Dylan Muso has an extra pep in his step after finishing on the podium in his Claret Junior Golf Tour debut in Florida.

The local golfer placed third in the boys 16 and older division in the Mission Inn 36 Hole Junior Challenge Tournament, which was held at the Mission Resort and Club.

Muso shot 82 in the opening round at the El Campeon course and 78 in the final round at the Las Colinas course to finish at 16-over 160.

“My podium finish in the Claret Tour was an up and down couple of days but I held it together and still placed well,” the 18-year-old told The Royal Gazette.

“I think my play could have been a bit better for the two days but I still managed to place in the top three. The course was pretty challenging but also rewarding if you hit it in the right spots.

“The conditions were great. Having some wind and not knowing the course very well made it challenging.”

Muso has made positive strides since enrolling in the Mike Bender Golf Academy in Florida in August.

“My game has definitely improved while being at the Mike Bender Academy by improving the little things that often get overlooked,” he added.

“Also focusing on some technical things in my game and having access to technology to help the process. The transition hasn’t been too hard but just a different feeling being away from home. I’m used to the long days of practice, so that hasn’t impacted me too much.”

The promising player has also held his own competing on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, placing eleventh among a field of 85 in the boys 16 to 18 age group in the HJGT Orlando Fall Junior Open at Eagle Creek in his most recent appearance on the tour.

He shot an even-par 73 in the opening round, which he followed up with a two-under 71 in the final round to finish at two under for the tournament.

“The first round of the HJGT was a steady round shooting even par but I just didn’t make as many putts as I would have liked to,” Muso said. “The second day was also a solid round shooting two-under.

“Still not making as many putts as I would have liked, but overall it was a good experience and a solid tournament.”

The former Mount Saint Agnes Academy student produced his best showing to date on the HJGT after finishing tied for fifth at last year’s Disney LBV Junior Open at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.