Issa bows out of CAJGC with Caribbean title

RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico

After playing bridesmaid for several years, Jamaica’s Mattea Issa left it until her final year as a junior to secure her first 18 and under title, at the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship (CAJGC), which came to an end yesterday at the Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.

Issa, who trailed Puerto Rico’s Ava Saavedra by two shots entering the final day, came up trumps in the third round with another solid performance.

The final-year junior racked up three birdies and six bogeys to finish the third-round three over par 75 to go with her opening-round 83 and second-round 73.

Her 15 over par 231 total was five shots better than second-place Victoria Rivera of Puerto Rico, who had a three-day total of 236, following rounds of 80, 79, and 77.

For Issa, the 18 and under title was a fitting reward for all the hard work she has put in, knowing it was her last chance at the trophy.

“I have finished second in this tournament for many years, and I am so elated that I was able to put some solid rounds together and pull off the win, which means so much, seeing that it’s my last year as a Junior.”

Issa’s win was even sweeter for team Jamaica as compatriot Kingston Burke copped third place in the category after tying with Saavedra.

Burke followed up her second-round 77 with a similar score to finish with a total of 21 over par 237 following her opening-round 83.

“I really worked hard on the course this week, and so I feel I earned this prize,” said Burke.

In the meantime, Allesandra Coe made sure Jamaica left Puerto Rico with more silverware as she secured third place in the 11-13 flight.

Coe finished with a combined total of 30 over par 246, following scores of 85, 80, and 81. Teammate Francesca Black finished fifth with a score of 47 over par 263.

The flight was won by Darina Betschart of Bermuda, who had a four under par total score of 212.

Jamaica’s other female competitor, Mallaina Williams ended in seventh place in the 15 and under flight, following her 41 over par 257.

On the boys’ side, Kemari Morris missed out on a third-place finish as he carded a 16 over par 232 behind eventual winner Fernando Leduc of Puerto Rico, who won with a score of four over par 220.

Cameron Coe had to settle for 15th place in the flight, following his 48 over par 264, while Shasa Redlefsen ended in seventh place in the 11-13 flight following his 25 over par 241.

Jamaica’s lone 18 and under boys’ entrant, Ryan Lue, had a torrid tournament, carding a 24 over par 240, which was only good enough for 15th place.

Jamaica ended in fourth place in the overall Hank James trophy with 100 points. Host Puerto Rico claimed the team title with 162 points, followed by the Dominican Republic in second with 126 points. Bahamas placed third with 124 points.