DERMOTT Warren defeated the defending champion Ewan Peebles at the White Witch Golf Course recently to take the second staging of the Professional Golfers Association of Jamaica's (PGAJ) Players Championship.

Warren scored two-under-par 70 on day one, seven-under-par 65 on day two and another two-under-par 70 on the final day for a combined score of 205.

This was 15 shots ahead of second-placed Peter Horrobin, who shot 71, 73 and 76 for a total score of 220 over the 54-hole championship.

This was Horrobin's first championship after returning from the European Senior tour, which he recently qualified for.

Defending champion Ewan Peebles had three rough days. He shot 74, 78 and 76 on day one, two and three, respectively, for a total score of 228, but 23 shots behind the winner.

Repeat national amateur champion Fabian Campbell retained his title from last year when he shot 78, 77 and 75 for a combined score of 230.

Second place in the amateur category went to Richard White, who ended the championship on 247.

Oscar Brown 80, 76 and 78 (234) took the Seniors section ahead of Ralf Mais, who ended with 249.

The winner copped $100,000, while all the golfers received newly-carved Lignum Vitae trophies which were designed specifically for the championship, as well as to celebrate our heritage.

Tournament director Orville Marshall was happy to see the end of the championship, which he says has grown since its first year last year. He also said that he was looking to next year when it should be bigger and better than this year.

The course, located along Jamaica's golf strip -- home to several high-quality, world-rated courses, the White Witch Golf Course -- has been described by many visiting pros as extremely challenging. The golfers battled high winds and unusual pin placements during the event.