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Defending champions set to return for 2023 Jamaica Open

Published:Wednesday | October 11, 2023 | 12:07 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
From left: Dr Mark Newnham, vice-president of the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA), Gordon Hutchinson, former JGA president, Jodi Munn-Barrow, JGA president, and David Mais, 2023 Jamaica Open honoree, pose in front of the Jamaica Open trophy following the la
Lennox Aldred
From left: Dr Mark Newnham, vice-president of the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA), Gordon Hutchinson, former JGA president, Jodi Munn-Barrow, JGA president, and David Mais, 2023 Jamaica Open honoree, pose in front of the Jamaica Open trophy following the launch of the event at the Constant Spring Golf Club yesterday.

AMERICAN PATRICK Cover has confirmed that he will be back to defend his title at the 56th staging of the Jamaica Open golf tournament which will be held once again at the famous Tryall Golf Club in Hanover from October 28 to 31.

Cover’s participation was confirmed by Jamaica Golf Association (JGA) president, Jodi Munn-Barrow, who also confirmed that defending amateur champion, Justin Burrowes, will return from overseas and take part in the 54-hole championship, which is presented by Aqua Bay.

The 27-year-old North Carolina native Cover, who has three PGA tour appearances, won his second Jamaica Open championships last year after holding off compatriots Josh Anderson and defending champion Michael Maguire on an enthralling final day.

Cover, who won in 2019, shot a two-under-par 70 on the final day to end with a three-day score of 13 under par 203 and took home the first prize of US$20,000 at the 55th staging

Over 50 golfers have already committed to playing in the prestigious event this year, which continues to attract top golfing talent from the popular Korn Ferry tour in North America as well as other tours throughout the region.

“We expect a week of fabulous golf like last year with our defending champion coming back. His experience on the Korn Ferry tour will lift him to a higher level but I expect stiff competition from the other pros as well,” said Munn-Barrow.

The amateur section is also set to create some buzz with the proficient Burrowes flying home to defend his title along with some of the top amateur golfers from the region.

“Apart from our defending amateur champion Justin Burrowes, we expect some amateurs from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados that will add some competition,” added Munn-Barrow.

Long-standing golf administrator, David Mais, will be honoured at this year’s championship with the stalwart receiving a citation from the Jamaica Golf Association following the Pro-Am event.

Maid, who has been involved with sports in Jamaica since the 1970s, was elated that his services were being recognised.

“I am deeply appreciative as I started my administrative exploits a long time ago with people like Gordon Hutchinson, who was one of the first persons that I worked with in golf.”