The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE top junior golfers in the island nation emerged following the results of the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Junior Nationals.

The BGF showcased its young talent at the 2018 Bahamas Junior National Championships at the Ocean Club Golf Course.

A total of 54 golfers contested the two-day event, which was considered one of the most competitive tournaments to date and sets the stage for national team selection in the near future.

The tournament included golfers from throughout the Bahamas as they participated in 36-hole stroke play and 18-hole stroke play divisions.

Several new champions were crowned at the end of the tournament.

Cameron Riley, Haylie Turnquest, Saketh Hedge, Ashley Michel, Diego Azar, Caroline Von-Eckardstein, Judah Lloyd and Aiden Gorospe each finished as national champions in their respective divisions.

Riley beat out defending champion Xavier Robinson to claim the title in the Boys U18. He shot identical rounds of 77 to finish with a total of 154. Robinson finished second with rounds of 82 and 85 for a total of 167.

Turnquest took the Girls U18 with a score of 170 (83, 87). Tyesha Tynes finished second in her divisional debut with a score of 189 (98, 91). Jessica Humphries was third at 257 (137, 120).

In the Boys U15 division, Hedge also won his second consecutive title.

He won by a total of six strokes after a 36 stroke advantage in 2017.

Hedge shot 85 on day one and 81 on day two to lower his score to a gross total of 166.

Dominic Grieves was second with a score of 172. Lexander Antoine and Javontae Pinder finished tied for third in the field of nine golfers.

Michel won the Girls U15 by two strokes over Sophie Anand. Both golfers were tied after day one with opening round 79s, but Michel gained the advantage on day two with a round of 80 to finish at 159. Anand shot 82 to finish at 161. Jenna Bayles finished third at 178.

In the boys U13 divison, Azar took the title with a score of 173.

He shot 85 on day one and followed with an 88 on day two. Matthew Deveaux was second at 183 and Adrian Stan-Busuioc finished third at 190.

Von-Eckardstein won the Girls U13 division with her rounds of 95 and 88 for a score of 183. Tyesha Tynes was second at 189.

Lloyd won the U16 in the 18 hole division with a score of 117 (64, 53). Alex Dupuch finished second at 125, including a division low score of 57 in round one, and Francisca Larreinaga – Jorgen was third at 130.

Gorospe won the U10 in the 18 hole division with rounds of 51 and 52 for a score of 103. Alexander Knowles was second at 105 and Axel Dridi was third at 118.