Hideki Matsuyama crowned 2016 winner

NASSAU, Bahamas, Dec. 5, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The beauty of The Islands of The Bahamas was seen in more than one billion households in 227 countries and territories when the Hero World Challenge golf tournament was broadcast live across the world over the last four days.

Golf legend Tiger Woods made his comeback to professional golf at Hero World Challenge after a 16-month hiatus. His return created major buzz and sports fans around the world tuned in to witness his comeback in paradise. The tournament also attracted golf fans to the destination.

Greg Ball, media relations representative for Hero World Challenge, said more than 100 international journalists came to New Providence for the event and noted the massive exposure that the country received as a result.

"With Tiger Woods playing, the ratings were really good on the Golf Channel and NBC. It is broadcast back to the United States, Europe and all around the world. It really is a good way to show people all around the world how beautiful this place is," Ball said.

"The Bahamas has received and will continue to receive some excellent coverage in media from around the world," he said. Every internet story and newspaper story that's written has a Nassau date line and of course the television coverage will highlight how beautiful this place this is, Albany specifically, and New Providence."

Golf commentators on the Golf Channel and NBC opened each live broadcast with colourful commentary on the beauty of Albany and The Bahamas in general as scenic shots of the island were shown.

Members of the media stayed in various hotels throughout New Providence and Paradise Island and did not miss the opportunity to enjoy what the destination has to offer.

"We have a large contingent of media for the Hero World Challenge, approximately 105. They come from quite a few parts of the world. We have a large group from the United States. We have quite a few folks from India… we have a few from other parts of Europe and Asia as well. I think people love coming here. It's a beautiful place," Ball added.

Many of the professional golfers also commented on the beauty of the destination and their desire to return for vacation, including Hero World Challenge winner Hideki Matsuyama who said his win on Sunday capped off a "marvelous" week in The Bahamas.

Matsuyama won the 2016 Hero World Challenge by two strokes over Henrik Stenson at the Albany golf course. Matsuyama walked away with $1 million for his efforts. This is Matsuyama's fourth international victory in his last five starts.

Although Matsuyama said he didn't get to enjoy all that The Bahamas has to offer, he said he was happy to be in such a beautiful country.

"Unfortunately, I couldn't do any tourist things this visit," he said during a press conference following the trophy presentation. "But it's such a beautiful country and the beaches, and the oceans and the sea, to be able to just wake up and look out at the beautiful scenery and also to be able to play golf on a great golf course at the same time, it was a marvelous week."

Matsuyama, who is ranked sixth, beat 16 of the top 28 golf players in the world, including last year's champion Bubba Watson. He also staved off Tiger Woods, who returned to competitive golf after a 16-month hiatus. Watson finished sixth while Woods finished 15th.

The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world's best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, golfing, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It's Better in The Bahamas. For travel packages, activities and accommodations information, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook Twitter and YouTube

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=41959

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