Oliver Betschart concluded his first appearance at the R&A Junior Open by finishing in a highly respectable tie for 59th place.

The Bermudian joined a competitive field at the biennial event, hosted at the Monifieth Golf Links in Scotland, which involves the best under-16 male and female golfers from more than 60 countries.

Having shot a nine-over 81 in the first round and then 78 in the second, Betschart successfully made the cut and headed into the final round of play.

Conditions were challenging with a cool, strong winds whipping over the course off the North Sea.

Despite that, Betschart posted an encouraging front nine, which included two birdies and four bogeys. As he made a return to the clubhouse, there was increasing breeze in his face, and he fought hard to keep a solid score within his grasp.

The back nine proved a tougher task with the Bermudian enduring a further four bogeys and a double bogey on the 14th hole. However, he signed off on the last hole with a fine birdie to finish the round with another six-over 78 to close out his maiden appearance at the event with a three-round total of 21 over par.

Scotland’s Connor Graham clinched the title, having stayed impressively consistent throughout to finish on 13-under 203 and seal a five-shot victory over Ratchanon Chantananuwat, of Thailand.