Golf glory

Top local golfer James Johnson is sitting pretty after the first day. (Picture by Kenmore Bynoe.)

Sun, January 29, 2012 - 12:05 AM

Perennial champion James Johnson will be seeking to add the 7th Royal Bank Classic to his collection when the tournament enters its second and final day today, at the Barbados Golf Club at Durants.

Johnson, the island’s top player over the past ten years, shot 72 yesterday to position himself for a run for the championship over the final 18 holes.

He was five shots clear of teenager Donald Leacock (77) and six ahead of Judd Cozier (78), his nearest rivals. Regular contender Marcus Clarke was out of the running on a challenging first day as he shot 84.

Among the women, defending champion Lyn deCambra-Mcleod took an early lead over rivals as she led the field with a gross 82.

Competition appeared tighter in the men’s first flight (players with 11 to 19 handicap) as three players were tied on a gross 86, chasing leader Mario Byer who shot 81.

Bruce Ward, BGA secretary Trenton Weekes and 14 year-old Spencer Smith were all four shots off the pace and seeking to improve further among a field of 30 players in their division.

Veteran Barbados player Michael Haynes took the early lead in the senior’s division, registering a gross 76 and was followed by Credon Walcott, who shot 77.

Just over 100 players teed off yesterday in the two-day Classic which is organized by the Barbados Golf Association and is one of the most popular tournaments on the local calendar. (PR/BB)