Defending men’s champion James Johnson and former champion Kemesha Anthony of Antigua are looking to stay ahead of the field today, as the 2011 United Insurance Barbados Open Golf Championships enter the second day at Royal Westmoreland.
On the opening day yesterday, four-time winner Johnson shot a gross 73 to lead the championship flight by a stroke. He will be seeking to distance himself from early contenders Nick Voss and Carlsen Leacock who both shot 74.
Leacock, a veteran Barbados player who recently returned to the amateur ranks, appears in good form, and should he maintain his early game, could set up an interesting tussle with the favourite and other contenders over the second 18 holes.
Among the women, two-time winner Anthony, who missed the tournament last year, opened a seven-stroke lead over her rivals as she shot 72 over the first 18 holes. Second was experienced Barbados player Julia Stephenson (79), who was one shot ahead of defending champion 16-year-old Serena Smith.
Veteran players Lyn DeCambra-Mcleod and Helen Foster were also tied on 80 and seeking to better position themselves on the second day of the three-day tournament.
In the men’s first flight division, featuring players with handicaps from ten to 20, Sunil Chatrani positioned himself for a run at the championship with a gross 86, two strokes ahead of James Crane and Chris Pitt, who both shot 88.
The men’s senior division, being contested by players 50 years and over, was predictably another tight contest as three strokes separated Barbados players Michael Haynes, Robert Piggott and Ricky Skeete.
Haynes ended the day with a gross 75 to lead the division, with Piggott on 76 and Skeete 78. Defending champion Kendrick “Monty” Haynes , who won by a stroke over Piggott last year, was off the pace, finishing with a gross 81.
Among the Super Seniors, Roger Beale Sr returned to competition with a threatening 75 as he shared the lead on the first day with Denis Foster (75), outperforming the other 16 players in the division.
More than 100 local, regional and international golfers are contesting the 28th edition of the United Insurance Barbados Open, which is regarded as the premier amateur championship in the region. It is organized by the Barbados Golf Association. (PR)
