Trying Tryall awaits Jamaica Open

A total of 96 players, including 71 professionals and 25 amateurs, will descend on the newly refurbished Tryall Golf Course for the 52nd edition of the 54 hole Jamaica Open, which tees off today at 7:30 a.m.

Included in that list is defending champion Hernan Borja of the United States, who will be playing at the Tryall course for the first time. The American is keen to put in another good showing over the three days.

“The first time I saw this course was yesterday in the Pro-Am, and I love the layout, but it’s going to be a difficult course, and it’s going to be tougher than Half Moon, but I am going to come out and give it my all, and, hopefully, it’s good enough for me come Saturday,” says Borja.

The American is expected to face a stiff challenge from PGA Latin America players Patrick Newcomb and Michael Maquire, with Jamaican pros Orville Christie, Wesley Brown, and Ian Facey also looking to be in the mix come Saturday.

The Caribbean contingent will be represented by Antigua and Barbuda’s Omorry James and Jonathan Piggott along with Trinidad and Tobago’s Wan Joo Lee and Matthew Marquez

The amateur section is also expected to have a lot of interest with the top local players battling for top honours.

Among the participants are Caribbean amateur junior champion Justin Burrowes; Hoerman Cup representatives William Knibbs, Sean Morris; and Dr Mark Newnham.

Pristine condition

Assistant tournament director David Mais says the course is in pristine condition, however, the refurbishing, which was done recently, will certainly challenge the golfers.

“It’s going to be tough out there, and we expect windy conditions, especially on Friday when a front is expected to pass over the island, but the course is in great shape, and everything is set, and we are anticipating another stellar championship,” said Mais.

Jamaicans Mike Boyd, Sean Green, and American Duncan McCormick will be the first golfers to tee off at 7:30 a.m.