KINGSTON, Jamaica — Team Jamaica delivered a commanding performance at the 2025 Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships (CAGC), earning a well-deserved second-place finish and the coveted Arthur Zaidie Trophy runner-up title with a final tally of 23 points.
The competition, hosted over three intense days at the Barbados Golf Club, saw Jamaica’s golfers demonstrate consistency, resilience, and growing prowess in regional play. The men’s team stood out, finishing third overall with a combined score of +35, bolstered by solid individual efforts from Oshae Haye, who claimed sixth place at +3, and Ryan Lue, who finished ninth at +8.
The Ladies’ team also made their mark, securing fourth place with a team score of +53. Notably, Mattea Issa took fifth place at +26, closely followed by Emily Mayne, who ended sixth with +27.
Trophy misstep mars ceremony
However, celebrations were briefly thrown into disarray during the awards ceremony when the Dominican Republic, which had accumulated 22 points, was mistakenly announced as the runner-up and initially awarded the Arthur Zaidie Trophy.
The error was soon corrected after a post-event review by officials confirmed that Jamaica, with 23 points, had in fact secured the second-place finish. The Caribbean Golf Association (CGA) swiftly issued an official statement, acknowledging the mishap.
“Team Jamaica, with 23 points, is the rightful runner-up,” the CGA stated. “We regret the initial mistake and are working with Golf Genius to implement automated scoring safeguards for future events.”
Grace and integrity amid controversy
Despite the unexpected setback, Team Jamaica maintained their professionalism and grace throughout the ordeal—something not lost on local officials.
Jodi Munn Barrow, President of the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA), lauded the team’s response in the face of the confusion.
“Despite the mix-up, our players displayed remarkable integrity. This achievement underscores the progress of Jamaican golf,” she said.
Looking ahead with renewed resolve
In the wake of the incident, the CGA and Jamaican officials are now working closely to ensure the team receives the proper recognition for their outstanding showing. Plans are already underway to bolster transparency and accuracy in future events through enhanced digital scoring measures.
As the regional golf community continues to grow in competitiveness and professionalism, Jamaica’s rise in the standings affirms its growing status as a Caribbean golf powerhouse—one that meets adversity not just with skill, but with dignity.
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