Avinash Persaud Sunday cemented his place as the best golfer in the country after winning the Guyana Open for a record tenth time while Guyana-born Barbadian, Julia Stephenson, shocked the female division on her way to the title.
At the Lusignan Golf Course over the weekend, Persaud had a scare on the first day with the local players on his heels but emerged with the best Gross (71) while Alfred Mentore secured best net (66) after day one.
However, when the dust settled in fading light on Sunday, Persaud paved the way with 146 gross. Avinda Kishore was relegated to second with 149 while former fast bowler, Franklyn Stephenson copped third with 157.
Persaud said afterwards that the competition was more intense this year but he was not bothered since he knew he was a cut above the rest and played his natural game.
In the female division Stephenson’s wife, who hails from New Amsterdam but migrated over four decades ago, returned for her first tournament in Guyana and strolled off with the accolade after a gross 176. Stephenson narrowly secured the title with a one-point lead over Shenella London as former champion, Christine Sukhram settled for third with a gross 180. Dr Joaan Deo, who won the best gross and net on day one, finished fourth.
After the tournament, Stephenson explained that she had no knowledge of the course prior but was influenced by club President, Aleem Hussain, who invited her and her husband to come down after the Barbados Open.
She said that she was not looking to beat her competitors but only to enjoy her game and to beat the course.
In the 10-18 “B” Flight Robin Tiwari won the category ahead of Rakesh Harry on a better second day after equaling 166 gross. Azrodeen Shaw took third. In the 19-28 Flight, Imtiaz Subhan was the winner with a gross 178 and was trailed by Philbert London (180) and Miguel Oviedo (201).
Abdool Azeez won the senior Flight with a better second day over Tulsiram Persaud after both scored a 199 gross. Maurice Solomon took third with 203.
