 Damian Palanyandi IslandStats.com
2024 champion, Kenny Leseur isn’t in the field as has just recently turned pro. The ‘in form’ Damian Palanyandi will lead a strong field that includes the likes of Eric West, Jarryd Dillas, Will Haddrell and up and coming talents Dylan Muso, Arman Newton and Sa-Qui Robinson.
In the Senior Men’s Championship, defending Champion Scott Clark hasn’t returned to defend his title so former winners Arthur Jones, Hav Trott and Chris Phillips will be looking to put together three good rounds to challenge for the title. Others to keep an eye on are former national team athletes Mark ‘Beaver’ Ray and Kyly Lightbourne who have been producing some consistent rounds this season.
There will be a new Ladies open champion this year as Kim Botelho will not be defending her title. The 2023 winner, Vanessa Chychrun is back this year and will be the favorite going into the tournament. Local veteran Tracy Burgess will be back from her experience at the North-South Championships played earlier this week at Pinehurst. Island Games team members Morgan Lightbourne and Katrin Burnie will be looking to put together 54 good holes to challenge for a podium position. Young teenager, Darina Betschart is fresh off injury and raring to get back into tournament competition. Other notable veterans in the field include Linda Down, Ann Symonds and 2024 Senior Ladies Championship winner Carine Brule.
The First Flight and Junior Divisions will consist of 36 holes played on Saturday and Sunday. The First Flight has 21 participants which includes some very low handicaps that should make the competition extremely tight at the top of the leaderboard. The Junior Division has 6 participants with the youngest being Lewis MacFarlane who has won his division in the last 4 tournaments he has played.
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