Merry in front at Trinidad and Tobago Golf Open

SIMON Merry delivered a strong performance to lead the field in the professional category at the end of day one in the 113th Trinidad and Tobago Open at the St Andrew’s Golf Club in Moka, Maraval, on Thursday.

Merry, a former Queen’s Royal College student, ended the day with a score of 71. Ben Martin is on his heels with 73 and top national player Chris Richards Snr is third after ending day one with 76.

In the first flight, Dinesh Jackree leads the way with a score of 69 net, followed by Sherris Rampersad with 69 and Rohan Ravikumar is third with 70.

Learie Flores was out quickly in the second flight to finish with 72 net after the opening day. Adam Rambaran (72), Raphiel Rose (75) and Matthew Gomez-Burke (75) are trailing.

In the championship flight, Richard Camacho is in first place with 74 with Marcus Ling (75) and Chris Richards Jnr (76) close behind.

The seniors are also competing with Dale Lutchmansing enjoying the time in the sun on the opening day with a score of 83 gross. Alan Clayton is second with 85 and Dave Ravikumar is third with 86.

Among the masters, Maurice Mathura and Anthony Proudfoot both have scores of 85 with Michael Charles in striking distance on 87.

Bernard Benny, head professional at the St Andrews Golf Club, was delighted for the return of golf as last year’s open was cancelled because of covid19.

Benny said, “It actually feels good to be out playing golf again with the guys. This is our second event where the pros are actually competing against one another. We played one in Pointe-a-Pierre not too long ago where we had a pro section and an amateur section. We are privileged that the opportunity is given to us by the TT Golf Association to participate as pros once again in the TT Open.”