Got it ‘Covered’ - Americans sweep top three spots at Alacran ­Jamaica Open

American Patrick Cover held off a stiff challenge from compatriot David Morland to claim his first professional golf title after coming out on top in the 52nd staging of the Alacran Jamaica Open at the Tryall Golf Course in Hanover.

The 23-year-old Cover, who plays on the PGA Tour China, carded a five-under-par 67 that included eight birdies, one bogey, and a double bogey to finish the three rounds with a total of 12 under par 204.

“I had a game plan going into the final day. I was trying to go bogey-free, and I knew once I held it together, it would be hard for them to catch me,” Cover said. “But all in all, I played the conditions well as I hit my shots low when I needed to, and in the end, it paid off. So I am happy for that.”

The American was two shots better than Morland, who ended his final round with a four-under-par 68 for a total of 10 under par 206.

“I felt good and played well, and I tried to put a bit of pressure on Patrick,” Morland said. “But he held it together and did well coming down the stretch. But in the end, it was a good tournament, and I hope that next year, we can come back here with the family and celebrate a win.”

It was a top-three sweep for the Americans as Michael Maguire fired a four-under-par final round to finish with a total of seven under par 209.

Canadian youngster Thomas Demarco, who held the co-lead, had to settle for a tied fourth place with American Scott Wolfes following a five-under-par 211.

Jamaica’s Wesley Brown was the only local in the top 10 as his one-under-par final round saw him finish with a total of two under par 214 to be tied for ninth.

For Brown, it is a fitting result based on all the adversities he faced over the three days.

“I must say that I am proud of my top-10 finish,” he said. “I was feeling ill over the first two days, but I shrugged it off and played steady golf, and I can’t complain.”

Defending champion Justin Burrowes reclaimed his amateur title after holding on to see off compatriot William Knibb by just one shot.

Both players carded a one-over-par 73 on the final day, however, Burrowes, who had four birdies, four bogeys, and a double bogey on day three, held on to his overnight one-shot lead to claim the title with an eight-over par 224.

“It was a bit nerve-racking for me knowing that William was close behind me, but I held it together on the tough course, and I am happy that I did enough to hold on,” Burrowes said.

American Morgan Sawyer, who shot the only under-par round on the final day, claimed the third position with 13 over par 229, with Montego Bay-based Sean Morris placing fourth with his 16 over par 232.