Sizzling LIME Ja Golf Open looms - MoBay's Half Moon to host 54-hole tourney

Western Bureau:Montego Bay is poised to take pride of place on the local golf circuit between November 30 and December 3 when the city hosts the prestigious 48th LIME Jamaica Open, which has attracted a 120-strong international field and is offering US$85,000 in prize money.

Unlike last year when Jamaica's Johnny Bloomfield, who was chasing a fourth-consecutive title, was the main drawing card, this year's tournament, which will be played at the scenic Half Moon Golf Course, has attracted two reigning major champions in US Open senior champion Olin Browne and Russ Cochran, the current Senior British Open champion.

"This is the first time that the Jamaica Open has ever attracted two reigning major champions," said Wayne Chai Chong, president of the Jamaica Golf Association. "This year, with the support of Half Moon, we were able to pitch to Russ (Cochran) and Olin (Browne) the quality course on offer and the unparalleled charm of playing in Jamaica, the leading golf destination in the Caribbean."

Broomfield, who shares the record for the most LIME Jamaica Open titles with fellow Jamaican Seymour Rose, who won in 1977, 1982 and 1987; and last year's champions, the United States' Ron Schroder; are also expected to figure prominently in the 54-hole championship, which has attracted golfers from the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin and South America and the Caribbean.

In looking forward to the three-day tournament, sports and culture minister, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, has hailed the LIME Jamaica Open as a signal to international golfing associations that Jamaica, which is working assiduously to establish a viable sport tourism product, is open for business in recreational and professional golf.

leading the way

In winning the title last year, Schroder kept Broomfield at bay as he led on all three days, shooting a 67 on the first day, par on the second day and a one under-par 71 on the final day for a winning score of 209.

However, based on the profiles of both Browne and Cochran, it is unlikely that Schroder and the gutsy Broomfield, who had scores of 73, even par and a sparkling 5 under-par 67, last year; and others such as Jim Thorpe, a multiple winner on the PGA and Senior Tour, will be able to mount a successful challenge.

Cochran, who regularly competes on the European circuit alongside golfing super stars Bernhard Langer and Nick Price, is now ranked second in scoring average on the Champions Tour. On his way to winning the last staging of the Senior British Open, Cochran got home by two strokes ahead of Mark Calcavecchia.

Browne, who has been having a fantastic year, was on top of his game in the US Senior Open, all but sealing the deal in the third round when he shot a 6-under-par 65 to basically derail the challenge of Mark O'Meara. His 30-foot birdie putt at the 72nd hole was described as breathtaking.