Successful national golfer Omorry James, the country’s only living National Hero and former West Indies captain, Sir Viv Richards, and female golfer Ashley Francis swung their way to top honours in their respective categories of the 2022 Antigua and Barbuda Golf Association (ABGA) National Golf Championships held at Cedar Valley over the weekend.
James, the 2020 Antigua Open winner, went the distance in the Championship flight to breeze past his rivals and capture the main prize in the overall men’s division. The former national champion was also presented with the symbolic Green Jacket after racking up a score of 145 in the gross contest. Jonathan Pigott was second with a score of 147, while R Paul Michael finished third.
Meanwhile, Sir Viv, an avid player, battled back from a three-shot deficit to edge his former West Indies teammate, Eldine Baptiste, to win the exciting battle by one.
Baptiste had shot 77 on Saturday to Sir Viv’s 80 but the eventual champion showed grit and determination on Sunday to shoot 72 while Baptiste had 76.
Also, Francis had to battle her way back as well, overcoming first round leader Lexi Hunte to hoist her maiden title.
The Antigua Girls’ High School student ended the two-day championship with a score of 173 while Hunte, who was leading Francis by two strokes after round one, shot 178.
There was victory as well for Carlos Khoury in the juniors section, Iman Henry took the men’s B flight while Navin Singh went to distance in the men’s A division.
Over 50 players took part in the event which was sponsored by Snickers, Flow, Goddard Catering Group, Premier Beverages, Harney Motors, West Indies Oil Company Lipstick, Automotive Arts and Hawkeye Security.