July 6, 2026 – The Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association (TTGA) acknowledges recent public commentary regarding the performance of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Junior Team at the 2026 Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship (CAJGC) and welcomes constructive, fact-based discussion on the continued development of junior golf.
The TTGA first extends sincere congratulations to every member of the National Junior Team. Each player represented Trinidad and Tobago with dedication, discipline and pride. Competing at the regional level demands courage, resilience and commitment, and our young athletes should be recognised for their efforts. While the overall team result was below our expectations, the experience gained will contribute significantly to their long-term development.
Competitive Readiness Over Team Size
The Association recognises that junior golf in Trinidad and Tobago is still developing, and that sustained progress requires patience, investment and collective support. Our priority is not simply to fill every available team position, but to prepare young golfers to compete confidently and responsibly at regional and international standards.
At this stage, Trinidad and Tobago does not yet have sufficient competitive depth across every age division to consistently field full teams at the required level. Acknowledging this reality is not a failure; it is an honest assessment of where the programme stands and where further work is needed.
Junior golf development is a long-term investment. Sustainable success is achieved through consistent coaching, competition, education and player development, not through shortterm decisions based solely on team numbers.
Building the Future
Over the past eighteen months, the TTGA has begun strengthening its junior development pathway through structured coaching, tournament preparation, course management, nutrition, mental performance, physical conditioning and competition readiness. A longterm junior development programme has also been prepared for continued implementation throughout 2026, with the objective of increasing participation, improving competitive standards and creating more opportunities for young golfers across Trinidad and Tobago.
Understanding Amateur Golf
It is also important to recognise that amateur golf operates differently from many team sports, as it is primarily an individual sport. Across the Caribbean and internationally, families generally carry much of the cost associated with coaching, equipment, travel and tournament participation, while National Golf Associations administer the sport, establish selection criteria, organise qualifying events, facilitate international representation and provide financial assistance where resources permit. This is the accepted model throughout amateur golf and is not unique to Trinidad and Tobago.
Despite these challenges, the TTGA continues to provide opportunities for our young golfers to compete in regional and international competitions.
Junior Golf in Trinidad & Tobago – Recent Achievements
Recent achievements include divisional wins, strong performances in national and charity tournaments, qualification for international junior championships, and scholarship opportunities abroad. These accomplishments demonstrate that meaningful development is taking place beyond any single championship result. Latest successes include:
● Adam Green captured the Boys 16–18 Division title at the Republic Bank Junior Golf Championship, establishing himself as one of the country’s leading junior golfers. He also won the 1st Flight Men’s during the prestigious TT Open 2026
● Ethan Collier won the Boys 14–15 Division at the Republic Bank Junior Golf Championship and recently recorded the lowest championship round of his career at the CAJGC Dominican Republic, reflecting his continued development and dedication.
● James Ross finished runner-up in the Boys 14–15 Division behind Ethan Collier and, together with Josh Frankland, captured back-to-back victories in both the Feel Charity Golf Tournament and the Birdies for Juniors Charity Scramble, demonstrating the strength of Trinidad and Tobago’s emerging junior talent.
● Isabella Ramdeen continues to establish herself as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s premier junior golfers, having won the Brechin Castle Open, the Women’s AIB Tournament, finished third overall in the Trinidad and Tobago Open, qualified for the Optimist International Championship, and continued to represent Trinidad and Tobago with distinction internationally.
● Varin Singh also qualified for the Optimist International Championship, representing another exciting prospect within the Boys 11–13 division.
● Elise La Borde recently earned a full NCAA Division I golf scholarship in the United States, highlighting the opportunities that junior golf can create beyond regional competition.
● Hailey Layne has demonstrated remarkable improvement throughout the season, earning selection to the National Junior Team for the first time through hard work, commitment and perseverance.
● Kahlan Francis continues to emerge as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s promising young golfers, recording a 4th-place finish at the Brechin Castle Open while gaining valuable competitive experience.
● Kaidan Baynes, one of Tobago’s rising junior golfers, also produced an impressive performance at the Brechin Castle Open, highlighting the growing strength of junior golf across both Trinidad and Tobago.
TTGA Governance and Transparency
The TTGA’s Junior Guidelines are shared with the Member Clubs and are designed to ensure fairness, transparency, consistency and competitive standards in player development and national team selection. Provisions such as selection committees, codes of conduct, participation requirements and discretionary selections are standard governance tools used by National Golf Associations internationally.
The TTGA also clarifies that “Let’s Learn Golf Tobago” is not a recognised committee, affiliated club, member organisation, governing body or official representative of the Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association. While individuals and organisations are entitled to express their views, those views should not be interpreted as official information on the governance, administration or operations of the TTGA.
Looking Ahead
The TTGA remains committed to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. Our focus is on building a stronger future for golf in Trinidad and Tobago through increased junior participation, enhanced coaching programmes, improved competitive standards and expanded opportunities for golfers of all ages.
The future of Trinidad and Tobago golf will be built through collaboration: coaches giving their time, parents supporting their children, clubs opening their facilities, sponsors investing in development, and young golfers committing themselves to continuous improvement.
The TTGA welcomes all who share this vision and who wish to contribute positively to the growth of the game. Together, we can continue building a programme that gives every young golfer the opportunity to succeed both on and off the golf course.
Yours faithfully,
Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association
