Sun | May 28, 2023

Mayne battles tough conditions to top JGA Junior trials

Published:Tuesday | March 28, 2023 | 1:08 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
Emily Mayne plays a tee shot during the final round of the Jamaica Golf Association National Junior Trials held at the Caymanas Golf Course on Sunday.
Lennox Aldred
Emily Mayne plays a tee shot during the final round of the Jamaica Golf Association National Junior Trials held at the Caymanas Golf Course on Sunday.

Emily Mayne had the best overall score after three rounds of tough competitive golf as the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA) wrapped up their junior trials to help select the national team for the upcoming Caribbean Amateur Championships in the Cayman Islands this summer.

The Bahamas-based Mayne shot a 15 over par 231 to win the girls’ 18-and-under category, beating out Mattea Issa, who finished runner-up following her three-round total of 25 over par 241.

Dry, windy conditions greeted the golfers on Sunday’s final day, and with that, Mayne had the worst of her three rounds following a six over par 78 to go with her 76 in round two and 77 in the opening round.

Issa also had a five-over-par opening round, but with steamy and windy conditions in the following rounds, she was only able to put up back-to-back rounds of 82 to close out the trials.

For Mayne, the trial win had added significance heading into the championship in July.

“This trial means a lot because this is my last year as a junior. I have been preparing for this tournament, which will be my first event of the year, so last year I won, and so it would be amazing to defend my title in my final year as a junior.”

In the meantime, Aarron Ghosh took the boys’ 15-and-under category following his 39 over 255. Davin Hogan finished second with scores of 98, 92, and 96 for his 70 over par 286.

In the girls’ equivalent, Samantha Azan shot an opening round of 94 and followed that up with back-to-back 91s to claim the top spot after carding 60 over par 276.

Anoushka Khatri was a shot behind after carding a 61 over par 277. The boys’ under-13 title went to Kemari Morris, who recorded scores of 85, 89, and 95 for a 53 over par 269.

Alessandra Coe took the female equivalent following her 68 over par 284.

Allison Reid, the convener for the JGA Junior golf programme, was pleased with the overall effort of the juniors in what were tough challenging conditions.

“I am happy as the children showed up and played and tried their best. The scores may not tell the same story as the conditions were tough with swirling unpredictable wind, which made it challenging.

The JGA is expected to name the team for the championships next week.