William Knibbs & Michelle McCreath crowned National Amateur Golf champs

By Sports Desk May 22, 2023

William Knibbs defied the odds to be crowned the Jamaica National Amateur Golf Champion on Sunday at the Caymanas Golf Club in St. Catherine.

Knibbs entered Sunday's final day three strokes behind leader Zandre Roye but after rounds of 74 and 72, he shot a 73 for a combined score of 219 to win by four strokes. Roye opened with a 71 on Friday and followed up with 72 on Saturday but it all fell apart on Sunday when he shot four birdies, six bogeys and three double bogeys for a score of 80 for a combined score of 223.

Knibbs was almost in disbelief that he managed to come from behind to claim victory.

"I was three strokes back after day one. I saw that there were opportunities throughout both the first two days where had I capitalized a little better I could have had better scores and been closer to the lead so today (Sunday) I just tried to avoid as many mistakes as possible and let the good golf come to me," he said while expressing his delight at winning another national title.

"It feels great to join Justin Burrowes as the second multiple-time winner of this event. I knew I was playing well coming into this week and through the first two days I was really playing well, just didn't get the most out of my game so today I came a little earlier and put in a little extra practice and try to grind out a good result today."

Last year's champion Oshae Haye, who was in fifth place going into the final day ended in third place with a score of 238 (81, 80, 77).

Three golfers Dr. Mark Newnham, Sean Morris and William Lee tied for fourth place after posting 241 each over the three days.

Michele McCreath was crowned the female champion for the first time. She was the only entrant in the female category.

"Absolutely" happy to win even though "it was a challenge. The course was very difficult and the conditions were very tight but it does feel wonderful at this stage of my career in golf to be winning."

Robert Chin won the Men Super Senior section with scores of 80, 78 and another 78 in the final round for a total score of 236. Mike Gleichman came from behind to grab second place after ending on 239 (84, 80 and 78), while Dorrel Allen was third on four strokes back on 240 (88, 75, 77).

 

 

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