A struggle at Beacon Barbados Open

By Hallam Hope

It was a day of struggle as driving rain and winds made the going tough on the opening day of the 25th Beacon Barbados Open golf tournament at Royal Westmoreland Friday.

James Johnson, Carlsen Leacock and Judd Cozier all had scores of one over par as the rain beat down on players and course without discrimination.

Johnson, the defending champion, struggled on the front for 38 and recovered with 35 on the back nine for 73.

Teenager Simon Proverbs showed promise with 74 while U.S Collegiate player Sean Edey, another Barbadian, struggled for 81.

But the scores were no better for Trinidadian Deryck Gonsalves and Mitchum Jasper, who had 78 and 83 respectively to blunt their bids in the three-day event.

Defending women’s champion Kimesha Anthony of Antigua and Barbuda showed character and skill to burn up the front nine with 32 but struggled on the back for 38 and a one under par on the day.

But this was good enough for her to take a five-stroke lead over last year’s runner-up Barbadian Jaimie Hole. Anthony, who is confident about winning this tournament, bagged five birdies on the front nine in her 32.

Robert Piggott led in the men’s Seniors flight with 74 while Bill Weir shot 75 and Ricky Skeete, Piggott’s partner and fellow Caribbean amateur Senior’s champion, had 79.

Tyrone Mapp led in the Super Seniors category with 82.