Gran Kaz Swings Forward with Youth and Community at the 2025 Grand Open and Junior Grand Open

Victoria, Seychelles – May 28, 2025 – This past weekend, the pristine greens of the Seychelles Golf Club bore witness to two spectacular tournaments that showcased not only sporting excellence, but also Gran Kaz’s enduring commitment to the community. The 2025 editions of the Grand Open and the Junior Grand Open were more than just sporting events—they were celebrations of resilience, growth, and the powerful role sport plays in shaping young lives and strengthening communities.

Junior Grand Open: A Changing of the Guard

In an inspiring twist of fate, the Junior Grand Open saw the tides turn between last year’s top contenders. Aiden Asba, who placed runner-up in 2024, returned this year with sharpened focus and unshakable composure to claim the 2025 Junior Grand Open Champion title. His performance on the course was nothing short of stellar—and he didn’t stop there. Aiden also clinched both Nearest to the Pin (NTP) awards, reinforcing his dominance and precision throughout the tournament.

Last year’s champion, Dylan Rose, put up a strong challenge to finish as runner-up, proving once again that he remains a formidable young talent with a bright future ahead.

Another highlight was the remarkable performance of Amelia Weidner, who was recognised as Best Girl for her skill, poise, and potential. Her presence on the leader board is a promising sign of the growing space and recognition for young girls in the sport.

These rising stars represent more than just the future of golf—they reflect the values Gran Kaz seeks to foster in youth: focus, discipline, respect, and a passion for healthy, goal-driven pursuits. The Junior Grand Open is fast becoming a key event on the youth sports calendar in Seychelles, and Gran Kaz is proud to continue championing it as part of its wider commitment to community and youth development.

These young athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship, embodying the values that Gran Kaz aims to promote through its support of youth sports initiatives.

"At Gran Kaz, we believe in the transformative power of sports to instil discipline, patience, and teamwork in our youth," said Shama Amesbury, PR Manager at Gran Kaz. "The Junior Grand Open is a testament to our dedication to providing healthy and productive entertainment options for young people in Seychelles."

Grand Open: A Weekend of Champions, Rivalries and Redemption

The Grand Open has become a highlight in the Seychelles golfing calendar, bringing together seasoned golfers and enthusiasts. The 2025 edition continued this tradition of excellence - unfolding with thrilling performances, familiar rivalries, and a few surprising twists.

This year, Gary Sherry rose to the occasion to become the Grand Open Champion, delivering a masterclass in consistency and control. His performance set a high bar for the competition.

In the Individual category, Michael Lavigne proved his mettle once again, securing the Runner-Up position after a tightly contested round. But Michael wasn’t done just yet—he went on to claim a shared victory in the Pairs category alongside teammate Sunil Shah. Their teamwork, calm under pressure, and well-timed plays made for a formidable pairing and a well-deserved win.

In a compelling echo of last year’s results, Jean Yves Asba and Femi Kasmaier, who took home the Pairs title in 2024, returned to the course with determination. Although they played an excellent game and delivered some spectacular shots, they ultimately finished as this year’s Pairs Runners-Up. The friendly rivalry between the two pairs brought a dynamic edge to the tournament and kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Meanwhile, in the Ladies category, Margret (Peggy) Pragassen once again proved her precision and grace under pressure, walking away as the 2025 Ladies Champion. Her win adds yet another accolade to a growing list and sets an inspiring example for women in the sport.

This year’s Grand Open was more than a tournament—it was a celebration of sportsmanship, perseverance, and the enduring passion that drives athletes to better themselves year after year. Gran Kaz, the long-time sponsor of the event, once again demonstrated its commitment to building a strong sporting culture in Seychelles. Whether by supporting seasoned golfers or helping to grow the next generation through initiatives like the Junior Grand Open, Gran Kaz continues to invest in sport as a positive force for community development and personal growth.

Gran Kaz's Ongoing Commitment to Sports Development

Gran Kaz's involvement in these tournaments is part of a broader initiative to support various sports disciplines in Seychelles, including boxing, tennis, football, petanque and cricket.

"Our mission is to create positive impacts within our communities," added Amesbury. "By investing in sports, we aim to empower the next generation with lifelong skills and opportunities."

Looking Ahead

Gran Kaz remains dedicated to promoting sports and youth development in Seychelles. Future initiatives will continue to focus on creating inclusive platforms that encourage participation, skill development, and the fostering of lifelong values through sport.