LEIGHTON LEVY, STAR Writer

Organisers of the annual Brain Tumour Classic Golf Tournament say they are expecting record numbers of golfers to turn out for the event at Cinnamon Hill today.

They hope to raise $5 million from this year's tournament, money that will be used to purchase equipment for the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

"This year, we will be using the proceeds from our annual golf tournament to purchase an anaesthetic machine and a surgical machine (for spinal injuries) for the University Hospital of the West Indies," said Dr Carl Bruce, consultant neurosurgeon at UHWI.

So far, Dr Bruce said, the numbers of golfers expected to compete are expected to exceed the 100 who turned out last year. About 50 golfers have registered so far, almost twice the number of those registered at the same point last year.

Dr Bruce explained that, last year, of the approximately 100 golfers that turned up, most registered on the morning of the tournament between 9 and 11 a.m.

The greater number already registered suggests that this year's renewal will have an even larger turnout.

"We're pretty happy with where we are so far," Dr Bruce said. He added that the course was looking green and 'great' and they are expecting great weather for the tournament.

Imru James, of title sponsors Heineken, added that golfers will be flying in from Atlanta, New York and Miami for the tournament, and they will be in for a good time while supporting a worthy cause.

"We're going to have a nice surprise at hole number six so, after the event, we are going to have a party by the seaside at Cinnamon Hill," he said. "There will also be special prizes for the winners and for the participants and, if they opt not to go to Jazz, they can party with us right through the night. Of course, Heineken will be available all day."