The Tribune

THE Bahamas Golf Federation hosted the 2019 Bahamas Golf Federation Junior National Championships recently at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island with a field of over 40 up and coming junior golfers from New Providence, Grand Bahama and Florida.

What made this tournament unique was the fact that there were divisions for every skill level and through the help of the sponsors, the BGF was able to host a high quality event in which juniors feel appreciated for the hard work that they are putting in as they develop into great golfers.

“We have seen the quality of play of many of our junior golfers improve in recent years and the scores of our players reflect this,” said the BGF in a press statement following the tournament.

The results of play have been the lowest we have seen in years with most division champions scoring in the 70s during one or two rounds of play.

Haylie Turnquest was able to defend her girls’ national title by edging out Ashley Michel by 1 shot. Turnquest shot a 74 and 77 and Michel 77 and 75. Turnquest has now won the title three years in a row.

Saketh Hegde captured the boys’ national championship with two days of strong play carding a 74 and 75 respectively.

Sophie Anand won the girls’ 14-15 division and carded an opening round of even par 72 which was the lowest score shot by any competitor during the event.

Heathcliffe Kane is the boys’ 14-15 champion and shot a two-day total of 150 with a 74 and 76.

Tyesha Tynes earned the title of girls 10-13 champion by scoring 84 and her lowest score to date a 79 during the final round.

Rhan Miller carded a 98 and 101 to win the Boys 10-13 Division.

Axel Dridi won the Open Division 10-13 division with a score of 106.

Patrick Mactaggart won the Open Division 6-9 with a score of 105.

The BGF extended special thanks to their continued supporters as well as sponsors who have stood by us for numerous years, including Odyssey Aviation, Brice Newbold Foundation, Marco’s Pizza, Centreville Foodstore, The Trophy Case and the Ocean Club Golf Course, which has hosted this tournament for the fifth consecutive year.

Many of the juniors that competed this year will comprise our national team and the BGF noted that they are looking forward to the 2019 Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships in July in the Bahamas. Team Bahamas will have one of its strongest teams to date and is expected to do well.

The fact that the Championship will be hosted here serves as a definite advantage as the junior golfers will be at home and the support of family, friends and the Bahamas will be even more felt.

More than 100 junior golfers will be coming to the Bahamas to participate in the event.