THE Jamaica Golf Association wrapped up its final practice round for the junior team as they get ready for high-level competition in the 34th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships in Puerto Rico from June 26 to July 1.

Everyone around the team — including coaches Jonathan Newnham and Jason Lopez, as well as Manager Alison Reid and the leading male and female players in Rocco Lopez and Emily Mayne — expressed confidence that the team can do well on this occasion and even win the overall trophy for the first time.

Coach Newnhan spoke about the team’s preparation while observing the after-practice exercises from the putting green at Caymanas Golf Club last Sunday.

“It was a good final day. We have to thank the courses across the island that gave us the opportunity to practise and play and test our game in different conditions, so today was great and we will be off to Puerto Rico to try and take the trophy for the first time.”

Practice rounds were played at several golf courses across the island including Half Moon, Tryall, and Cinnamon Hill in the western end of the island; Sandals in the central region; as well as at Caymanas — the venue of the final practice round.

“For us its gonna come down to the little things, as I have been saying to the team over and over. Our games are ready but it’s how we conduct ourselves on a day-to-day basis — managing our focus, hydration, making sure we get enough rest — these are the things that will separate us. If we can do that — control what we can control — then I like our chances of taking home the trophy,” he said.

Team Jamaica is on a mission to bag and take home the coveted team trophy for the first time. The island came close on a number of occasions, including in 2018 when they came second at home when the island hosted the championships, and again in 2019 in Puerto Rico.

The team is set to leave the island this morning for the championships.