THERE was simply no catching the consistent James Johnson yesterday as Barbados’ No. 1 golfer added more silverware to his cabinet by capturing the United Insurance/Digicel Rockley Open for the second straight year.
Johnson’s margin of victory was ten shots, as most of his main rivals had forgettable days.
There was also a repeat winner in the women’s division, with Helen Foster claiming victory by six shots over Debbie Fung.
Johnson, ahead by four shots after a first day 69, started the second day strongly with birdies at holes three, four and five. But bogeys on six and seven would have frustrated the 31-year-old.
Another birdie at the 13th put Johnson two under for the day but even though he bogeyed 11 and 12, an even par 70 was more than enough to clinch the title.
Bill McIntyre had a sensational final day 72 to earn him second spot as well as the net prize.
Judd Cozier never made a realistic challenge, shooting his second straight 75 to finish third.
Donald Leacock, the 15-year-old Harrison College schoolboy, had a disastrous 90 to follow his opening day 73 and he finished way back in the field.
Richard Zaar also faded after a first day 73, an 86 also leaving him out of the top places.
Foster did enough to see off Fung to win the women’s division, following up a first day 78 with an 81.
Fung also had to be content with second spot in the women’s net, as Wendy McIntyre, sister-in-law of Bill, edged her out on the countback system.
Final scores
Men’s gross: James Johnson – 139 (69 & 70); Bill McIntyre – 149 (77 & 72); Judd Cozier – 150 (75 & 75); Ivan Codrington – 152 (74 & 78).
Men’s net (0-15 handicap): Bill McIntyre – 141 (149); Ivan Codrington – 144 (152); Bob Bagot – 144 (166); Lennox Mirjah – 144 (166); Eddie McIntyre – 144.
Women’s gross: Helen Foster – 159 (78 & 81); Debbie Fung – 165 (81 & 84); Mavi Vergos – 175 (87 & 88); Julia Stephenson – 177 (86 & 91).
Women’s net: Wendy McIntyre – 139 (179) (won on countback); Debbie Fung – 139 (165); Pam Wallace – 142 (196); Mavi Vergos – 143 (175).
NB: In the net scores, the gross scores are in brackets.
