JODI Munn-Barrow, Rochell Prince and Michele Gabay will lead Jamaica’s charge as they seek to regain the coveted George Teale Trophy, symbol of golfing supremacy at the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships (CAGC) slated for the Mahogany Run Golf Course, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands from August 4-11.

The team of proficient golfers have been in training for several weeks under the watchful eyes of coaches, experienced professional golfers Ewan Peebles and Spencer Edwards, who together have a wealth of experience at the top level.

Edwards has been a Professional Golf Association player and his coaching resume includes assisting three Ryder Cup and a number of European Professional Tour winners. Peebles is the winner of 15 PGAJ tournaments.

Brian Roper, chairman of the National Selection Committee, who is also general manager at Sandals Grande Riviera, noted that while Jamaica had managed to land the overall team title at the tournament over the past few years, the ladies were a strong component of the team and he expected them to perform quite creditably.

Gabay will be making her third appearance on the national side after only participating in tournament golf for just over three years. Her dedication and intense work ethic have already shown tremendous improvements in her game over the last year. Her recent victory at the National Amateur Golf Championships has also provided a boost in her confidence, which will go far in this year’s event.

Her golfing hero is Tiger Woods “because of his phenomenal talent and consistency over many years”, while her favourite golf memory is “shooting one over on the front nine at Caymanas and on the 9th hole missing the green and had to execute the perfect lob shot 2 from the hole still making par”.

In her spare time she “plays the piano… and am actively taking jazz lessons”.

Jodi Munn-Barrow is no stranger to CAGC tournaments competing in 20 tournaments since 1991. Jodi is considered one of the top female golfers in Jamaica, and her experience will be an asset to the team. Although not playing as much golf as in the past due to her family and work commitments, Jodi continues to strive to play at the highest level needed for national representation.

She admires “Jack Nicklaus — I think that he is the best golfer that ever lived… the other is Phil Mickelson more for how he treats his fans…” Golf is her passion, but she also enjoys watching the NFL and tennis. Jodi took her first lessons at six, but played consistently from 14.

Jodi has never had a hole-in-one, but has had a double eagle…Her favourite foods are “curry shrimps and mostly anything Italian”.

Rochell Prince has had an outstanding junior career and is seeking to stamp her class at the senior level. She has been performing well in training under the watchful eyes of her coaches.

“She has shown remarkable dedication and her game has shown steady improvement,” Roper noted.

The team will continue its intensive training prior to departure for the championships.