Compliments of the Barbados Advocate

It's looking much like a final day confrontation between Barbados Hoerman Cup captain, James Johnson and the Irishman David Houlihan as the curtain comes down on the 22nd The Beacon Insurance Barbados Open.

Johnson shot a second-day high of three under par 69 on Saturday to draw level with the 23-year-old Houlihan on an overall gross 139.

"I putted well today, but generally it has been two days of consistent golf, " said Johnson, who had the day's lowest score. < Read more >

Web Posted - Tue Jun 28 2005
By Hallam Hope

IRISHMAN David Houlihan shot the golf round of his life, a six under par 72 to win the 22nd edition of The Beacon Insurance Barbados Open at Royal Westmoreland golf course on Sunday.

Houlihan impressed in a big way on Friday with an opening round of five under par but saw Barbados Hoerman Cup captain, James Johnson, recover on the second day with a three under par 69 to set up an intriguing final round.

However, Houlihan, 23, who hopes to play for Ireland, dominated the front and back nines with strong, long drives and a short game in which he sunk putt after putt, the longer the better.

Sunday belonged to him, and neither Johnson nor defending champion, Kittitian,Trevor Levine, could deny him the maiden victory in Barbados most prestigious golfing event.

Both contenders shot level par and played excellently, brilliant at times, but not the consistent brilliance of their Irish companion.

Houlihan attributed the victory to hard work with his coach in Ireland.

He returns there shortly for a series of tournaments and hopes to make the national team.

While his putts were at times astounding and replicated his first-day form he said a lot of his success could be attributed to the work he did to get into a position to play for par or birdie.

The overall 11 under par 72 is believed to be a course record.

The women's championship flight was won by Barbadian Jaime Hole, with compatriots Rae Muffin Johnson coming second and another former Barbados player, Claire Jordan, third.

Hole, who needs to do a lot more work on her game, had a best score of 76 on the second day. Newton Daisley won the Men s First Flight with 258 shots, five better than Harry Goodman.

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