McLear and Martin share Jamaica Open lead in nail-biting penultimate round
Key Points(5)
- “It’s always nice to lead,” Martin said confidently.
- “Hopefully it finishes that way tomorrow (Tuesday).”</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Leaderboard remains close</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">McLear, who carded a one-under-par 71 in the second round, acknowledged he had to work harder than expected to stay at the top.
- “I didn’t have my best stuff today (Monday).
- I didn’t do a whole lot right, but I battled hard and am happy to be tied for the lead,” McLear said.
- On his approach to the final round, he plans to stay consistent, “I’ll just do the same thing I’ve been doing the last two days.
Sandy Bay, Hanover – As the 57th Jamaica Open Golf Championship heads into its final day, the leaderboard is tightly contested, with Mac McLear of the USA and Trinidad and Tobago’s Benjamin Martin sharing the lead.
Both players are tied at six-under-par 138 after two rounds at the Tryall Golf Club, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion on Tuesday.
Martin, who matched Canada’s Jacob Lehman with the lowest score of the second round, a four-under-par 68, expressed his optimism going into the final round. “It’s always nice to lead,” Martin said confidently. “Hopefully it finishes that way tomorrow (Tuesday).”
Leaderboard remains close
McLear, who carded a one-under-par 71 in the second round, acknowledged he had to work harder than expected to stay at the top. “I didn’t have my best stuff today (Monday). I didn’t do a whole lot right, but I battled hard and am happy to be tied for the lead,” McLear said. On his approach to the final round, he plans to stay consistent, “I’ll just do the same thing I’ve been doing the last two days. It’s been working so far, so I’ll just keep doing it.”
The leaderboard remains close with Ryan Sullivan of the USA and Pierre Viallaneix of France hot on the leaders’ heels, each sitting at five-under-par 139, just one stroke behind McLear and Martin.
Among the Jamaican players, Justin Burrowes holds the highest rank among local professionals. After two solid rounds, he reflected on his progress, saying, “It feels good, I would say. I know I could do a little better for sure, but I feel like I’m in a good spot after two days.”
Burrowes added that he is trying to focus on his own game and not get distracted by external factors. “I’ve enjoyed it a lot more this year than last year. I just plan to do more of the same tomorrow, hopefully some putts fall in, and that’s about it.”
His best showing
For Trey Williams, a recent graduate from the junior ranks, this year’s tournament has marked his best showing in his four Jamaica Open appearances. After finishing two days at six-over-par 150, three strokes ahead of his nearest competitor, Williams said, “I feel pretty good about it. Today was a tough day—very hot, very humid, very wet—but I played the best I could. My game plan was all about making par on as many holes as possible.”
Oshae Haye, who was a joint leader after day one, ended the second round three shots behind Williams, placing him in second at 153. Defending champion Sean Morris follows closely in third, posting a two-over-par 74 for a total score of 154.
The final round on Tuesday will determine the champion of this year’s Jamaica Open, with contenders from across the field vying to take home the title.
