Oliver Betschart impresses with top-ten finish in Switzerland

Colin Thompson

Created: Jun 04, 2024 07:57 AM (Updated: Jun 04, 2024 07:57 AM)

Oliver Betschart (File photograph)

Oliver Betschart rallied on the final day to secure an impressive top-ten finish at the Swiss Golf and Basler Championship in Switzerland at the weekend.

The 15-year-old shot an even-par 72, the second-lowest round of the day, in the final round on Sunday at the Golf and Country Club Basle to jump 17 places on the leaderboard and finish tied for eighth at six over.

“I played this tournament last year and struggled a bit, so I am really pleased with my result this year,” Betschart told The Royal Gazette.

“It was raining on both days so it was challenging. I know that I left a lot out on the course and had an unfortunate double bogey on the second last hole.”

The promising player, who made his PGA Tour debut at the Butterfield Bermuda Open at Port Royal Golf Course last year, was forced to play catch-up after carding an opening round six-over 78 at the 36-hole tournament, which was reduced from 54 holes as a result of inclement weather.

“It was not a great first day but I feel I shot well on the second to finish tied for eighth,” Betschart said.

Oliver Betschart in action in Switzerland (Photograph supplied)

Loic Naas secured the title after beating Pedro Messerli in a play-off after the pair remained tied at one under at the end of regulation.

Bestchart has seen plenty of action in Europe of late after winning the Swiss Golf Junior Tour-Maison Blanche in Échenevex, France, and finishing tied for fifteenth at the Championship du Leman in Geneva, Switzerland, on his debut at both events last month.

He has also already won in the United States this year, picking up two victories on the Southern Texas PGA Junior Tour, including a triumph at the Texas Junior Open in San Antonio in February at the first attempt.

Betschart also finished second in his age group in an 18-hole event at Landa Park Golf Course and third overall in the 36-hole Spring Break Classic at Lakecliff Golf Club in March.

The player started the year off with a bang, beating local rivals to victory in the Gosling’s Moongate Tour Championship at Port Royal in February before venturing overseas to continue his development.