The future of golf in Barbados was on show on Sunday during a junior tournament organised by the Barbados Golf Association and staged at the Barbados Golf Club (BGC), at Durants.
Close to 50 of the island’s most promising juniors, including beginners and improving junior national players, took their drives, chips and putts to the course in five catergories of competition before awards were presented in the evening at the BGC club-house.
Coach and tournament coordinator Bobby Edghill said that while the more accomplished players were tested over 18 holes, very young players in coaching programmes showed their skills over four and six holes.
Promising national junior 12-year-old Xzavier Wiggins emerged winner in the 13 years and Under catergory as he posted 79 over 18 holes and finished one stroke ahead of second-placed fellow national junior Josiah Layne (80).
National junior captain Spencer Smith won the 17 and Under division with a score of 84 while Chris Cobley took the 15 and Under division with 82.
Girls Emily Odwin and Eryn Blakeley were outstanding in the 11 and Under divison with Odwin posting a score of 58 over nine holes to emerge winner while Blakeley was second on 66.
The 9 and Under division, played over six holes, was won by Sam Brancker (33 strokes) with Quinton Heljenek (35) second and Jade Blakeley and Chris Jackman joint third with a score of 41.
Competition appeared surprisingly tight in the seven and Under division over four holes. While there was a clear separation among the girls, there was a five-way tie for second place among the boys. Isla Demonge (28) and Laea Blakeley (29) were the top two girls while Jacob Beeson (26 strokes) was the winner among the boys and was closely followed by Logan Stollmeyer, Sunjeet Harriamani, Charlie Moorjani, Jason Johnson and Tobia Janoha who all shot 27 and shared second slot. BGA president Cally Boyea, who presented the trophies and medals to the juniors after the tournament , said he was encouraged by the level of participation in the event and the support from parents who walked the course with players.
“The BGA has a mandate to keep juniors involved in the sport and this augurs well for the future. The skills shown on the course and the level of interest among the juniors is a healthy sign for the sport,” said Boyea.
The BGA president also praised the efforts of coach Edghill, who recently returned from Canada on a ten-day training programme sponsored by the BGA.
