•  The twenty-third edition of the emblematic golf tournament of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic was held at the "Diente de Perro" course in Casa de Campo, La Romana.

•  120 players competed in the pairs scramble event.

CASA DE CAMPO, LA ROMANA.- With their 68 strokes, Wilfredo Baquero and Erick Broberg were proclaimed winners of the 2023 Charles T. Manatt Memorial Ambassador's Cup golf tournament, of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR), played on Saturday, May 20 at the world-class "Diente de Perro" course in Casa de Campo, La Romana.

This year's Ambassador's Cup was held as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic. Former U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Wally Brewster attended the competition.

The tournament featured 120 golfers playing in pairs under the scramble format, with awards given to the highest scores in categories A, B, and C. The event began at 9:00 a.m., following the national anthem. The event was followed by welcoming remarks from William Malamud, Executive Vice President of AMCHAMDR, who emphasized the importance of the Ambassador's Cup and what it means for the Chamber and the country in this centennial year.

Following this, Juan Velásquez, vice president and administrator of Costasur/Casa de Campo, gave the opening remarks, encouraging the players to give their all and develop an honest competition. Janiris de Peña, director of JDP Caribbean Golf, explained the rules and details of the game. Eduardo Cruz, a member of the AMCHAMDR board of directors, then took the honorary kickoff, marking the official start of the tournament.

During the Ambassador's Cup, the players competed in a competition marked by an atmosphere of unity and healthy sportsmanship. By 3:00 p.m., the golfers had completed all 18 holes of the course, after which they were welcomed to the Driving Range in Casa de Campo for lunch and an awards ceremony.

The winners

Jorge Yunén and Luis Alfonso Mera took first place in the A category with a final score of 63. Johnny Morales and Leo Pérez took second place in the same category with 65. Mario Torres and Francisco Ferdinand took third place with 65.

In Category B, golfers José Zapata and Luis Miniño took first place with 63 strokes. Jonathan Zapata and José Nicasio took second place with 64 strokes, followed by Luis José Acra and Juan Brenes with 68 strokes in third place.

In Category C, Fernando Houellemont and Eduardo García took first place with a total of 67 net strokes. They were followed by Chris Portela and Ganesan Ponnambalam with 68 strokes in second place (tied by scorecard), and Manuel Mesa and Jonathan Ruiz in third place in the category with 68 strokes.

Among the special awards, winners were Eric Broberg for “Longest Drive” and José Zapata for “Closest to the Pin.”

The awards ceremony took place at the Driving Range in Casa de Campo, where a luncheon was also held, attended by players, board members, and guests. Before the event concluded, William Malamud, Executive Vice President of AMCHAMDR, offered a few words of thanks to the players and associates in attendance.

Sponsors and collaborators

In the category of our exclusive Elite Circle, the 2023 Ambassador's Cup golf 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.

In the Platinum category, sponsors include Casa de Campo, BHD, DP World, Karisma Hotels, CEPM, Santo Domingo Motors, Scotiabank, and Banreservas.

Likewise, in the gold category we were supported by: Banesco, Bermudez, BM Cargo, Brugal, Grupo Viamar, IMCA, London Consulting, Seguros Reservas, Universal and V2A Consulting

Other companies that also collaborated with the tournament were: Bepensa, Chivas, Emilio's hot dogs, Café Santo Domingo, EZ Go, Forbes, Gingerly, Café Baqué, La Aurora, and Tito's Vodka.

About the Charles T. Manatt Memorial Ambassador's Cup

Charles Taylor Manatt served as the United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, representing the Clinton administration from 1999 to 2001. Ambassador Manatt was the founder of the Ambassador's Cup golf tournament, held by the American Chamber of Commerce since 2000.

The diplomat conceived the idea that the tournament would become an opportunity for those who have been successful in business to contribute to the institution, work for the common good, and have fun while doing so, or in his exact words: “an opportunity for those who have done well, to do good, and have fun doing it.”

About the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR)

The American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR) is a non-profit association, legally incorporated on November 8, 1923, that fosters a healthy investment climate based on access to knowledge, opportunities, and a culture of best practices for the socioeconomic and professional development of its members. AMCHAMDR is affiliated with the US Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA).