Jamaica Golf Association (JGA) president Jodi Munn-Barrow has outlined exciting plans to commemorate the association’s 100th anniversary, following another successful staging of the Caymanas Golf Classic, where she emerged victorious in the Ladies’ section alongside overall winner Zandre Roye.
The two-day tournament, held at the Caymanas Golf Club, marked the first event on the JGA calendar for the year and presented a tough challenge for golfers, particularly those competing for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points. These competitors played three rounds—54 holes—in just two days to enhance their global ranking and increase their chances of playing in major tournaments worldwide.
Roye rose to the occasion, delivering a composed performance under extreme heat and windy conditions. He posted rounds of two-over-par 74, one-over-par 73, and seven-over-par 79 for a total of 10-over-par 226. He edged out Trey Williams, who finished three strokes behind on 229, with Oshae Haye a further three strokes back on 232.
“The conditions were tough over the weekend. Yesterday was a little better than today, but the course dried out, making the greens faster and tougher to putt on. You really had to be strategic with your shots, and I think I managed well, all things considered,” Roye reflected.
In the Men Senior 0-6 category, Sean Morris (234), Dr. Mark Newnham (238), and Dave Cameron (252) battled challenging conditions. Meanwhile, among the local professionals, Sebert Walker Jr. equaled Roye’s total score of 226, with Raymond Brown just one stroke behind on 227 and Orville Christie finishing on 233.
Elsewhere, in the two-day, 18-hole category, Owen Samuda topped the field with a score of seven-over-par 151, edging William Lee (157) in the Men & Men Senior 0-6 section.
Munn-Barrow, with scores of two-under-par 70 and three-over-par 75, finished on a combined one-over-par 145 to claim victory in the Ladies’ section.
Despite limited practice due to work commitments, Munn-Barrow was pleased with her performance.
“It was very surprising. My expectations were a bit low because I haven’t been playing much, but I’m happy with my two-day performance. I need to find more time to practice and improve, but overall, I’m satisfied with the results,” she said.
Looking ahead, Munn-Barrow shared a glimpse into the JGA’s centennial celebrations, which will feature a series of initiatives aimed at growing the game of golf in Jamaica.
“It’s a big celebration for us. We’re finalizing a number of activities, including ‘Grow the Game’ clinics to introduce new players to golf, an end-of-year awards banquet, and an elevated major fundraising event to mark the milestone. Additionally, we’re looking to enhance the Jamaica Open in November to make it extra special,” she explained.
She emphasized that discussions are ongoing with sponsors to ensure the anniversary is celebrated in grand style.
“One hundred years of this association is something great that needs to be recognized, and we’re working to make it happen,” Munn-Barrow noted.
Among other golfers who secured podium finishes at the Caymanas Golf Classic were former JGA president Wayne Chai-Chong, Tony Gooden, and promising juniors Shasa Redlefsen, Kemari Morris, Ishana Belel, and Anessandra Coe.