The 2026 Brechin Castle Open Golf Championships, scheduled for January 9-11 at Sevilla Golf Course, will feature defending champions Ryan Gomez and Victoria Seenath returning to protect their hard-earned titles. Both athletes have officially registered for Trinidad and Tobago’s inaugural major golf tournament of the year, signaling their determination to maintain championship status.
Gomez, who captured the men’s championship in 2024, has already conducted preliminary reconnaissance of the course, playing a practice round last week to familiarize himself with current conditions. Seenath, last year’s women’s champion, similarly prepares to defend her first title at the Sevilla venue.
Tournament organizers anticipate robust participation across multiple divisions. Avery Sirju, Secretary of Brechin Castle Golf Club, confirmed that the event typically attracts capacity fields, including promising juniors aspiring to represent Trinidad and Tobago in regional competitions. This year’s tournament will showcase several recent graduates from junior ranks, including 2025 Republic Bank Junior Open champion Ross Ramkissoon, who will compete in the first flight division.
Notable among emerging talents is Ethan Collier, the 2025 Republic Bank Junior Golf Open champion for boys aged 14-15. Despite his junior status, Collier previously won the first flight at the 2025 TT Golf Open at just 14 years old and will make his competitive debut at Brechin Castle.
The nine-hole Sevilla Golf Course presents unique organizational challenges for tournament committees. To accommodate anticipated participation exceeding 100 golfers, the club implements a dual-wave system with morning and evening shifts ensuring smooth operations throughout the championship.
Course maintenance remains optimal despite typical January dryness, thanks to recent intermittent showers and strategic water management from the property’s reservoir. Sirju confirmed that irrigation systems have been inspected and are fully operational, with all greens receiving adequate hydration ahead of the tournament.
The Brechin Castle Golf Club has significantly elevated its profile over the past decade, with organizers committed to maintaining exceptional standards. ‘We aim to sustain this tournament’s growth as potentially Trinidad’s premier golf event,’ Sirju stated, emphasizing the club’s dedication to course quality and competitive excellence.
Previous division winners include Ben Martin (professional flight), Hollis George (first flight), Ron Aguillar (second flight), and Aba Bally-Roopchand (third flight), though all eyes remain focused on whether Gomez and Seenath can repeat their championship performances.