Martin, Richards battle for TT Golf Open title

BEN Martin will aim to hang on to the lead in the professional category on Sunday’s final day of the 113th TT Golf Open at the St Andrew’s Golf Course in Moka, Maraval.

After shooting 73 in round one on Thursday and 68 on Friday, Martin shot 68 again on Saturday. He has an overall score of 209.

Chris Richards snr is second with an overall score of 216 after rounds of 76, 69 and 71. Simon Merry is in third position with 218 after shooting rounds of 71, 72 and 75.

On Saturday, Martin and Richards snr both spoke to Newsday.

Richards said, “It feels absolutely fantastic to be back out playing competitively. I have a competitive bone in me so to speak. I love this game, this game is the core of my life.”

Martin said, “It is nice actually that during the pandemic golf is one of the things that you can socially distance. You can still enjoy a round of golf with your friends.”

On his form, Martin said, “I played solid golf the last couple days.”

Richards, who shares a close friendship with Martin, said, “I will not make it easy for him (on the final day). He knows personally it will not be a walk in the park tomorrow (Sunday) please the Lord. I will make it as difficult as possible for him.”

He added, “I need to keep my focus tomorrow, I need to keep all my wits about me tomorrow. The game tomorrow is going to be totally on my mental (aspect).”

Discussing the final round on Sunday, Martin said, “I need to play my game one shot at a time and let him play catch up.”

President of the St Andrew’s Golf Club Richard Camacho was glad that golfers are allowed to play during the pandemic. “It is just welcoming to be back now and the weather is treating us good in the last three days and everybody is keen…everybody is playing well and everybody is very anxious.”

In the championship division, Chris Richards jnr (221), Camacho (225) and Zico Correia (226) are the top three respectively.