Prendergast stands out on good day for Jamaica

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Jamaica's Phillip Prendergast, who shot the best score of three over par, emerged the top performer yesterday on Day One of the three-day 15th annual Caribbean Classic Golf Tournament. Action resumes at 8:30 this morning at the Cinnamon Hill Course in Montego Bay.

Prendergast, who played in the men's first flight, finished one stroke ahead of fellow Jamaican Radcliff Knibbs, who sustained minor injuries prior to playing the first hole after a golf cart flipped over with him. He had to receive medical attention but was well enough to play.

"It did not start well for me with the accident I had, but in the end it turned out to be a good day as I shot four over par," said Knibbs. "I am pleased with the way I played today and I am looking forward to an even better day tomorrow."

good day for JA

From a team perspective, Jamaica had a very good day, as in addition to the men's first flight, they ended the day leading in the men's flight two through Carl Bruce, and Tommy Smith led flight three. The Jamaican females also made their mark, leading the women's flight four through Barbara Sampson.

Michelle Gabay, arguably the top Jamaican female in the tournament, had a fairly decent day, finishing second in the women's third flight, one stroke behind Carol Brown of Turks & Caicos.

"I am happy with what I did out there today ... I played three over my handicap and that is just fine with me," said Gabay.

Of the visiting teams, the Turk & Caicos were probably the best in terms of their position in the various categories. In addition to Brown in the women's third flight, they also had group leaders in Jurgen Wildt in the men's fifth flight and Arlington Musgrove in the men's sixth flight.

"It was quite a good day although it was a little bit difficult in the morning session when we had some rains," said Wayne Chai Chong, president of the Jamaica Golf Association. "As the day progressed, it was quite clear that the golfers were enjoying themselves."

The tournament, which is being staged in Jamaica for the third time since its inception, is being contested by Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the US Virgin Islands, who won the female segment and were the overall champions last year.