Juniors impressive at the JGA Junior National Trials
The Jamaica Golf Association (JGA)Junior National Team Trials kicked off on March 20 at Caymanas Golf Course.
Over three days, 30 junior golfers competed for the opportunity to be one of 14 players to represent Jamaica at the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships (CAJGC) to be held in Trinidad, July 3-8.
The team will be looking to build on their impressive performance from the 2016 championships where they placed second to Puerto Rico, marking a massive improvement in Jamaica’s junior golf programme.
The intermittent weather at the trials did little to squash the enthusiasm and performance of the tournament participants.
The Under-13 Boys Overall Winner, Rocco Lopez, played three days of solid golf. Lopez posted scores of 74, 74 and 77 (225) to defeat the defending champion, Tristan Brown, 76, 76 and 74 (226), by one stroke overall in an exhilarating match.
Matthew Grant, first-timer at Trials, had an overall score of 262 placing third in the division. Emily Mayne won the Under-13 Girls, taking away the title from defending champion Evelyn Lai by shooting scores of 92, 88 and 82 (262). Lai placed second with an overall score of 292.
In the Under-15 Boys’ division, Radino Lobban from Sandals Ocho Rios, came from behind to win the division by three strokes. Lobban posted scores of 86, 88 and 80 (254). Luke Chin placed second with an overall score of 257, followed by Michael Lowe with 272. Under-15 Girls’ Champion Justine McKenzie faced challenges on the last day, but persevered, posting an overall score of 319.
The Under-17 Boys’ division was also won by one stroke. champion Justin Burrowes lost his title to Montego Bay’s Sebert Walker Jr. Burrowes and Walker both had impressive sub-80 rounds over the three days totalling 231 and 230, respectively.
Kei Harris, the only Under-17 Girl playing in trials, would not be outdone by her fellow competitors and posted scores of 77, 76 and 77 (230). Luke Lindo, past national player, and Danzell Knight had an exciting play-off to determine third place in the division. Knight edged Lindo out on the second hole of the three-hole play-off.
The final team selection will be based on the juniors’ performance at the trials and other JGA committee selection criteria.
