The Wine Cellar Golf & Fishing Tournament
Blue Haven Marina, Leeward, Providenciales
Combining several days of fishing the ocean’s bounty and golfing, the Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament takes place on Providenciales every year over a weekend in March.
This multi-day competition is the largest tournament of its kind in the Turks and Caicos Islands and is a major fundraiser. Since its inception, the Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament has raised more than half a million dollars for Turks and Caicos youth and sports organizations. As the name suggests, the event is put on by the largest wine and liquor store on Providenciales, The Wine Cellar.
Anglers can win trophies and several cash prizes, from $2,000 and upwards. Twenty percent of the overall winnings are donated to charity.
The fishing and golfing competitions take place on different days, so if you want to participate in both, you can.
The fishing portion of the Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament is also a fun social event for spectators who aren’t competing. Those attending can usually look forward to music from local artists and live entertainment, as well as food and drinks available for purchase onsite. Golf takes place at the nearby Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club.
Fishing Tournament
The Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament starts off with a captain’s meeting at Simone's Bar and Grill on the Thursday evening. During the meeting, teams can participate in a Calcutta—a pool betting game whereby participants place bids on different outcomes for the participating boats. In 2024, the pot was worth $220,000.
Fishing takes place on Friday and Saturday, with boats leaving the Blue Haven Marina at 7:00 AM to fish anywhere they like within the Turks and Caicos Islands’ ocean territory. Target species for the competition include wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna. Boats return to shore at 4:30 PM to weigh their fish. In past years, there’s been a shore party at the marina with a DJ, food, drinks, and kid-friendly entertainment starting in the early afternoon.
Fish caught during the tournament is auctioned off to various restaurants on Providenciales. Past tournaments have had as many as 19 boats compete and more than 2,000 pounds (907 kg) of fish sold to the local restaurants. There's also a $75,000 prize for beating the record wahoo catch of 150 pounds (68 kg).
How to Participate
The cost to participate in the fishing competition is $750 per boat (2024 price). If you want to fish in the Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament as a walk-on, you’ll need to find a boat. The best way to do this is to attend the captain's meeting to see if any of the boats need extra fishermen. Grand Slam Fishing Charters invites up to six paying guests per year to fish with their team.
Golf Tournament
Golf takes place on the last day of the Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament. It’s a quieter affair than the fishing portion of the multi-day competition, but draws as many as 100 golfers who compete in teams of four on an 18-hole course. The prizes for winning typically have included trophies, golf bags, gift certificates, or bottles of champagne.
The tournament has historically featured a silent auction, with prizes ranging from two-night stays at Providenciales luxury resorts to a five-night trip to Napa Valley, California. There’s also a raffle, where you can win everything from a luxury watch from Jai’s to dinner at a local bistro.
How to Participate
To participate in the tournament's golf competition, you'll need to find a team. Make sure to register your team early for the golf competition, as spots fill up quickly. If you want to join as a walk-on, head to the golf course early to see if any teams are looking for an extra player.
The cost to register a golf team is $200 (2024 price).
What to Bring and Other Considerations
If you plan to participate in the Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament, bring the proper clothing. Some shops do sell fishing and golf apparel, but the selection is far more limited than what you’ll likely find back home.
The sun in Turks and Caicos can be very intense. Anglers should bring a rash guard or protective long sleeve shirt, hat, and sunglasses. Boats typically have their own fishing gear, including rods, lures, and bait.
Golf clubs are available for rent at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, but you may prefer to bring your own.
Located at Blue Haven Marina
The luxury Blue Haven Marina is located at the beautiful Leeward Going Through channel off the east end of Providenciales. This extensive complex offers the full range of amenities, including fuel, water, and electricity services, restaurants, a market grocery store, and concierge services, along with the onsite resort. Yachts up to 220 feet (67 m) can be accommodated.