ST ANN, Jamaica — National representative Sean Morris leads the field into today’s second day of the Sandals-sponsored Jamaica National Amateur Golf Championships, after a challenging opening day on the course for participants at the Sandals Golf and Country Club in Ocho Rios yesterday.

The three-day 54-hole tournament, which is the premier event on the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA) calendar, is being contested by approximately 60 individuals, most of whom are currently fine-tuning ahead of the National Trials next month.

The experienced Morris combined skills, talent and a new pair of clubs to level the picturesque course’s par score of 71 in the first round.

Zandre Roye ended two over par with a score of 73, while William Knibbs was six over par with a score of 77.

The Montego Bay-based Morris, though pleased with the accomplishment, remained modest, with his sights set on today’s second and tomorrow’s final days.

“I had a pretty decent start, I just wanted to ease into the round because it is three-day tournament which boasts some of the top players in the country. The greens were a little bit tricky this morning, I thought they would have been rolling a little bit quicker, but all in all the day was pretty even for me,” Morris told the Jamaica Observer.

“I had some equipment change and with equipment change you have to get used to the new clubs, but they have been working really well for me, and as such, I am feeling a little bit comfortable. So all in all the form has been good and I just want to play steady over the next two days,” he added.

Caribbean champion Jonathan Newnham, who shot three over par with a score of 74, is still confident about his chances of finishing top.

“I had a lot of good shots, but I didn’t score the way I wanted to, I didn’t putt very well, but overall a lot of positive signs heading into the weekend. The course is in really good condition, and I am a little bit disappointed that I didn’t go under, but if I can shoot under par over the next two days, I would feel pretty good about my chances,” he said.

Meanwhile, last year’s junior Caribbean Champion Romaine Evans from the Sandals Academy found the going tough due to a chronic injury, as he shot 12 over par with a score of 83. Sebert Walker Jr, who also grouped with Evans and Newnham, shot a six over par score of 77.

“At the beginning I knew that it was going to be a rough day, because I had an injury that started acting up and I was out there on the course, so it was kind of hard to overcome it. But I am very happy that I was able to finish and tomorrow (today) is a next day, so hopefully the result will be a lot better for me,” said Evans.