Spectators observe Bahamian golfer Georgette Rolle at the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island, Thursday, January 23, 2014. (BIS Photo/ Patrick Hanna)

PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas – Bahamian golfer Georgette Rolle, 28, is looking forward to playing well during the 2014 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island.

A few hours before teeing off in competition on Thursday, she said her aim is to stay focus and get in the game early.It is the second time Rolle is participating in the tournament having made her debut last year. She said it was an enlightening experience playing with some of the best female golfers in the world.

Rolle and other golfers got the opportunity to guide students in basic skills and techniques during a Junior Golf Clinic held prior to the tournament.

“Anything they want to do and have the passion and drive for it – whether it is golf or any other sport – they can do it,” was her advice.

Rolle sees the tournament as a jumpstart to her year as she plans on playing in 10 events in 2014.

While continuing to pursue her golfing career, Rolle plans to further impact Bahamian youth ages six to 18 through the Georgette Rolle Junior Camp. She is also an LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Class A member.

Bahamian golfer Georgette Rolle at the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island on Thursday, January 23, 2014. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

A graduate assistant coach since 2007 for the men’s and women’s golf teams at Texas Southern, Rolle is also an LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Class A member.

She is a two-time champion of the Bahamas National Amateur Championship in 2003 and 2007, and also was the National Minority Champion, Women’s Independent Division, in 2007. She started her professional career in 2008. She stated playing the game since the age of seven.

Rolle recognises that the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic is part and parcel of the Ministry of Tourism’s Sports Tourism thrust.

“Big events such as this serves to spark interest not only in the country but in our youth. So kudos to the Ministry for this effort,” she said.

Rolle also sees the upcoming IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 as another way Sports Tourism can thrust the country into the global sporting spotlight.

“We are aware of the impact these huge events have on the country,” she said, adding that she hopes to play a big role during the relays slated for May 24 to 25.