Oliver Betschart and Dwayne Pearman just miss out in Gosling’s Invitational
Oliver Betschart and Dwayne Pearman missed out on their final chance to qualify for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship on the last day of the Gosling’s Invitational at Port Royal Golf Course yesterday.
Graeme Robertson, from Falkirk in Scotland, took the title ahead of Bermuda’s Nick Jones, with the triumph coming with an $11,000 cheque and an exemption to the PGA Tour event on island next month. Betschart finished third, while Pearman finished sixth.
Betschart, who won the amateur section, went into the final day tied for fifth, four shots off the lead, and needed a birdie on the final hole to make it into a play-off, but he shot a double bogey to finish one under for the tournament.
“It’s disappointing that I didn’t win and qualify for the PGA event here,” the 16-year-old told The Royal Gazette.
“My expectations were obviously to win, but it didn’t happen. I was happy with the way I played both rounds and how I handled the 36 holes here on the last day.
“I played well but the two above me just played better. I’m happy with my third-place finish in only my second time playing the Gosling’s Invitational.
“Being the lowest amateur is definitely an accomplishment and I’m really proud of that. There were a lot of great amateurs that played here, locals and internationals that came from all over the world, so I’m glad I could perform and get that lower amateur title.
“I needed a birdie on the 18th to go into the play-off to qualify, but it doesn't always work like that. I got stuck in the Bermuda rough and ended up making a double bogey.
“I’m just going to move forward and learn from this experience. I definitely made mistakes every round, but I will learn from this. I will come back and try again next year. Even if I qualify for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, the plan is to play in the Gosling’s Invitational.”
Pearman pocketed $4,500 and the 61-year-old enjoyed playing with Betschart.
“I wasn’t a favourite to win this so I’m not too disappointed,” Pearman said. “It was nice playing with the young man Betschart. He’s a really good player, he’s pretty steady and I was impressed with his game.
“I know how it goes in golf, you take the good and the bad and keep going. I finished two over for two rounds and that’s not bad, I’m satisfied.”
The 36-year-old Robertson, who thrived in windy conditions over the two days, stated that the lure of playing on the PGA Tour enticed him to make his maiden trip to the island.
While he dropped two shots to finish at four under, it was enough for Robertson to see off the challenge from Jones, who was two shots behind.
“It feels amazing to win the Gosling’s Invitational,’’ Robertson said. “It’s my first time in Bermuda and the first time I’ve seen the courses.
“It seems I brought Scotland weather to Bermuda. It was really windy so it suited me really well because I’m used to playing in these sorts of conditions.”
Robertson saluted Jones, who has already qualified for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, for not easily backing down.
“The competition was strong and I had to play really well to win. I played with Nick Jones and he just didn't go away, so he made it a very stressful two days for me.
“Obviously, the PGA Tour was a big incentive to why I came here. To come to Bermuda again and win it, it'll be a dream come true, so I’m looking forward to it.
“I’m going off to Spain to play and, once that finishes, I’ll be back here to play in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. It’ll be an exciting few weeks for me.”