INTEREST in the Harris Paints Classic, one of the established annual golf tournaments run by the Barbados Golf Association (BGA), is high.

"The tournament has been growing every year and we expect a higher turnout on Sunday," BGA president Birchmore Griffith said.

Defending champion Robert Beckles is returning to take another shot this weekend at the Barbados Golf Club course. Among the players of note confirmed for the event are Hoerman Cup player Carlsen Leacock and Billy Tempro.

An attraction for participants is the prize trip and entry registration for this year's St Lucia Open, one of the popular events on the regional calendar.

The format is Stableford with minimum handicaps of 24 for the men and 28 for the women in the second flight.

This format is particularly popular for the high handicap players, but the restriction of the handicaps allows the top golfers a shot at the overall prize.

The first flight involves the players with handicaps of nine and under, which caters to a competitive event among the better golfers.

In addition to the second flight for men with handicaps of between ten and 24 and women with ten to 28 handicaps, there are categories for Seniors and Juniors.

The Harris Paints Classic is an opportunity for juniors to turn out in their numbers since the entry fee is waived for them.

The BGA is reminding golfers that players with higher handicaps may still enter but are required to play at the restricted handicap levels.