T&T's Chris Richards Jnr and Yeji Lee played their way to victories on the final day of 2019 Republic Bank Caribbean Junior Golf Open Tournament at the St. Andrew's Golf Course, Moka, Maraval, yesterday.
Richards Jnr won the 14-15 age group after a total of 230 which left him seven strokes clear of Zico Correia, who record 237. Jean-Marc Chevrotierre ended third on 250. Richards Jnr and Zxavier Wiggins both had the same overall score which forced a playoff for the overall championship which was won by Richards with a birdie 3 on the first playoff hole.
Yeji Lee ended with a total of 235 to win by 18 strokes from countrywoman Sarah Ramphal Matabadal in the girls' age 16-17 category. Yeji also won the prize as overall girls champions. While Xzavier Wiggins of Barbados ended his tournament with a score of 230, to claim the title in the 16-17 age group. Zxavier beat Trinidad's Brandon Matabadal into second place with Tobago's Reyaz Rambarran in the third position.
In other results, Emily Odwin of Barbados won the 14-15 girls title with a combined three-day score of 247 followed by Jada Charles, who was second and Azariah Joseph finished third. Ethan Hill was the runner way winner on 258 in the boys 11-13 age group with Barbadian Quinton Heljeneck second and Jerseem Boodram third. Chloe Ajodha won the 11-13 girls division with Faatimah Emamalie finishing second.
The three-day tournament saw young local talents match skills with juniors from Antigua Barbados, and St.Lucia, come up against their Caribbean counterparts.
Republic Bank's General Manager Anna-Maria Garcia Brooks said the Bank was honoured to do its part in promoting teamwork, sportsmanship and the fostering of strong bonds among the nation and the regions, junior golf communities. “It is our belief that we justly reward their efforts and take a more proactive role in the shaping of their futures, not only towards positive outcomes but also be exemplars to other youth”.
Garcia-Brooks added, that the past three days has been a testament to the golfers' passion and dedication to the sport. This year marks the 18th consecutive year of Republic Bank's sponsorship of this event.
Also, in attendance were Chris Aird of Republic Bank, Douglas Ammon, the President of the TTGA, Clyde Abder immediate past president, Glenn Redhead the Vice President, and Selby Brown of NCLB, Mervyn Wattley Treasurer of The Caribbean Golf Association and Trenton Weekes, the Tournament Coordinator of the CGA.
As part of the Bank's corporate social responsibility, Republic Bank recognizes that the game of golf has contributed to the empowerment and development of the young people of Trinidad and Tobago, and thus has found its home as part of our Power to Make a Difference programme.