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Knibbs off and running at JGA Emancipendence Classic

Published:Sunday | August 9, 2020 | 12:29 AMLennox Aldred - Sunday Gleaner Writer
Knibbs
Knibbs

William Knibbs’ hot streak continues on the local golfing circuit as the recently crowned National Amateur Champion has seized the early lead on day one of the two-day Jamaica Golf Association (JGA) Emancipendence Classic at the Caymanas Golf Club.

Knibbs fared better in windy conditions coupled with fast greens to shot a five-over-par 77 in the zero to six men’s category.

The right-hander Knibbs could only manage two birdies in the round, which came on the back nine at the 12th and 13th hole. A double-bogey on the tenth and triple on the 18th hole spoiled what would have been a fair outing on his home course.

“I didn’t play well today; the conditions were very tough as it was dry and windy. In some cases, there was no grass so it was hard to play a good shot. Having said that I should have played better, I made a triple on the final hole, which is unacceptable. Tomorrow (today) I will just have to avoid the mistakes that I made (yesterday),” said Knibbs.

TOUGH CONDITIONS

Sitting not far behind Knibbs in second place is Dr Mark Newnham, who found the conditions tough despite posting a six-over-par 68. Newnham had just one birdie to go with three bogeys and two triple bogeys.

The top three spots are rounded out by perennial contender Sean Morris, who battled a finger injury to be four shots off the lead, following his opening round of nine over-par 81.

In the meantime, Tequan Goodwill and Shamar Wilson are tied for first in the seven to 12 men’s category, while former JGA President Wayne Chai Ching has taken the early lead in the men’s zero to 12 super senior category, following his round of one over-par 73.