The Lions Municipal Golf Course in Austin, Texas, has proved to be happy hunting ground for Darina Betschart.

In only her second appearance competing on the Southern Texas PGA Junior Tour, the 12-year-old shot a career-best 82 on the way to claiming the girls 11-12 title and also finished second overall among girls 18 and under.

Betschart went into the 18-hole tournament determined to improve on a third-place showing in her age group on her Tour debut at Shadow Glen Golf Club last month and did just that.

“In my tournament at Shadow Glen a few weeks ago, it was my first competitive tournament in Texas and I was a bit nervous and I didn’t know the course,” she told The Royal Gazette.

“We started late and we finished in the dark, so I felt that I left a lot out on the course and didn’t play my best.

“Last weekend, I played at Lions Golf Course and won. I felt relieved and happy.

“I felt really confident and was sure on every shot.

“I only had one bad hole and shot my best score of 82, again on a course that I never played on before.”

Among those celebrating her recent success was sibling Oliver Betschart, who is also making a name for himself competing both locally and overseas.

“I was really proud of her and it’s cool to see her win her first tournament in Texas and get the experience and exposure that you need to compete in this sport,” he said.

Betschart is hoping to compete on the LPGA Tour one day and is inspired by the success her sibling has already achieved, including making his PGA Tour debut in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course last November at age 15.

“I see what Oliver has done and I want to accomplish some of the things that he has,” she said.

“When I see him play, I look at the things that he does and he gives me some tips sometimes and inspires me as well.”

Oliver added: “I think that it is good for her to have the opportunity to learn from my successes and mistakes, which will hopefully drive her to give 100 per cent and do the best that she can.”

Darina’s success might come as a bit of a surprise given she is virtually a newcomer to the sport.

“I really only started or I guess wanted to play about a year ago,” she said.

“I went to Guernsey last year because my brother was playing in the Island Games and I watched the Bermuda women’s team playing.

“It really inspired me, especially when Ebony [Cox] won and she gave me her Jersey.

“I also got really inspired when I watched my friend Carlee Meilleur win the AJGA Butterfield Bermuda Junior Championship [girls title] in January. I want to do that.

“I want to play on the LPGA, but I know it is a bit too early now.

“I like playing tournaments with other girls around my age, I like the competitiveness.”