National Amateur Golf Championships tee off on Friday

The Jamaica Golf Association’s (JGA) National Amateur Championship gets under way at the Half Moon Golf Course in Montego Bay on Friday.

After months of inactivity because of the coronavirus pandemic, local golf is finally back on the cards with the JGA staging its three-day flagship event out west.

Defending champion Justin Burrowes will square off with 11 of the island’s top amateur golf prospects to decide the national champion.

The former Caribbean Junior Champion will have to stave off the challenge of Hoerman Cup teammates William Knibbs, Sean Morris, and Mark Newnham if he is to be a repeat winner.

He is also expected to get stiff competition from young talent Rocco Lopez and home town boy Seebert Walker.

JGA President Peter Chin says he is happy the sport has resumed as he sees the amateur championship as one of the most important events on the local golfing calendar.

“We are happy to be back with our competitive golf,” he said. “We are hoping that this tournament will give us some momentum for the rest of the year because this tournament is significant. “Players can earn valuable world ranking points to qualify for other major tournaments.”

The competition in the Men's Seniors, Super Seniors as well as the women's and junior category will take place over two days, starting on Saturday.