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.
