Birchmore Griffith

Birchmore Griffith has made significant contributions to the administration, development, and competitive success of golf in Barbados and across the Caribbean. He was inducted into the Caribbean Golf Association Hall of Fame at the 2025 Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships (CAGC) in Barbados. He joined the Barbados Golf Association (BGA) in 1998, initially assisting then President Mervyn Holder with preparations for the 2000 Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships, hosted at Royal Westmoreland.

In 2002, Birchmore was elected President of the Barbados Golf Association at a time when the organisation faced financial challenges. Over his 12-year tenure, the Association’s financial position was stabilised and strengthened through disciplined management, strategic sponsorship acquisition, and the establishment of consistent revenue streams. He served alongside a capable executive team, including Vice President Abu Suleman and Secretary Trenton Weekes, whose combined efforts supported sustained organisational growth.

That same year, the Barbados Junior Golf Association was merged under the umbrella of the BGA. A structured junior development programme was introduced at the Balls Driving Range, supported by former national players Carlsen Leacock and Orville Alleyne. The R&A provided technical assistance by deploying coaches to Barbados over several years, strengthening the foundation of junior golf development.

Building on this momentum, the BGA collaborated with the Barbados Golf Club, Roddy Carr, and the National Sports Council to introduce golf into national summer sports camps for juniors. The success of this initiative led to the establishment of the David Marshall Youth Academy. In later years, the BGA Junior International Championship was introduced and grew to attract strong regional and international participation.

In 2007, the BGA undertook a major modernisation of its operations with the introduction of the BGA Membership Card, the GHIN Handicap System, and a Tournament Pairing Program, all administered and executed by Trenton Weekes. These initiatives enhanced member benefits and strengthened relationships with local and regional golf clubs. Agreements were also secured to provide members with complimentary tournament days and reduced green fees across Barbados and selected Caribbean territories.

During Birchmore’s presidency, the BGA benefited from hosting the Barbados Open Championships at Royal Westmoreland for five consecutive years, as well as the 2010 Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships, facilitated through the support of Greg Schofield, Director of Operations. Competitive success during this period included capturing the Hoerman Cup in 2004 and 2010, along with multiple victories in Senior and Mid-Amateur Caribbean Golf Association Championships.

At the regional level, Birchmore served as Vice-Captain and reserve player on the winning Caribbean Cup team in The Bahamas, and later as Captain, alongside Vice-Captain Wayne, of the CGA Eastern Team competing against the Western Team in a Ryder Cup–style event held in Trinidad and Tobago.

In 2006, the Barbados Golf Association was selected to manage the professional qualifying rounds and the PGA World Cup of Golf, hosted by Sandy Lane, further demonstrating the Association’s operational credibility under his leadership.

The Caribbean Golf Association recognises Birchmore Griffith for his leadership, administrative impact, and enduring contributions to the governance, development, and competitive advancement of golf throughout the Caribbean.