Knibbs, McCreath crowned national amateur golf champions

WILLIAM KNIBBS and Michelle McCreath secured the male and female National Amateur Golf Championships titles following the third and final day of action at the Jamaica Golf Association event at the Caymanas course on Sunday.

Knibbs had to come from behind to seal his second national amateur title, after carding a oneover-par 73 in his final round to finish with a total of three-overpar 219 to beat second-placed Zandre Roye by four shots.

It was Roye who had the twoday lead entering the final day, but his eight-over-par final round saw the title slip away as he finished with a seven-over-par score of 223.

Knibbs, who carded scores of 74 and 72 on the first two days, chalked up three birdies in round three to go with four bogeys to cap off a fine tournament.

“It feels great to join Justin (Burrowes) as a two-time winner of this event. I knew I was playing well coming into the week, and on the final day I came to the course a bit earlier and put in some more practice and just grind out a good result,” said Knibbs.

Roye, who scored the only under-par round of the tournament on the first day when he shot a one-under-par 71, ended with scores of 71, 72 and 80.

Oshae Haye ended in third place after he carded scores of 81, 80 and 77 for a three-day total of 22-over-par 238.

FIRST TITLE

In the absence of defending champion Jodi Munn Barrow, veteran McCreath secured her first ladies’ title after carding a 38-overpar 238, following scores of 82, 85 and 87.

For McCreath, the absence of the main competition meant she just went out and played her best over the three days.

“It was a challenge as the course was very difficult with the tight conditions. But, it does feel wonderful at this stage of my career in golf to be winning,” she said.

In the meantime, Robert Chin secured the zero to 12 Super Senior title after scoring a 20-overpar 236, following scores of 80, 78 and 78.

Mike Gleichman was three shots back in second after carding a 23-over-par 239, with Dorrel Allen third with a 24-overpar 240.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS President of the Jamaica Golf Association Jodi Munn Barrow (left) presents the National Amateur Golf Championship trophy to Michelle McCreath.

President of the Jamaica Golf Association Jodi Munn Barrow (left) presents the National Amateur Golf Championship trophy to William Knibbs.