Oliver Betschart will attempt to make early headway when he tees off in the opening round of the Junior Orange Bowl International Championship at the Biltmore Golf Course in Coral Gables, Florida, on Friday.

The 16-year-old amateur is competing among a formidable field at the 72-hole tournament, which concludes on Monday, and is looking forward to the exciting challenge.

“I’m feeling confident and focused heading into the opening round of the Junior Orange Bowl,” Betschart told The Royal Gazette.

“This is a prestigious event with a strong field and my goal is to stay composed, trust my preparation, and take it one shot at a time. It’s an exciting way to kick off the year, and I’m ready to give it my all.”

The promising player has every reason to be confident having retained his Gosling’s Moongate Tour Championship title and won the Fecchio Cup for the first time last month to end the year on a high note.

Betschart also enjoyed success competing abroad last year with two-victories on the Southern Texas PGA Junior Tour in the United States and claiming top honours at the Swiss Golf Junior Tour-Maison Blanche in Échenevex, France.

He 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 last year.