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"Copa Los Volcanes" is one of the region's most prestigious golfing tournaments and Belize will be hosting it in June. Here at Roaring River Golf Course more than one hundred golfers from all Central American nations are expected to compete on this 8 hole course. Not only will it be an international sporting attraction, but it will also stimulate the local economy as a magnet for tourists:

Pedro Lizarraga, Owners, Roaring River Golf Course
"It definitely puts Belize on the map of the golfing community, Belize has parttook in this tournament since 2018. As you know it's a tournament that showcases regional talent. There are a lot of really good young players in Central America and I think Belize has some work to do to get to that level. But for us in Belize definitely it's a big opportunity to showcase what we have in Belize to showcase the culture to showcase our golf course certainly but more than that to showcase the country and the spirit of Belizeans and the friendship of Belizeans to our regional partners coming to play in Belize."

"Our golf course is a smaller golf course and it's probably not the best golf course in Central America. but we have been approved by the R&A which is the world body running golf, we had to do some improvements and we have done a lot of those improvements. We have put in better tee boxes, we done all that on the golf course and certainly we will be ready come June 22nd to host this tournament."

And while it is a male dominated sport, for Samantha Neal it's a chance for her to compete and showcase her skills among the many other women who will be coming in to play. With 4 years of experience, she is confident that she will deliver for team Belize.

Samantha Neal, Women's Golf Team for Belize
"So my first encounter with golf is because my in-laws are one of the owners for the golf course so I have been playing with him and my husband, I have 4 years playing so I am pretty new to the sport but I hope I do well for this tournament."

"So my practice routine we now have a pro here at the course Mr Nico which has been coaching us as a team 2 times a week, so we play, sun, rain throughout everything so we get ready for this tournament."

"These females that are coming in they have been playing from a very very young age and like I said we are new to this sport so I hope and pray that all our practice and all the coaching pays off."

The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Anthony Mahler says the entities he controls are fully behind the effort and he hopes it will open opportunities for Belize to host other regional tournaments.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
"Well we are in full support of this tournament and any tournament of this magnitude, especially a regional tournament that brings in people into Belize to participate and to compete at the highest level. Those things are important for us so we support this native 100% wearing 2 hatcher as minister of tourism because that brings in tourism dollars as well, and as minister of sports golf is a good wholesome sport that we can get more Belizeans involved in."