Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

If you are a follower of sports in Jamaica then the name Jason Lopez might ring a bell. He has been one of Jamaica's premier golfers for the past 12 years and recently realised his life-long dream of implementing a golf school in Jamaica.

The school which was officially opened in October of last year was built at a cost of $5-million and is housed on the premises of the Constant Spring Golf Club in St. Andrew. The state of the art facility provides private instruction and public practice training to children and adults from the beginners' level to the professional.

"I am pleased with how the facility has turned out and we are working towards the school meeting world class standards," he said.

Lopez indicates that golfers and golfing enthusiasts have been making use of the facility so much so that within the year there are plans to expand the facilities to include a short game facility, practice putting and chipping green and sand bunking.

The school, in collaboration with the Constant Spring Golf Club, offers clubs for rent and there is an ample supply of balls for the putting green. If you are unable to get out to the course during the day, don't worry, the school opens from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The course is well lit, making night practice quite easy.

Golfing at age five

Lopez who began golfing at age five represented Jamaica at the junior and amateur level. He was awarded a full golf scholarship to Florida State University and upon graduation turned professional. He has played with the best including World number one American golfer Tiger Woods and has been on tours, visiting countries such as Argentina and Brazil.

The Jason Lopez Golf School is a great place for people of all ages to go and enjoy themselves as it offers something for everyone.

# Young Jessie Shea 'putts' on a show

There was no stopping young Jessie Shea at Constant Spring Golf Club last Friday.

The seven-year-old topped a number of young golfers with 550 points to take the Drive, Chip and Putt competition at the month tournament hosted by Swing Solutions Limited.

Richard Leckler in second, Jean-Paul Asher, third and Robin Hughsam in fourth were all tied on 525 points. Hughsam was also the top driver in the competition. Tomas Hudson placed fifth on 500 points followed by Aaron Alexander (6th) on 450 and seventh place Zachary Duncan on 350 points.

Honing that competitive edge

The tournament was developed by technical director of the Jamaica Junior National Golf programme Jason Lopez and has been held for the past two years. It is designed specifically for children and helps them to gain that competitive edge from an early age.

"At the end of every month we have a competition where the children display their skills and from this we help to nurture them into the best players they can be," Lopez said.

Parents Jeremiah and Karen Shea were proud of Jessie's performance.

"He loves playing golf. He has been playing since he was four years old, and it is good for his concentration. Kids need to learn to concentrate," they said.

Lopez was equally pleased with the children's progress. "They were all excellent and we hope that they will continue to grow and develop in the sport," he said.