St. Catherine, Jamaica – The pristine greens of the Caymanas Golf Club bore witness to two outstanding champions this past weekend as Owen Samuda and Jodi Munn-Barrow delivered stellar performances to claim top honors at the prestigious AMG Buccaneer Memorial Golf Tournament.
In its 29th year, the tournament not only showcased elite athleticism but also upheld a cherished tradition of charity and community impact.
Owen Samuda, fresh off a series of mixed fortunes on the international circuit, reasserted his dominance with a commanding victory in the men’s category. Fresh from a bittersweet showing at the 57th Jamaica Open, where he missed his final-day tee time despite being in contention, Samuda rebounded with unrelenting focus, carding back-to-back rounds of one-under-par 71. His combined score of two-under-par 142 saw him secure a jaw-dropping 13-stroke victory.
“After the disappointment in the Jamaica Open, I realized you can’t drive a car while looking in the rearview mirror. I approached this tournament with confidence and positivity. Yesterday, I played well, and today, even better. I feel really good about this win,” reflected Samuda.
Samuda also earned respect from his peers, with rivals commending his impeccable ball-striking.
Munn-Barrow continues her winning ways
In the women’s category, Jodi Munn-Barrow, president of the Jamaica Golf Association, once again proved her mettle, topping the leaderboard with rounds of three-over-par 75 on both days. Despite admitting to limited practice due to her organizational duties during the Jamaica Open, she navigated the challenging conditions with poise, finishing with a total score of six-over-par 150.
Acknowledging her efforts, Munn-Barrow said: “This weekend was challenging. My game felt scrappy due to lack of preparation, but I managed to grind through and post two solid rounds. I’m thrilled with the outcome and proud of my resilience.”
Munn-Barrow’s nearest competitor, Michele McCreath, finished 21 strokes behind, underscoring the former’s continued dominance in Jamaican women’s golf.
Category champions and rising stars
The tournament also celebrated numerous category winners, highlighting Jamaica’s rich golfing talent across all age groups. Notable performances included:
- Men’s Senior 7-12 Handicap: Quentin Hugh-Sam and Philip Gooden (168 each).
- Men’s Super Senior 0-12 Handicap: Philip Prendergast and Mike Glieckman (151 each).
- Boys 15 & Under: Kemari Morris (163).
- Girls 14-15: Alessandra Coe (177).
Golf for a greater cause
The AMG Buccaneer Memorial Golf Tournament isn’t just a celebration of sporting excellence—it’s a beacon of philanthropy. Peter Chin, president of the Buccaneers Golf Club, highlighted the event’s charitable mission to support the Lawes Street Trade Training Centre, a vital institution for community development.
“Since the 1990s, this tournament has been a pillar of Jamaican golf. Despite weather-related challenges, we remain committed to achieving our annual fundraising target of one million dollars,” said Chin.
Chin also praised the course’s condition despite heavy rains in preceding weeks, attributing the success to dedicated organizers and the unwavering support of AMG Packaging and Scientific & Medical Supplies, the event’s title and associate sponsors.
Honoring legacy
Held in memory of seven legendary Jamaican golfers, including Milton “Buddy” Josephs and Mark Chin, the tournament continues to embody their spirit, passion, and contributions to the sport.
With over 80 participants braving the weekend’s unpredictable weather, the 29th edition of this storied tournament cemented its legacy as a hallmark of Jamaican golf, blending elite competition with a profound commitment to community upliftment.
