda Government Golf Courses in Port Royal’s 50th Year, it has proven prophetic and surreal for me to be in a position for to direct the future of municipal golf in Bermuda.”
“We have been provided with a unique opportunity to celebrate public golf and introduce golf to all persons with ‘Love of the Game’ being the overriding principle. “
Swan continued, “Our Youth Development (James, Team Leader) and Historical Subcommittees (Denton Outerbridge, Team Leader) are working feverishly with their mandates and are joining forces with a pilot program at Port Royal to Celebrate, Educate & Donate to the future of our great game that aims to celebrate and increase public access to golf. “
“It has been a blessing joining forces with former Olympian and Educator James with his burning passion for golf and his extensive knowledge in sports from his Olympic experience, has been enriching and uplifting.”
Part proceeds from the Port Royal Golf Developmental Tournaments will go to help fund ‘Port Royal Golf Youth Developmental Program’ under the leadership of Xavier James.
Ralph Fray Memorial - 50th Anniversary
In June 1971 a young Ralph Fray was the Low Golf Professional of the Bermuda Open which followed Walter King’s triumph the previous year.
A young talented and charismatic Fray took his winnings and purchased a motorcycle, but he loved travel fast, much to the delight of the young juniors who also admired his equally aggressive style of golf.
Fray was a long hitting cross-handled golfer who had a magic touch with a wedge in his hand. Ralph Fray was Bermuda’s Seve Ballesteros who held the Port Royal course record of 63 from 1970 for several decades.
At his untimely death in October of 1971 Fray was hired as the Ranger at Port Royal. A promising career was abruptly ended but not before inspiring all those who witnessed his creative genius.
In his honor a tournament has been arranged, - Ralph Fray Memorial Scramble, to be played at the Port Royal Golf Course, Friday, June 18th, 2021, the tournament with Tee Off at 2pm, with an Entry Fee of $80.00 pp includes Fee/Cart.
The Format will be a Modified 9 Hole Captains Choice (1Pro/Low Am per team).
Historical Team Leader, Trustee Outerbrdge Shared, “Wilfred ‘Ralph’ Fray and I use to caddy at MOC and Castle Harbour together with his brother “To Jo” where Walter King also worked - both Fray Brothers were exceptional players.”
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