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Edgar Alma and Fernando Rodríguez clinched the top title with 63 strokes at the 25th Charles T. Manatt Memorial Ambassador’s Cup golf tournament, held May 10, 2025, at La Romana Country Club in Casa de Campo.
The pairs scramble brought together 128 players for a day that blended competitive energy with community impact. Hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR), the event honored the U.S.-Dominican partnership while raising funds for education and social programs.
A Tournament With Purpose
More than a sporting event, the Ambassador’s Cup drives AMCHAMDR’s work in education and community development. The tournament’s guiding principle — “an opportunity for those who have done well to do good, and have fun doing it” — was inspired by its namesake, the late U.S. Ambassador Charles T. Manatt, who believed business and diplomacy could build lasting progress.
Tee-Off and Tradition
The day began at 9 a.m. with the Dominican national anthem, followed by remarks from AMCHAMDR President Francesca Rainieri. She highlighted the event’s significance for both business and philanthropy. Juan Velásquez, vice president of Costasur/Casa de Campo, called for spirited play, while tournament director Raúl Cendoya laid out the rules. Rainieri’s ceremonial tee shot sent players off for 18 holes of strategy and skill.
By 3 p.m., rounds wrapped and golfers gathered at the Casa de Campo Country Club for lunch and awards. The scramble format — where teammates play the best of their two shots — fostered a strong sense of collaboration across three player categories.
Champions and Standouts
Alma and Rodríguez claimed the overall gross win with 63 strokes.
Category A:
- First Net: Carlos Medrano and Louis Bogaert (62 strokes)
- Second Net: Santiago Hazim and Francisco Álvarez (63 strokes)
- Third Net: Michael Cuello and Manuel Antonio Martínez (64 strokes)
Category B:
- First Net: Ramón Ortega Tavares and Fernando Villanueva (64 strokes, tiebreaker)
- Second Net: Miguel Tavárez and José Nicasio (64 strokes)
- Third Net: José Aybar and Iovar Medina (65 strokes)
Category C:
- First Net: Edmundo Garza and Andrés Villoria (62 strokes)
- Second Net: José Ramírez and José Carlos Monagas Espinal (62 strokes, tiebreaker)
- Third Net: Giancarlos Farías and John Paul Jones Nadal (63 strokes)
Special awards went to Virgilio Castillo for longest drive and Eric Lembke for closest to the pin.
Honoring a Diplomatic Legacy
Established in 2000, the Ambassador’s Cup continues the vision of Charles T. Manatt, U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic from 1999 to 2001. During his tenure under President Bill Clinton, Manatt championed collaboration and civic leadership. The tournament keeps that mission alive, building connections on the course and off.
As AMCHAMDR shared on social media, “Thank you to all the participants and sponsoring brands who made another memorable year possible. See you at the next edition!”
*Photos courtesy of AMCHAMDR
