For 28 years, the Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) Annual Golf Tournament has brought the community together around a shared purpose. On September 4th, 2026, that tradition continued at North Sound Golf Club, as golfers, sponsors and supporters turned out for a day that combined friendly competition with meaningful support for the work of the Red Cross.
This year’s event raised more than CI$100,000, funds that will directly sustain CIRC’s core programmes: Disaster Management, First Aid & Lifeguarding, Child Protection & Sexuality Education, Support Our Seniors, and the Thrift Shop Community Outreach Programme. Since its founding in 1961, the Cayman Islands Red Cross has stood at the forefront of disaster preparedness and community care, and the continued success of the tournament reflects the generosity of those who help make that work possible.
The day officially got underway with opening remarks from the Hon. Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier, and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development, who took the opportunity to draw particular attention to the impact of one Red Cross programme.
“The work of the Red Cross reaches people when they need it most, and today, I want to give a very special mention and thank you to everyone involved with the Support Our Seniors Programme. Our seniors have given so much to our families, our communities, and our society: they have raised children, built businesses, served their communities, and helped shape the world we live in. They deserve our respect, our gratitude, and our continued support. Today, as we enjoy the friendly golf competition, let us remember that the greatest victory is not the score on the leaderboard. The greatest victory is knowing that our efforts are helping make someone’s life a little better.”
A longstanding partnership was also celebrated on the day, with CIBC Caribbean once again lending its support to the tournament. Gemel Sobers, Head of Country, reflected on the bank’s commitment:
“This year marks CIBC Caribbean’s eighth year as title sponsor of this outstanding event, and we are incredibly proud to continue supporting an initiative that has become a hallmark of community partnership and giving in the Cayman Islands.”
CIRC Board Member, Hector Robinson, also welcomed guests.
Beyond the competition itself, contributions from local businesses helped make the tournament an occasion for everyone to enjoy. TRAC Automotive raised the stakes on the course with two Hole-in-One prizes—a Changan SUV and a Tunland G9 4x4—while Foster’s Food Fair provided food supplies, and CDG quenched our thirst as Official Beverage Sponsor. Once the final rounds were complete, golfers and guests came together over a BBQ buffet catered by Dining@Home, providing an opportunity to relax, reconnect and celebrate another successful tournament. As in years past, Kirk Freeport generously donated the grand prize to the much-anticipated Raffle.
The breadth of corporate support was on full display. The tournament drew participation from 44 companies, including Platinum Tee Sponsors, IDG, CG BritCay, and Wheaton Precious Metals, and Gold Tee Sponsors, Rhulens, CaymanFirst Insurance, Cayman Water Company, BDO, Alvarez & Marsal, BAF Insurance, Friends of the Red Cross, Elite Marble and Granite, Health City, Heritage Holdings, Maples Group, RSM, Knight Security, CINICO, Calderwood, RF Bank and Trust, and CUC. Eighteen Silver Hole Sponsors rounded out the generous support from our corporate community.
Of course, there were bragging rights on the line as well. Taking home first place was the Calderwood team—consistently placing in the top-three most years, and represented this year by Ronan Guilfoyle, Todd Hazelwood, Senan Kemp, and James Murrie.
Second place was secured by Hawksford’s Jeremy Durston, Kevin Johnson, Leo Kassam, and Jon Marrs.
Third place went to the TRAC Automotive team of Allen Bernardo, Nigel Kellow, Phil Ruffolo, and Samantha Widmer.
Course Contest Winners:
Closest to the Pin #5 (Women) - S Widmer
Closest to the Pin #5 (Men) - J Durston
Closest to the Pin #9 (Women) - L Laurenson
Closest to the Pin #9 (Men) - K Johnson
Long Drive #2 (Women) - M Veldhoven
Long Drive #12 (Men) - D Holland
By the end of the day, the scores told only part of the story. The tournament’s real success could be seen in the many businesses, individuals and teams who chose to lend their time and support to the Cayman Islands Red Cross and the people it serves.
That collective commitment is what has sustained the tournament for 28 years and sustained the work of the Cayman Islands Red Cross since 1961. Celebrating its 65th anniversary of service, the CIRC continues its work across the Cayman Islands—strengthening community resilience, supporting vulnerable people and ensuring the organisation is ready to respond when help is needed most.
For more information about CIRC and its programmes, including Support Our Seniors, please visit CIRC Website.