Local junior golf received a ringing endorsement after siblings Oliver and Darina Betschart secured podium finishes in the Prestige Tour Hill Country Open in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Top local amateur Oliver came from behind last weekend to win the 15 to 18 boys title by four shots at six-under, while sibling Darina finished runner-up in the girls 13 to 14 division at 15-over.

Oliver, 16, saved the best for last as he shot a brilliant four-under 67 in the final round of the Southern Texas PGA Junior Tour event at the Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Golf Course on Sunday.

He carded five birdies, an eagle and three bogeys on his way to the achieving the lowest round of the 36-hole tournament, which propelled him to a comfortable victory and bolstered his chances of being chosen to represent Bermuda in this summer’s Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay.

“This is my first victory in the 15 to 18 division on the Prestige Tour, and while I’m proud of it, I know there’s still a lot of work to do,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“Thank you to the Bermuda Golf Association and the Bermuda Olympic Association for their support. I’m excited to keep pushing towards my goals, including representing Bermuda in the Pan Am Junior Games if selected.”

Betschart was tied for third, one shot off the lead, heading into the final round and was able to capitalise on the blustery conditions.

“Day two was extremely windy, just like back home in Bermuda, which gave me an edge,” he said.

“My coach, David Ogrin, told me to focus on three things; how the wind affects ball flight, trusting the stinger driver we’ve been working on, and managing my misses. I stuck to that plan, executed well, and it led to six-under for the tournament and a four-shot win.”

Betschart overcame a shaky start on the way to an opening round of 69.

“Coming into the tournament without a practice round was tough, and starting with a hooked tee shot out of bounds and a double bogey wasn’t ideal,” he said. “But I stayed focused, made six birdies in the next 13 holes and kept myself in the game.”

Jack Polansky and fellow San Antonio resident Cameron Villarreal finished tied for second at two under to round off the 15 to 18 boys podium.

Betschart’s sister, Darina, was also delighted to continue the family success after finishing runner-up.

The 13-year-old carded 79 in the opening round, which was followed with 78 in the second.

“I just got a new set of clubs a week ago and so I am still getting used to them,” she said. “But it was fun playing with girls around my own age and I am really happy with my result.

“I know I still have things to work on and am looking forward to my next tournament.”

Proud brother Oliver hailed his sister’s impressive display.

“A huge congratulations to my sister for finishing second in her age group in her first exhibition,” he said. “It’s great to see her competing at this level.”

Rylen Darter, of Taylor Texas, won the girls 13 to 14 title by six shots with San Antonio resident Lia Beyer finishing third, a further five shots adrift of the leader.