Eight Saint Lucians participated in the second leg of the 117th Trinidad & Tobago Golf Open at the weekend. Daren Sammy was the top performer as the group teed off at the St Andrews Golf Club in Moka, Maraval. Saint Lucia was sixth in the President’s Cup at +41, as Trinidad & Tobago captured the team title at +1 over the four days of play.
In the first flight, Sammy hit an impressive 344 gross, 320 net, tying for sixth in the first flight. With a six handicap, the former West Indies cricket captain and current all-format coach netted 90 in the opening round but bounced back with 74 on the second day. He completed his recovery with 79 and 77 in the last two rounds of play.
Sammy had a bogey and three double bogeys in the final round, but also was under par seven times, with three double birdies. In the first round, he was over par 10 times and under par just twice. The man from Dugard finished 31 strokes back of the winner, Ethan Collier. Royron Adams grossed 364 and netted 320 to end 11th. Habib Chreiki (356 and 328) tied for 13th.
“It’s not the first time playing in the Trinidad & Tobago Open, but it’s a good experience,” said Sammy. “Golf is a new passion that I’ve discovered, and it’s good to come here with the team of, I think, eight Saint Lucians to try and take part in a beautiful game.”
Romanus Inglis scored 335 gross and 327 net, finishing 23rd in the Championship category, three spots above Harith Khan with 343 and 331.
In the second flight, Dwayne King came in 19th (385 and 337) whilst Prince Wayne tied for 22nd (398 and 354). Mario Reyes hit 379 gross and 323 net to finish 18th among the seniors, with West Indies legend Brian Lara also in that division.
Over 200 golfers competed for prestige in the Professional, Championship, First, and Second flights, with the Men’s Professional category carrying prize money of US$10 000.
