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The twenty-third edition of the iconic golf tournament organized by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR) took place at the “Teeth of the Dog” course in Casa de Campo, La Romana. Wilfredo Baquero and Erick Broberg emerged as the Charles T. Manatt Memorial Ambassador’s Cup 2023 winners, scoring 68 strokes. The tournament, held on May 20, marked the centenary celebration of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic, and it was graced by the presence of the former United States ambassador to the country, Wally Brewster.
Charles T. Manatt Memorial Ambassador’s Cup 2023
One hundred twenty players participated in the scramble format, competing in pairs. The event commenced at 9:00 a.m. with the national anthem, followed by a warm welcome from William Malamud, the Executive Vice President of AMCHAMDR, who emphasized the significance of the Ambassador’s Cup in this centennial year for the Chamber and the country. Juan Velásquez, Vice President and Administrator of Costasur/Casa de Campo delivered the opening remarks, encouraging the players to give their best and engage in fair competition. Janiris de Peña, Director of JDP Caribbean Golf, explained the rules and details of the game. Eduardo Cruz, a member of the board of directors of AMCHAMDR, performed the ceremonial tee shot, officially commencing the tournament.
Throughout the Ambassador’s Cup, the players engaged in a competition characterized by camaraderie and healthy sporting spirit. By 3:00 p.m., the golfers had completed the 18 holes of the course, after which they were welcomed to the Driving Range in Casa de Campo for the lunch and award ceremony.
Ambassador’s Cup 2023 Winners
The winners of the tournament were announced in various categories. In Category A, Jorge Yunén and Luis Alfonso Mera secured the first net place with a final score of 63 strokes. Johnny Morales and Leo Pérez claimed the second net place in the same category with 65 strokes, followed by Mario Torres and Francisco Ferdinand with the third net place, also with 65 strokes. José Zapata and Luis Miniño took home the first net place in Category B with 63 strokes. Jonathan Zapata and José Nicasio secured the second net place with 64 strokes, while Luis José Acra and Juan Brenes claimed the third net place with 68 strokes. Fernando Houellemont and Eduardo García emerged victorious in Category C, finishing with 67 net strokes. They were followed by Chris Portela and Ganesan Ponnambalam in the second net place, with 68 strokes (decided by a tiebreaker), and Manuel Mesa and Jonathan Ruiz in the third position of the category, also with 68 strokes.
Special prizes were awarded to Eric Broberg for “Longest Drive” and José Zapata for “Closest to the Pin.” The award ceremony occurred at the Driving Range in Casa de Campo, where players, council members, and guests gathered. Before concluding the event, William Malamud, Executive Vice President of AMCHAMDR, expressed gratitude to the players and attendees.
The Ambassador’s Cup 2023 golf tournament received sponsorship and support from various companies. In the exclusive Elite Circle category, the tournament was sponsored by AES Dominicana, Barrick Pueblo Viejo, Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, Citi, HIT Puerto Río Haina, Grupo Humano, Inicia, Grupo Martí, Altice Dominicana, Grupo Rica, Grupo SID, Grupo Punta Cana, Grupo Estrella, and Squire Patton Boggs. The Platinum sponsors included Casa de Campo, BHD, DP World, Karisma Hotels, CEPM, Santo Domingo Motors, Scotiabank, and Banreservas. The Gold category supporters were Banesco, Bermudez, BM Cargo, Brugal, Grupo Viamar, IMCA, London Consulting, Seguros Reservas, Universal, and V2A Consulting. Additionally, other companies that contributed to the tournament’s success were Bepensa, Chivas, Emilio’s Hot Dogs, Café Santo Domingo, EZ Go, Forbes, Gingerly, Café Baqué, La Aurora, and Tito’s Vodka.