Web Posted - Tue Aug 10 2004

PROUDLY displaying the prestigious Hoerman Cup, emblem of supremacy in regional golf, Barbados’ jubilant golf team, returned home to a warm reception at Grantley International Airport last Sunday night.
Family, friends and well wishers, erupted with delight to show their appreciation of the efforts of the members of the team as they made their way out of the arrival hall.

Inspired by the excellent display of James Johnson, Barbados recorded its first major success in the region’s premier golf tournament which was hosted by the Bahamas Golf Association over the weekend.

Johnson was ably supported by the fine efforts of compatriots Carlsen Leacock, Darren Boardley and William Tempro in the featured event at the 48th Caribbean Amateur championships played at Our Lucaya Golf and Country Club.

Other participating teams included Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, OECS, Turks and Caicos, USVI, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico and the host country.

Over the four days of competition, Johnson returned scores of 66, 71, 71, 71, while Leacock returned scores of 73, 75, 78, 75. Boardley had scores of 73, 79, 83, 77 and Tempro 78, 79, 75 and 80.

As result of their consistent play, the Bajans finished with a total 884 strokes, to get the better of Puerto Rico, who has been a dominant force in regional golf over the years. Puerto Rico finished as runners up with an overall team score of 893, while third place went to Trinidad and Tobago with 904 strokes. Bahamas held fourth place with 909 strokes.

Puerto Rico still had much to shout about winning the Francis Steele Perkins Cup, the Higgs and Higgs Trophy, while Bahamas claimed the George Teale trophy. Barbados could only managed sixth place in these events.

Johnson’s biggest challenge in the Hoerman Cup competition came from Trevor Levine, a very fierce competitor from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Runner-up for the individual title, Levine lost to Johnson by three strokes

Bahamas took the runner-up spot in the Ramon Baez trophy, while Jamaica third, while in the Francis Steele-Perkins Cup Cayman Islands were the runners-up with the Dominican in third.

Trinidad and Tobago were runners-up to Puerto Rico for the Higgs and Higgs trophy, while Bahamas took third place. Bahamas turned the tables on Puerto Rico for the George Teale trophy, while third was Jamaica.

Members of the Barbados team were highly commended for their efforts with special praise for Johnson who shot under par every day which is being considered a record.

The course was well prepared but according to reports it was by no means and easy course, but the Bajans remained focused on the task ahead of them.

One of the top contenders for the individual title, Trevor Levine from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) played to his usual standard shooting about three under par.

However, Johnson shot nine under par, recording one of the lowest scores ever shot in the Hoerman Cup to upstage Levine. Johnson said the course was in good shape and really suited his game and he felt quite comfortable from the first day. Johnson recognised the performance of Levine who shot well, but thought that he (Johnson) had a great opening day of 66 and was able to maintain his momentum throughout.

Johnson said that he had his game very much in control, but kept a close eye on Levine, who then had to work to try to catch Johnson.

Johnson now looks forward to the World Cup slated to be played in Puerto Rico in October and in which Barbados will be represented. Till then its off to the Olympics with his father, Ralph Johnson. They were scheduled to leave the island yesterday evening.

It is firmly felt that the performance of the Barbados team would generate greater interest in the sport and be of a source of inspiration to the youngsters currently undergoing coaching. Sincere gratitude have been extended to all who contributed to making the team’s participation in the tournament a reality.

The local golf courses, Southern Golf, Sandy Lane and Rockley who made the facilities available for preparation of the team.

Assistance was also provided by Guardian Insurance, Tall Ships and Simpson (Suzuki) who gave sponsorship.

Compliments of the Barbados Advocate

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