Schroeder lifts LIME Open crown

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau: Ron Schroeder, a 53 year-old Texan, made it a post-to-post affair yesterday when he won the US$70,0000 47th LIME Jamaica Golf Championship at the Half Moon Golf Course, in Montego Bay yesterday.

The American who was the leader at the end of the first and second days after shooting a 67 and even par respectively, ensured he would take home the title yesterday when he shot one under-par 71 to finish the tournament with an overall score of 209.

"After playing consistently to be the leader after the first two days of the tournament, I felt confident that I would win today," said Schroeder. "It was a good tournament for me and I am definitely looking forward to return to defend my title."

Defending champion Johnny Bloomfield, who was chasing a record fourth consecutive title, was forced to settle for second, after playing his best round of the tournament, a sparkling 5 under-par 67, which coupled with his first and second rounds 73 and even par, gave him a combined score of 212.

tough game

"I know it is going to be tough but I am going out there to give it my best shot," said Bloomfield, at the start of yesterday's final day.

New Zealander Grant Waite, one of two PGA players among the 60 professionals, who contested the three-day tournament, shot his best round of the tournament, a one under-par 71, which elevated him to third place - an accumulated score of 213.

Jamaica's Peter Horrobin, who played solidly on Friday in shooting a good 2 under par 70, which gave him combined score of 143 going in yesterday's final day, failed to press on seriously as he could only mange a 74, which gave him an overall total of 217, which was nonetheless good enough to give him fifth place.

Jamaica amateur champion Jonathan Newnham, who took over the lead from day one leader Trinidad & Tobago's Shane Costello on Friday, went on to take the amateur section of the tournament after shooting 73 yesterday. The top four places among the amateurs were filled by Jamaicans as Wesley Brown, Phillip Preddergast and Keith Stein took second, third and fourth, respectively.