Bahamian junior golfers showcased the strength and depth of the nation’s development programs in golf, by capturing eight of 12 division titles at the inaugural U.S. Kids Bahamas Invitational, staged at the prestigious Lyford Cay Golf Club on Monday and Tuesday.
The historic championship welcomed golfers from across The Bahamas and the United States of America, while also serving as an official U.S. Kids Golf International Invitational event and awarding valuable priority status points toward qualification for major international championships, including the U.S. Kids World Championships in Pinehurst, North Carolina, this summer.
The tournament produced impressive performances throughout the various age divisions, highlighted by multiple champions from the host nation.
Leading the way was the Poitier sisters, who claimed three division titles collectively.
Zaire Poitier captured the girls’ 11-12 division championship with rounds of 80 and 79 for a winning total of 159. She wrapped up 18 shots ahead of her nearest competitor.
Her younger sister, Zion Poitier, secured the girls’ 9-10 title after firing rounds of 43 and 38 for a total of 81. Zion’s twin sister Zeden Poitier finished second with rounds of 41 and 42, giving the family a one-two finish in that division.
In the boys’ 13-14 division, Deandrey Poitier rallied with a final-round score of 81 to win by a single stroke.
His 166 total narrowly edged out William Mahelis (167) and William West (168) in one of the tournament’s most competitive division finishes.
The other girls divisions featured several of the country’s top junior players. Haley Hall claimed the girls’ 13-14 title with rounds of 80 and 75 for a winning total of 155.
In the competitive girls’ 15-18 division, Anissa Robinson produced a strong closing round of 75 to overtake first-round leader Maddison Carroll and secure the championship with a final total of 156.
Carroll finished second at 158, and fellow national standout Chemari Pratt placed third at 161, completing an all-Bahamian podium.
The boys’ 15-18 division also belongs to the home team as Luke Grimes earned the championship with rounds of 76 and 78 for a total of 154.
Maximilian Landry finished just one stroke behind at 155, while Lance Sonnen Valdez claimed third at 156.
Another Bahamian champion was Sarah Saulnier in the girls’ eight-and-under division.
American visitors captured four division titles, with Dawson Becker winning the boys’ seven age group, Leo Vavra claiming the boys’ eight category, Benjamin Han taking the boys’ nine title, and Samuel Dolderer winning the boys’ ten age group.
Additionally, Corbin Conner of Florida earned the boys’ 12 championship.
Beyond the champions, Bahamian players recorded numerous runner-up finishes.
Enok Saulnier placed second in the boys’ eight age group, and Sam Saulnier was the runner-up in the boys’ nine division.
Connor Stevenson finished second in the boys’ 12 age group, and several other local competitors recorded top-three finishes.
Tournament organizers praised the quality of play and the sportsmanship displayed throughout the event.
The championship also highlighted the growth of junior golf in The Bahamas, where increased participation, coaching programs, and tournament opportunities continue to produce nationally and internationally competitive players.
With strong local participation, visiting international competitors, and championship-caliber scoring, the inaugural U.S. Kids Bahamas Invitational has established itself as one of the Caribbean’s premier junior golf events, and as a valuable addition to the international U.S. Kids Golf schedule.
