Betschart siblings savour Cedarberry Bowl Junior Tournament glory
Siblings Oliver and Darina Betschart were both basking in glory after the Cedarberry Bowl Junior Tournament held at Belmont Hills and Tucker’s Point golf courses.
Reigning Moongate Tour champion Oliver carded a two-over 212 to claim the Blue Division title by a whopping 25 shots.
He led throughout the 54-hole event in windy conditions and saved the best for last with a brilliant two-under 68 in the final round at Belmont Hills, which included four birdies and an eagle at the par-4 13th.
The tournament was Betschart’s first since returning on island from competing in the Southern Texas PGA Junior Tour in the United States.
“It was difficult conditions my first time back playing in Bermuda, but I had a lot of fun out there,” he told The Royal Gazette.
“It was awesome having all the players there and everybody supporting each other coming up the final holes. I am really happy with how the atmosphere was with all the juniors out there.
“I am proud of everybody who played. I think they all did great and glad they could get the exposure of some tournament play here.
“Three days is tricky but they all held through and did well so congrats to all the participants of the Cedarberry Bowl 2024.”
Arman Newton (237) and Sa-Qui Robinson (269) finished second and third to round off the podium in the Blue Division.
There was also joy for Betschart’s sister, Darina, who came from behind to win the Red Division, featuring boys and girls, by eight shots with a ten-over 248.
“I was in second place going into the last round, so I knew I had to stay focused and play my game,” she said.
“I felt really confident all three days and kept my cool even when I had a bad hole,” she said.
“Even though I was the only girl playing, I had a lot of fun playing with Lewis MacFarlane and Lachlan Soutter for all three days.”
MacFarlane (256) and Soutter (261) placed second and third to complete the top three finishers in the Red Division.
Freddie Jones (136) claimed the nine-hole Red Division title, while Michael Mohipp and Oliver James were joint-winners (20 points) in the Novice Division, which featured the participants competing in the Stableford scoring system.
Tournament organiser Patrick Graham thanked all those who helped to make the event a success.
“The tournament committee is very grateful for the support of both Belmont Hills and Tucker’s Point golf courses and their staff who provided fantastic facilities and services throughout the tournament days and welcomed the junior golfing community with open arms,” he said.
“The tournament committee would like to thank the main sponsors Horti-Tec, Butterfield Bank, and Paradise Golf for their generous contributions towards the tournament that have enabled elements to the tournament which the junior golfers really appreciated.
“They would also like to thank the Saltus Grammar School Design and Technology staff who were generous in donating their time in producing the unique cedar bag tags for the event which will serve as a great souvenir for each of the players.
“The tournament committee would finally like to thank the Bermuda Golf Association for providing invaluable support in the administration of the tournament which could not have been more smoothly run.
“The success of this tournament could not have been achieved without the support of the junior golfing community, family and friends; the BPGA, who provided chaperones and support throughout the three days; and most importantly the junior golfers themselves who are willing and clearly able to participate in golf tournaments on and off island. Congratulations to all.
“It is anticipated that more and more junior golf tournaments will be added to the golfing calendar going forward and the support of the whole community is vital in ensuring that the junior golfers of Bermuda can flourish in this ideal environment.”