When the Jamaican delegation stepped onto the tarmac bound for the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship (July 2–4), the energy was unmistakable.
With only two newcomers among nine competitors, the island’s blend of rising talent and proven pedigree now targets a feat no Jamaican side has yet achieved: an overall team title at the region’s premier amateur showcase.
Trials forge a formidable six‑man line‑up
National trials at Caymanas Golf Course produced a men’s roster brimming with form: Zandre Roye, Aman Dhiman, debutant Camden Purboo, former junior standout Trey Williams, past champion Oshae Haye, and 18‑year‑old national champion Ryan Lue. Reserve Sean Morris—himself a former title‑holder—adds insurance. Each day, the four lowest scores will constitute Jamaica’s team total, sharpening the edge of internal competition.
“The guys are playing good. I like where we are at,” captain Roye asserted. “The trials showed the skill level of the golfers this year, and everybody has been practising… once we execute, I think we’ll definitely have a very good chance of coming home with the trophy.”
Three women, no room for error
On the women’s side, Jamaica fields just three scorers—Mattea Issa, Emily Mayne, and Kingston Burke—one shy of the four‑player quota every rival enjoys. All three have senior caps; all three must fire every round.
“Last year I was the team captain as well and it was an incredible experience,” said Issa, still only 18. “I have been playing well… I’m familiar with this course, so hopefully I can use that to my advantage and just have a good week.”
Mayne, fresh from a productive U.S. collegiate season, embraced the challenge:
“We came second last year; I’m hoping we’ll do better and hopefully win it. Our score is going to count every day… it’s up to us if we want to get the trophy and win.”
Debutants ready for senior spotlight
Teeing it up at senior level for the first time, Williams could scarcely contain his anticipation:
“I expect a lot. I’m very excited for the competition… I’ve been waiting to be on the team for a good while, trying every year to make it. I’m very excited to see what I can do and see how I put up against bigger competitors.”
Purboo, meanwhile, uses Tuesday’s practice round to absorb course wisdom from veteran playing partners—part of a deliberate pairing strategy by team manager Alison Reid.
Manager’s blueprint: Share knowledge, win together
Reid believes Jamaica’s junior‑groomed nucleus is ready to blossom on the regional stage:
“We have a very experienced team, a really good team. A lot of these players came up through junior golf and they have a good track record… As long as we work as a team and share information, I think the team should be able to play well at the event.”
Practice complete, stakes set
With fairways charted during Tuesday’s reconnaissance, play begins Wednesday on the par‑72 Barbados Golf Course. Three rounds stand between Jamaica and history—three days in which youthful exuberance must fuse with hard‑earned know‑how.
Should the plan hold, those black, green and gold shirts will leave Christ Church not merely as competitors, but as champions.
