The action on the final day of the Suriname Open did not disappoint as everyone brought their ‘A’ game.
Play commenced from as early as 06:00h as the different flights teed off. The Guyanese contingent played with much fervour and persistence as the business end of the tournament concluded. While the men did their job and medalled in their respective categories, it was Shanella London, who stole the show as she copped a plethora of awards. She won Flight D and took home the prizes for best net day one, longest drive days one and two and ladies’ overall best gross.
Meanwhile, the highlight of the tournament came when 2021 Guyana Open champion Avinda Kishore struck the golf ball some 300-plus yards to further cement his standing in the hunt for the title, receiving a standing ovation from the players and spectators.
Speaking at the conclusion of the tournament, Kishore said, “While it is confirmed that I won the best gross, I feel good as this is one of the best scores that I have ever shot in Suriname, since I am coming here over six to seven years. As it relates to the course, it is good, but the greens are a bit of trouble, they have a few bumps, but it is good.”
Kishore went on to relate the challenges he faced playing over two glorious days, explaining that he made no putts and was only able to hit the number one green once. He added that while the greens killed him, his most memorable moment would be when he was able to hit the ball plumb on the number 18 hole. With the Guyana Open a few weeks away, Kishore was confident that he would be able to defend his title, although he noted that on the given day, it was up to the best man to win the title.
The results for the tournament for the Guyanese players were:
* Flight A – Tied for second Aleem Hussain with 69 points; Avinda Kishore, fifth with 68 points; Mike Mangal, seventh with 61 points; tied for 10th, Rakesh Harry with 58 points; David Harry, 12th with 58 points; Vishal Harry, 13th with 58 points; Avinash Persaud, 15th with 58 points and Rabindranauth Persaud, 17th with 52 points.
* Flight B – 1st – Brian Hackett 70 points, 2nd Patanjilee Persaud 70 points, 6th Videsh Persaud 68 points, 7th Hardeo Ghanpat 67 points, 8th Paton George 67 points, 10th Guillermo Escarraga 65 points, 14th Rohan Albert 63 points and 17th Pope Emmanuel London among others.
* Flight C – Carlos Adams 3rd, Jordi Pinol 4th, Chet Bowling 5th
* Flight D – 1st Shanella London
* Flight E – 3rd Eureka Giddings
Other awards:
* Best net day one – Shanella London
* Longest drive days one and two – Shanella London
* Ladies’ overall gross – Shanella London
* Longest drive day two – Avinda Kishore
* Men’s overall gross – Avinda Kishore
The two days of action were nothing short of a miracle, as the Guyana contingent poured their heart and soul into every stroke on the course. They showed dedication, and with that same mentality, they would now be focused on the Guyana Open, which is set for October 29-30, 2022. As expected, golfers from all over, including Suriname, will participate in the tournament at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), where they will seek to fend off the local side who will be vying for glory.