Canadian pro Dustin Risdon and Jamaica’s amateur William Knibbs were atop their respective leaderboards at the end of the first day of the 54th Jamaica Open Golf Championship at the Tryall Golf Club on Monday (November 15).

Risdon leads with a score of four-under-par 68 while Knibbs shot a two-under-par 70.

Sixty-five golfers teed off under good conditions – bright sunshine and a gentle breeze – with Brian Bailey and David Gordon Burns at 8:00 at the world-famous course in Hanover and by early afternoon as the golfers ended round one of the championships, some excellent scores began to filter in.

Carter Morgan of the USA was first in with a three-under-par 69. Stephen Grant of the USA, Benjamin Martin of Trinidad & Tobago and Landon Michelson of the USA also shot three-under-par 69s.

However, it was many-time participant Risdon, who topped the scores with an error-free round. He shot birdies on holes 7, 8, 11 and 16 to establish his one-stroke lead.

He believes he could have done better but said he is looking forward to the remainder of the competition.

Meanwhile, Wesley Brown, the best-placed local golfer, shot an even-par 72. He was in good position at the 13th hole but double-bogeyed 14 and bogeyed 15 before he birdied 17 to get back to even par.

Sean Green was the next best local golfer with a two-over-par 74.

Meanwhile, William Knibbs, who battled a stomach bug a day before the start of the Open and was doubtful to compete, enjoyed a good day to close two under even though he was four under par with five holes to play.

Ryan Lue at 14, is the youngest golfer in the field. He posted 77 on day one.

Risdon will tee off at 11:30 am on Tuesday. Knibbs goes 20 minutes earlier.