James Johnson and Judd Cozier are set to tee off in another of golf’s big showdowns.
The country’s best players will highlight a top-flight men’s field this weekend when the United Insurance/Digicel/Diamonds International Rockley Open gets under way on Saturday at the Rockley course.
It’s the major storyline heading into one of the country’s longest running tournaments, which is about to play host to around 100 golfers over two days in the 213th edition of the Open.
Johnson, the Open’s two-time defending champ, also has somewhat of a long-running rivalry with Cozier, having split the last eight titles with the former six-time winner.
“From all reports, these competitors are very prepared for this weekend’s action and should be the ones to watch,” said Digicel commercial director and avid golfer Alex Tasker.
“However, I’m certain that since last year’s event there are a number of entrants who have upped their game, just like Digicel has in the last year, and are ready to mount a serious challenge for the title this year.”
Contested over two days in a medal format, the Rockley Open will feature close to 40 overseas entrants from Britain, Canada and the United States in three flights – including a highly competitive women’s field.
And that women’s flight is expected to showcase an epic duel of its own, as defending champ Helen Foster will look to hold off Julia Stephenson for a second straight title on a course that should feature great greens and fairways.
“The groundstaff and the management of Rockley have worked extremely hard in order to present the course at its very best for this year’s Open,” said Rockley men’s captain Clarence Hiles.
“We have had great weather during the month of January, and the fairways and greens are in very good condition.”
Prizes will be offered for the top three positions in each flight, as well as awards for the best net and gross scores on both days. (JM)
