ST. CATHERINE, Jamaica – Paul Leyow capped an exhilarating weekend by claiming the AMG Buccaneer Memorial Golf Tournament in dramatic fashion at the Caymanas Golf Club, sinking a pivotal birdie on the 18th hole to edge out former West Indies Cricket Board president Dave Cameron.
Beyond the sporting triumph, the tournament also raised J$1.5 million for two deserving causes: the Laws Street Trade Training Centre in Kingston and the Jamaica Golf Association’s Caddy Relief Fund, supporting caddies impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
A nail-biting battle to the finish
Leyow, who led the Men & Men Senior 0-6 category after the first round with a 76 (+4), briefly relinquished the top spot to Cameron during the second round. Entering the final hole, Leyow trailed by two shots. Facing a daunting bunker, he executed a clutch shot that dropped for a birdie, finishing the tournament with 78 (+6) for a 154 total, narrowly beating Cameron, who carded 155 (+11).
“It turned out to be a thrilling end on the 18th green,” Leyow said. “I knew that if I could get a good shot on the green and make par, and he maybe double-bogeyed, we would go to a playoff. But he left his putt short, and I just happened to sink the birdie. I nipped him by one. That was pretty thrilling in the end.”
Overcoming challenges
Despite limited preparation due to travel, Leyow’s weekend performance proved his resilience and consistency.
“I wasn’t able to prepare as much as I would have liked, but I was happily surprised that my game showed up over the weekend,” he said. “Pretty much backed it up today with some help from my opponents. I nipped them in the end and was the winner.”
Category winners shine across the field
The tournament featured spirited competition across multiple divisions:
- Men & Men Senior 7-12: Quintin Hugh Sam 177 (1st), Oliver McIntosh & Damion Andreson 184 (tied 2nd)
- Men Super Senior 0-12: Philip Prendergast 158, Mike Gliechman 161, Richard Sincair 171
- Masters: Tony Gooden 166
- Boys 14-15: Jacob Schnoor 193
- Girls 14-15: Alessandra Coe 181
- Stableford Categories: Andrew Spencer 49 points (Men & Men Senior 13-24), Irma Steyn 34 points (Ladies), Dr. Guyan Arscott 31 points (Masters), Jordan Demetrius 31 points (Boys 15 & Under)
Giving back amid competition
Outgoing Buccaneer Golf Club captain Peter Chin emphasized the tournament’s dual purpose: celebrating golf while supporting communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.
“We knew it would be a challenge to have competitors from Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, but we decided to go ahead,” Chin said. “We are extremely happy to give $1,000,000 to the Laws Street Trade Training Centre and $500,000 to the Caddy Relief Fund, helping those affected in western Jamaica. This is our small way of saying ‘fight on.’”
The event, marking the 30th anniversary of the Buccaneer Memorial, honored seven of Jamaica’s past national golf representatives: Milton ‘Buddy’ Josephs, Izette Rhone, Lenan ‘Lennie’ Chin, John Fulford, Al Chong, Claude Stewart, and Mark Chin.
Celebrating triumph and community
Leyow’s jubilant celebration with Dr. Andre Foote, outgoing captain Peter Chin, and new club president Metry Seaga symbolized a weekend that blended sporting excellence with charitable impact. The dramatic birdie on the final hole not only delivered Leyow the trophy but also underscored the tournament’s spirit of resilience, competition, and giving back.
