Team Jamaica ready for all comers at 37th CAJGC
Team Jamaica wrapped up its final practice session in the blazing sun at the Constant Spring Golf Course in Kingston on Saturday, under the guidance of national coach Jonathan Newnham ahead of the 37th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship (CAJGC) at the Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande in Puerto Rico.
"I think it's a great team," Newnham said. "We don't have the full complement as we would have had in years past, but the good news for us is that we have great representation in each individual category, and I'm excited about the prospects of them once they stick to their game plan and everything we've talked about as far as the mindset and what to focus on."
Alessandra Coe, who is in her third year of competing and her last year in the 13 and under category, was confidently looking forward to representing Jamaica.
"I feel good because this is my last year and I kind of have an advantage and I'm more confident because I've been here for three years. So I have a better chance of winning (an age group trophy) and representing the team," Coe said.
"There are some ups and downs, but I'm improving by the day and I've been practising more, especially with my short game," said Coe.
Co-captain Mattea Issa is also looking forward to the championship.
"I have been captain before. Last year I was captain as well, and the kids, like they make it extremely easy on me. They're a great bunch, and we do have some newcomers coming in, and we're just going to work as a team together to build connections and work stronger and harder than ever."
Competition will get under way today for Caribbean pride for the Hank James Country Trophy, as well as the age group trophies in the 13 & Under, 15 & Under and the 18 and Under girls and boys categories.
In addition, hosts Puerto Rico, and Jamaica, the other competitors are Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, St Lucia, US Virgin Islands and Trinidad & Tobago.
Jamaica's best position at the championship is second in 2018 at the Caymanas Golf Club in St Catherine, a feat they repeated in 2019 at the PGA-rated course in Nassau, Bahamas.
Several sponsors on board this year include Sandals Foundation, BCIC, Fleetwood and Kholer.