Burrowes realises dream

Since making his debut at the Jamaica Amateur Junior Golf Championships seven years ago as a promising and talented 11 year old, Justin Burrowes has dreamed of winning one of the prestigious age group trophies on offer at the annual regional showpiece. On Friday, he accomplished his dream when he outscored his peers in the 18 and under category to take the James Moss Solomon trophy at the tournament, which ended after three days at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club in St Catherine.

However, he said coming into the final stretch, the pressure was telling and he had to hold his nerve to get the better of the Dominican Republic's Juan Delgado by four strokes.

Difficult

"It was very difficult, especially with the pressure on the last five holes. It was very difficult, so I had to be very focused. I am so happy I was able to pull it off and I'm proud of myself," he told The Gleaner after his emotional victory.

Burrowes, who finished with a score of 223, came in the third and final day tied for second with teammate Seebert Walker Jr., one stroke behind Puerto Rico's Melvin Morales with 151.But a superb one under-par score of 71 on the final day sent Burrowes into the lead and eventually gave him victory by four strokes. The win has given the youngster new-found confidence and he now looks to replicate the winning performance at upcoming tournaments."This (victory) means a lot to me. I have been coming to this tournament for seven years and I always wanted to win. To win it this year, means everything to me.

"I go away (next) for the junior worlds, and in late August I will be in the Caribbean Amateur Championships in Cayman and this will definitely serve as motivation," he said.