A crisp morning at Caymanas Golf Club gave way to an electrifying day of sport, camaraderie, and unexpected glory at the eighth MCOBA/Lindy Delapenha Golf Classic. The tournament—more than just a contest—was a celebration of legacy, giving, and the quiet thrill of the unexpected.
While the leaderboard shifted throughout the day, it was Errol Eccles who quietly assembled a masterclass. His 39-point Stableford performance crowned him champion—not that he saw it coming.
“I came to represent my Weekend Warriors crew and ended up with the top spot. I think that says everything,” Eccles remarked, still processing the win. His reward? A stay at Half Moon and a premium gift basket, but for Eccles, the bigger honor was lifting a trophy bearing Lindy Delapenha’s name.
Moments That Mattered
The tournament pulsed with storylines. Diane Hudson, the only woman to have ever claimed the overall title in the event’s history, once again proved unstoppable in the women’s category. Her score of 38 earned her a weekend at Sandals Beaches and further cemented her dominance on this stage.
In the super senior bracket, Richard Josephs edged out his rivals with another 38, claiming a luxury weekend at Jamaica Inn. Larry Lodenquai followed closely behind, and Howard McKenzie not only secured third but also emerged as the top-performing Munro College Old Boy—earning him the Elias Azan Trophy in front of a proud MCOBA crowd.
No one clinched the grand prize for a hole-in-one at the notorious 10th, where a 2025 Nissan E-Power X-Trail waited in full view. But Cedric Blair came heart-poundingly close, drawing gasps from spectators and fellow golfers alike.
A Tournament Beyond the Scorecard
Beyond the fairways, the event had the relaxed elegance of a festival. Hole 10 became a hub of energy thanks to Keller Williams, offering ice-cold coconuts and crisp towels. Nearby, Monymusk flowed freely, and CG United Insurance created a shady retreat for conversations, laughter, and networking.
Victor Tomlinson, MCOBA President, reflected on the tournament’s growing significance:
“It’s more than just a golf day. Every swing supports our mission—to uplift Munro’s sports programme and give young athletes real chances. The turnout this year tells us we’re doing something right.”
He confirmed that the organizing team would be regrouping to push for even more scale next year: more players, more sponsors, more impact.
What This Tournament Represents
More than winners and prizes, the MCOBA/Lindy Delapenha Classic embodies the convergence of purpose and passion. From young boys in Munro’s fields to veterans like Eccles finding form, it’s a living tribute to the enduring spirit of Jamaican sport.
And next year? Expectations just got a whole lot higher.
