Much has been reported, posted, spoken and projected of the talented exploits of teenage golfing prodigy Oliver Betschart, the latest darling of Bermuda sport.

His qualification and subsequent participation at this year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship has thrust the youngster into the global spotlight, but may present quite a burden for a 15-year-old schoolboy to bear.

That may have been the thinking behind the decision of the PGA Tour match-makers to group Betschart with Andy Zhang of China, who made history in 2012 as the youngest player to ever participate in the US Open at the age of 14

Being paired with a former boy wonder, along with the familiar form of compatriot Michael Sims, gave Betschart perhaps the most comfortable atmosphere possible and can be seen as an astute, protective move for the Bermudian’s continued development.

Zhang and Betschart may have had primary focus on their own performances, but 36 holes spent traversing the finely manicured lawns at Port Royal provided the pair moments to converse and for Zhang to advise on matters of which few have experienced first-hand.

“We talked about it,” said Betschart of his time with Zhang, who moved with his mother from Bejiing, to Bradenton, Florida at the age of 10 to pursue the sport.

“I mean being able to play in a big professional tournament like this at young ages is a great accomplishment for both of us.

“We had a lot of fun out there, being we have something in common like that and we both played sound golf.

“Definitely he's an inspiration for me, his having been in the same situation is really inspiring.”

Zhang, 25, a regular on the Korn Ferry Tour, gained entry into the tournament as a Monday qualifier and expressed his enjoyment at the time he spent with Betschart.

“It was a pretty cool experience to be honest,” said the University of Florida alumnus.

“It definitely reminded me some of myself when I was at that stage, close to 11 years ago.I definitely saw a lot of myself. He was very nervous teeing off, but I thought he handled it pretty well.

“Being he has a lot of support around here, the people were cheering for him since he’s from Bermuda. He did a really good job. He has a good, well-rounded game.

Obviously at 15 years old, he hasn’t been playing very long. He has a good swing and definitely hits enough good shots. As he gets older he'll get longer and as he plays more he'll gather more experience around the greens in handling certain situations, but I think he has a good game and a lot of potential.”

When Zhang was allowed into the US Open as an alternate to Paul Casey, questions were raised regarding the wisdom of allowing adolescents to play in senior events citing the potential for damage to the psyche that might foster long-term mental health issues.

However, Zhang viewed matters differently, noting his experience as positive, while encouraging Betschart’s parents to ensure he is allowed to evolve organically and not try to artificially accelerate his growth.

“It's definitely a good experience and you have to certainly manage your expectations and how you see the game from here on,” said Zhang.

“I think his parents have to understand that he’s only 15 years old. He still has three years before he's 18 and, whether he goes to college or not, he still has quite a ways to go towards maturity both as a person and a player.

“They just have to manage that and really allow him to develop naturally and stick to the process, not try to rush anything and if he does that he'll be in a good place.

The college circuit on either side of the Atlantic would appear to be a logical move for the home-schooled Betschart, who clearly has designs on a pro career, and he remains open to the prospect of collegiate golf.

“It’s definitely on my radar for the future in another couple of years,” he said. “I’m thinking about it.

“Right now we are working towards next year’s qualifier. Me and my coach will talk about my rounds, go over what I need to work on and what I need to get better for the year.

“Being out here takes a lot of discipline, because you have to be able to handle the pressure and expectations. I’m definitely there, and just have a few small things to work on.

“I’m in a good state of mind and attitude, even after that last round, which wasn’t what I wanted, but It happens and it’s something you just have to deal with and I will be better for it.”