Pros capture inaugural Rose Cup
Published:Thursday | December 31, 2020 | 12:15 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
The professional team held off a resolute amateur team to put their hands on the first-ever Rose Cup team match-play golf competition, following the final day of competition in the two-day event at the Caymanas Golf Club.
With the match all squared at five-all coming into yesterday’s final day, the pros were able to secure nine wins in the singles matches to the amateurs’ three, to take the overall title 14-8.
Johnny Newnham led from the front for the pros, getting them on the board early following an eight and six win over John Dunbar.
Raymond Brown then gave the pros a two-match lead when he brushed aside Jack Stein seven and six.
When Wesley Brown saw off amateur captain Sean Morris five and four, the writing was on the wall for the pros, who secured six other matches to claim the inaugural cup named in honour of former national golfer Seymour Rose.
AMATEURS SHOWING FIGHT
Justin Burrowes showed some fight for the amateurs when he got by Kevin Nedrick three and two.
Seebert Walker Jr also put in a good performance, beating Michael Rowe five and four, while John O’ Donoghue edged Allan Graham one up.
The final match on the day saw a nail-biting finish between national amateur champion William Knibbs and Sean Green, with Green edging out Knibbs by one, following a win on the 16th hole.
Winning captain Seebert Walker praised the professionals for demonstrating true class over the two days at the Caymanas course.
“We started a little slow on the first day with the four balls, but we talked about it and we felt we should be dominating the event and prove to the amateurs that we are who we are, and we came out more purposeful and won, which is overwhelming,” said Walker.
Losing captain Sean Morris lamented what was a missed opportunity for his young charges.
“I am very disappointed that we didn’t win the inaugural staging of the Rose Cup. We came out flat on day two, but the team overall played well, just not well enough, and we definitely will be coming back next year,” said Morris.