An historic change in the Constitution resulted in Hon. Dr. Michael Eugene Misick becoming the first elected Premier for the Turks & Caicos Islands on February 12, 2007, with the obvious consequence the "Chief Minister's Cup" became "The Premier's Cup"
The Charity Golf Tournament was founded in 2004 and was the brainchild of The Premier, Dr. Michael E. Misick.
Initially, The Premier wanted to help encourage more young children to have the opportunity to become involved in the sport of golf and being familiar with the then newly formed "Junior Golf Association" and its aspirations to make golf possible for children of all ages and from all walks of life, he wished to help. It was The Premier's vision there could be many young talented players in the community who, with the right opportunities, could very well become excellent players and therefore strive to reach great heights. There was a pressing desire to create a fund to provide golf scholarships for young players. The Premier believes every child should have the chance to learn, and above all, enjoy the game of golf.
"Celebrity" golf tournaments have the potential to raise large sums of money and therefore The Premier decided to host a Charity Tournament endorsed in his name, hence the name "The Premier's Cup."
The Premier approached Mrs. Althea Ewing-Williams, who in turn selected a Committee and the wheels were put in motion for what was, and has been, a very successful fundraising event.
As a result of the Tournament's success, and the significant amount raised, The Premier decided the Tournament is held thereafter as an annual event and rather than supporting the same local charity annually, different charities should be selected each year.
In 2005 the Turks and Caicos Aids Awareness Foundation received a donation of $60,000, which was to help towards their objective of building a Youth Centre in Providenciales.
In 2006 the Tournament raised $72,000 and both the "Turks & Caicos Cancer Foundation and the "Turks & Caicos National Cancer Society" each received a donation of $36,000. This third event was televised live by WIV Television with the help of a generous sponsor.
"The Premier's Cup" has raised almost $200,000 over the past three years and The Premier now eagerly looks forward to the next Tournament and aiding two more local charities "The TCI National Kidney Foundation" and the "Turks & Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation."
The "Premier's Cup" has become a favourite annual event on the Turks & Caicos sports calendar. All involved are excited by the prospect of continuing to help other deserving charities.
There are four main sources of revenue, which the Committee rely upon to raise money. These are Entry Fees, a Souvenir Booklet, hole sponsorship and hotel donations. After deducting expenses such as gift packs for the players, food, trophies, tent hire, printing costs, to name a few, the surplus funds are then paid to the recipient charity. As two charities have been selected again this year, the funds will be divided equally.
Gilley's Enterprises, Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon and Hennessey Cognac have been major sponsors and contributors for the past three years and will once again sponsor the Premier's Cup 2007.
Provo Golf Club generously provides the golf course and its staff free of charge and greatly supports and assists the event.
Herzog (Caribbean) Limited has also contributed generously throughout.
Baptist Health of Florida has been actively involved every year ensuring the participants are provided with head and neck massages, blood pressure checks, donation of trophies and gift bags for all the participants. Last year they independently worked with the "Turks & Caicos National Cancer Society" to help raise extra revenue and this year they will also arrange independent lunches for each of the nominated charities "The TCI National Kidney Foundation" and the "Turks & Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation."
The "Premier's Cup" Committee acknowledge and thank everybody who have contributed over the past three years and thank all those who are once again supporting the Tournament this year. Their kindness and generosity are overwhelming.
The "Premier's Cup" is an "Invitation Only" Charity Tournament and the names of participants are selected by way of a "blind draw." The Committee carries out this task.
As the previous Tournaments have been such a great success, anticipation is high this year as to who will receive an invitation.
The first Tournament attracted 96 players and in the second and third events 104 players participated including The Premier, Hon. Dr. Michael E. Misick, together with Members of his Government.
Teams of four are selected by "blind draw" by Mr. Dave Douglas, Director of Golf and his assistant Mr. Dervant Quant.
In 2004 and 2005 Herzog Construction arranged for the attendance of Ms. Cindy Rarick, a member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. As a professional player, Ms Rarick, who is based in Florida, was unable to compete but on the basis the teams were playing "best ball", she took a shot for each player on hole #18. It was then up to the player to decide if they wanted to use her shot or their own. At the end of the event every player was presented with a souvenir photograph taken on the course with Ms Rarick.
In 2005 Ms Rarick held a golf clinic for children entitled "Introduction to Golf" demonstrating some of the very basics of golf, and emphasising the fun aspect of the game. All the children had a wonderful time.
Earlier this year Mrs. Althea Ewing-Williams resigned her position as President and the position was filled by Mr. Arlington (Chuck) Musgrove one of the founding Committee Members.
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