Local trio Arman Newton, Johnny Bart and Darina Betschart are among the challengers for the Butterfield Bermuda Junior Championship that gets under way at Port Royal Golf Course on Friday.

Newton and Bart will battle in the boys’ division while Betschart is carrying the island’s hopes in the girls ‘division in the 54-hole American Junior Golf Association-sanctioned event.

Bart is thrilled to have the opportunity to put his skills to the test and compete against some of the best junior golfers from the United States.

“Excited to get to compete with some of the best and can’t wait to show what I can do on this stage,” he told The Royal Gazette.

Newton is equally as excited to showcase his talents at this level.

“Looking forward to the weekend and playing against these other juniors,” he said.

“My game feels good so I’m excited to see what I can do.”

Echoing her fellow compatriots sentiments, Betschart said: “I am excited for the opportunity to play on the AJGA.

“I know that these are some of the best junior tournaments to play in. So I am very grateful to the organisers, the Bermuda Golf Association and Butterfield Bermuda Championship, and it is amazing that we have this tournament in Bermuda.

“The weather is not looking great. But Saturday is looking better and everyone has to play in the same conditions.”

American Clark Sonnenberg claimed the boys title and Canadian Carlee Meilleur girls honours in last year’s 54-hole event at Port Royal.

Victory was especially sweet for AJGA Tour debutant Sonnenberg as his final round of 66 and total of eight under (205) were both tournament records.

Betschart’s sibling, Oliver, topped the local field and was tied for sixth overall.