Sports
History Made on the Fairway: 1st Annual Mervin Cox Grow the Game Golf Tournament a Resounding Success
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — July 28, 2025 – The sport of golf took another major step forward on Sunday July 27th
at the impressive Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Course with the successful staging of the 1st Annual Mervin Cox ‘Grow the Game’ Golf Tournament, hosted by the Turks and Caicos Islands Golf Association (TCIGA). Formerly known as the (late) Bob Graham Golf Tournament, Mervin Cox – local entrepreneur, philanthropist, businessman and golf advocate has taken over headline sponsor of this event; bringing together players, mentors, and first-time golfers in a powerful celebration of community, growth, and sport. Unlike traditional tournaments, this one was built around a unique format: a four-player scramble where one member of each team had to be a complete novice—someone new to the sport of golf. This bold and inclusive approach lies at the heart of the tournament’s mission: to grow the game of golf by offering a welcoming and supportive entry point for new players, women, and particularly among local youth.
TCIGA President Fraser Dodd emphasized the TCIGA’s long-term vision: “The Mervin Cox, Grow the Game Golf Tournament is a symbol of what golf in the Turks and Caicos can become—diverse, inclusive, and dynamic. We are committed to creating more opportunities like this that open doors for beginners Turks Islanders, and foster a stronger, more vibrant golf community.”
“This tournament wasn’t just about winning—it was about widening the circle, welcoming new players, and growing the spirit of the game
across our islands,” said Mark A. Fulford, Vice Chairman of the TCIGA. “The response from players and spectators was inspiring, and it shows just how powerful golf can be in bringing people together.”
The TCIGA extends its deepest thanks to Mervin Cox for his vision and generosity, and to all participants, volunteers, and supporters who helped bring this inaugural event to such an exciting and successful inaugural event.
Taking 1st Place with a phenomenal net score of 52.10 was the team of John Donatien, Brooks Johnson, Mervin Cox Jr., and Devonte Smith.2nd Place went to James Hamilton, Patrick Slattery, Julian Gilpin, and Sheka Kanu, with a close score of 52.19.
Jonathan Adie, Andrew MacLeod, Chris Gornall, and Anthony Sage took 3rd Place with 54.10, followed by Graham Canham, Javi Bovell,
Denise Douglas, and Michael Bovell in 4th with 55.94. The 5th Place team—Bassim Haidar, Robbie Temple, Justin Simons, and Ashley Smith—rounded out the leaderboard with a solid 57.54. Specialty awards added extra flair to the day. Godfrey Been and Kate Blain won Longest Drive among novice players, while Robbie Temple and Paula Harris took the honors among the men’s and women’s fields. In the spirit of fun and fairness, the “Most Honest Foursome” award was earned by Pat Staples, Greg Greatrex, Lucy Bullard, and Trem Quinlan.
The Mervin Cox Grow the Game Golf Tournament is now firmly positioned as an annual highlight on the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Golf and sporting calendar, with even greater ambitions ahead.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 21 August 2025: The Police Action League (PAL) is set for a decisive weekend as the basketball semifinals tip off this Saturday, August 23, alongside the fourth matchup of the PAL Softball 5-game series.
Basketball action begins with the final 13U league group games, where teams fight for playoff seeding. The Avengers (4–1) currently lead the standings, followed by the Guardians and Badgers (both 3–2).
- 9:00 AM – Avengers vs. Badgers (13U)
- 10:00 AM – Guardians vs. Seaquest (13U)
The semifinals follow for the 15U and 17U divisions:
15U Boys Division
- 11:00 AM – #2 Sea Quest (3–1) vs. #3 Skyhawks (2–2)
- 12:00 PM – #1 Guardians (4–0) vs. #4 Avengers (1–3)
17U Boys Division
- 1:00 PM – #2 Avengers (2–2) vs. #3 Badgers (2–2)
- 2:00 PM – #1 Sea Quest (4–0) vs. #4 Skyhawks (2–2)
This year’s competition has been fueled by standout performers across the leagues. Rhomano Dumesle (13U) has been dominant, averaging nearly 20 points per game and pulling down an impressive 61 rebounds in five games. In the 15U division, Jodias Cineus has led the way with an average of 15.8 points per game, while Dashawn Lightbourne (17U) has contributed across the board with 78 total points and 20 rebounds.
On the softball diamond, the Badgers and Skyhawks meet again in their pivotal fourth showdown of the best-of-five PAL Softball Series. The Skyhawks currently lead 2–1 and can close the series with a win this Saturday at 9:30 AM at the Downtown Ballpark. Key contributors include Jayanna Ferguson, who leads the series in runs scored (3), and Denicka Robinson, who tops the RBI chart with 2.
Standings, scores and schedules can be found here: https://nieves1319.softr.app/2025pal-stat-landing-page
All basketball games will be played at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children, which grant access to both sports on the day.
The PAL continues to provide young athletes across the Turks and Caicos Islands with opportunities for growth through competition, mentorship, and community support.
Turks and Caicos, August 15, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Swim Federation is proud to announce that nine talented swimmers will represent the Turks and Caicos Islands National Team at the 2025 Goodwill Swimming Championship, scheduled to take place in Barbados from August 15–17, 2025.
This year marks a historic milestone, as Turks and Caicos will participate not as an invited nation but as a full member nation, a status
officially granted earlier this year through the efforts of the Turks and Caicos Islands Swim Federation.
The team will be led by Head Coach Bennett Williams, assisted by Coach Lincoln Martin, with Team Manager Snjezana Andrews overseeing logistics and support.
We extend our best wishes to our swimmers as they take on some of the region’s best athletes and continue to make the Turks and Caicos Islands proud on the international stage.
For more information on the Goodwill Championship, visit the event’s official website or follow updates from the Turks and Caicos Islands Swim Federation.
Bennett Williams
President
Turks and Caicos Islands Swim Federation
