Fresh from success in America, Oliver Betschart will be pitting his skills against the best Bermuda has to offer in the latest round of the 2023 Moongate Tour at Port Royal Golf Course on Friday.

The promising teenager heads into today’s 36-hole event high on confidence after holding his nerve to win a play-off for the boys 13-14 title at the Southern Texas PGA Junior Tour Spring Break Classic at Lakecliff Golf Club in Travis County, Texas, last week.

Betschart, 14, made a solid start to the Moongate season with an impressive fifth among a formidable field in January’s season opener at the par-71 Southampton layout.

Others expected to be in contention for honours at Port Royal are professional Scott Roy and amateur Jevon Roberts, who put down an early marker after finishing joint winners at January’s season opener.

Roy followed up with a fourth place showing in trying conditions during last month’s second medal event, which Roberts was ruled out of because of personal commitments.

Several top contenders will not be involved in today’s tournament at Port Royal, including last year’s Tour medallist Damian Palanyandi, Nick Jones, Dwayne Pearman and Chaka DeSilva.

DeSilva, Pearman and Palanyandi have been ruled out through work commitments while Jones is off island.

Inaugurated in 2022, the Moongate Tour is the brainchild of professionals Andrew Trott-Francis and DeSilva, and was created to afford more competitive opportunities for local professionals and low-handicap amateur players.

The championship has been extended to nine events this year and will again conclude with the season -ending Moongate Tour Championship with professional Camiko Smith the reigning champion.

All tournaments will be held solely at Port Royal with Ocean View Golf Course not hosting events this year.