ODWIN MAKES PROFESSIONAL DEBUT

by David Harris

Barbadian golfer Emily Odwin made her professional debut at the second edition of the Great Lakes Championship in the Epson Tour at  Highland, Harbor Springs, Michigan over the weekend; after a stellar collegiate career at Southern Methodist University, in Dallas Texas.

In the opening round Odwin, 22, started with an impressive two-under par 70 placing her tied for 20 th position; but in the second round, she shot a three over par 75, which dropped her below the weekend cut. Despite missing the cut, her professional debut adds to her trailblazing legacy as she was the first Barbadian golfer to compete at both the U.S. Open and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Days before joining the professional ranks, Odwin was named to the 2025/26 College Sports Communicators All District Team, an acknowledgement of her exceptional achievements in the classroom and on the golf course. 

President of the Barbados Golf Association Damian Edghill said Odwin’s achievements have brought immense pride to the country.

“She has excelled academically, distinguished herself internationally- and now begins an exciting professional career. What makes her story so important is that she shows our young golfers what is possible. Emily was once a member of Barbados Junior National team; through hard work, determination, and the support of her family and coaches, she earned herself an outstanding education and now a future in professional golf”, Edghill said.

“She is an exceptional ambassador for Barbados and an inspiration to the next generation, we are immensely proud of her, and excited to watch the next chapter of her journey unfold”, Edghill added.

Over 140 golfers took part in the Championship which ended on Sunday, and was won by Lauren Olivaves of Mexico. Odwin next scheduled tournament is the Island Resort Championships at the Sweetgrass Golf in Harris, Michigan from June 26 to 28.