JGA remains positive despite COVID-19 spike

Although Jamaica continues to experience a rapid increase in positive coronavirus cases, Jamaica Golf Association (JGA) president Peter Chin is optimistic about being able to complete the association’s scheduled events for the calendar year.

The COVID-19 spike in the island has resulted in a 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. curfew being imposed on the parishes of Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and Clarendon. The restriction came into effect on Saturday and is scheduled to end on September 2.

However, Chin says that the restrictions will not have an impact on immediate plans that the association has concerning events as there are none scheduled for the rest of this month and September. Additionally, he said that they would be monitoring the situation ahead of a scheduled charity event, which is slated for October.

“At that time, we will assess, depending on what is happening in Jamaica. But our next event is sometime in October, so we will have a good idea by that time,” Chin told The Gleaner.

Golf has been one of the first few sports that was given approval to return in July, with two events taking place since the restart: The Jamaica Amateur Golf Championship at the Half Moon Golf Course in Montego Bay and the recently held Emancipendence Classic at the Caymanas Golf Club.

Chin believes that they are better equipped to continue playing under the current health climate, with format changes if necessary, to keep in line with social- distancing guidelines.

“Because of the nature of the sport, it’s not a body contact sport, [so] we can, in fact, limit the number of competitors. [For example,] instead of having a foursome [format], you can limit it and have a threesome instead. That increases the social distancing. So we have a lot more flexibility than other sports,” said Chin.

Currently, there are two tournaments scheduled for the rest of the year, including December’s Jamaica Open.

Chin hopes that because of the nature of their sport, they will be allowed to continue having events in 2020.

“We are prime in terms of enforcing the social distancing, and we are hoping that the Government doesn’t say no more (golf), and let’s also hope that with the reintroduction of the curfews, we can really put a damper on the spread of this thing,” he said.

Meanwhile, national player Justin Burrowes, is targeting participation in more local events this year.

The Florida Atlantic University sophomore will remain in Jamaica for the rest of the year as the NCAA cancelled all fall sports championships.

“ I know locally they have confirmed a couple of events so far, [so those are the ones] that I’m looking at,” Burrowes said.