Michael Maguire saved his best for last and pulled off a dramatic victory at the 54th Jamaica Open Golf Championships on Wednesday (November 17) at the Tryall Golf Club in Hanover where he won in a play-off against fellow American Ryan Sullivan.

The amateur title went to Justin Burrowes rallied to pull off a famous victory over perennial rival William Knibbs.

Maguire and Sullivan went to the playoff after they ended tied on eight-under-par 208 after 72 holes, after shooting 69 and 65, respectively. On the first hole of the subsequent playoff, Sullivan, whose 65 was the best round of the tournament, went for par but Maguire, who had third-place finishes in 2017 and 2019, hit a long birdie putt to seal his first Jamaica Open victory.

The championship record still belongs to Hernan Borja – 63 in 2017 at the Half Moon Golf Course. He won the Jamaica Open that year.

Meanwhile, Stephen Grant of the USA shot a four-under-par 68 for a three-day total of 209 that placed him third overall.  Benjamin Martin of Trinidad & Tobago shot 71 for a total of 210 to finish fourth.

Dustin Risdon of Canada, who led after the first and second round of the three-day tournament, crumbled on the final day, posting a three-over-par score of 75 to finish fifth with an overall score of 211.

Local professional golfer Wesley Brown and Aaron Bailey tied for ninth after carding scores of 78 and 75 respectively for 225. 

There was also drama among the amateurs as Burrowes rallied from six shots behind Knibbs on Wednesday’s final day to nip the defending champion at the end.

The two-time amateur champion shot a three-under-par 69 for an overall score of one over par 217 to deny Knibbs, who carded his worst score of 10 over par 82 to close on eight-over-par 224.

Rocco Lopez was third on 231 after scoring 79 on the last day.  Youngest in the field at fourteen years – Ryan Lue, was joint third with Shamar Wilson.  They shot 79 and 83 respectively to end on 237.