Sandy Bay, Hanover – Benjamin Martin of Trinidad and Tobago triumphed at the 57th Jamaica Open Golf Championship, clinching his first title after a suspense-filled final day at the Tryall Golf Course in Sandy Bay on Tuesday.
Held from November 10-12, the prestigious tournament concluded with Martin edging ahead by one stroke after a closely contested competition.
Entering the final round as a joint leader with the UK’s Mac McLear, Martin faced stiff competition, with rivals constantly challenging leads. His scorecard for the final day included five birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey, finishing with a one-under-par 71 and a three-day total of seven-under-par 209.
Reflecting on his win
Reflecting on his win, Martin said, “It was good. I didn’t quite have my ‘A’ game today, but coming down the stretch there was a good birdie on 16 and 17, so that was nice. I am very proud to be a champion here at the Jamaica Open. I came close twice before with a third and a fourth-place finish, so I’m happy to get it over the line this time.”
Trailing Martin by just one stroke was Canadian golfer Jacob Lehman, who finished at six-under-par 210. Meanwhile, Mac McLear and Pierre Viallneix of France tied for third place at five-under-par 211. Last year’s champion, Andrew Arft, placed 10th with a final score of six-over-par 222.
Jamaica’s best-performing golfer, Justin Burrowes, ended in ninth place with a score of 219. Though not entirely satisfied with his performance, Burrowes acknowledged his progress: “It was a good finish, but I would have wanted better today. I shot three-over today and feel like I easily left three or four shots out there. Overall, it’s a solid performance and something to build on. This is a tournament I really want to win one day.”
The senior categories
In the senior categories, Canada’s Allan McLean claimed victory in the senior professional section, finishing with 212, while Trinidad’s Wayne Baptiste took the senior amateur title with a score of 235.
Jamaica Golf Association (JGA) President Jodi Munn-Barrow expressed her gratitude, noting the event’s success. “We had more players than expected, and it was three thrilling days of golf. Benjamin Martin’s win came down to the 18th, where he had to get up and down to secure victory by one shot. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome, and we’re very grateful the weather held out for a successful Jamaica Open.”
Scott Summy of major sponsor Aqua Bay, joined by new sponsor Vybwear, praised the event’s appeal. “This is our fifth year sponsoring, and we’re very happy with the tournament. We love the Jamaica Open, the beauty of Tryall, Jamaica, and its people, and seeing competitors from all over the world coming together here.”
