Some of Bermuda’s future prospects showcased their budding talents in the ICS Tires Cobra Puma Junior Championships at Ocean View Golf Course this week.

The 36-hole tournament featured 31 enthusiastic participants who battled for honours in four divisions in glorious sunshine at the Devonshire layout on Monday and Tuesday.

Defending champion Arman Newton went wire-to-wire to retain the boys’ 14-17 title by four shots with a combined five-over 145.

He produced an opening-round 72 to carve out a four-shot advantage at the midway stage of the tournament, which he then extended after a 73 in the second and final round.

“Very happy to defend my title,” Newton told The Royal Gazette.

“I left a lot of putts out there, which was frustrating, but I really enjoyed it.

“It’s a great event and I’m looking forward to the next one.”

Johnny Bart (149), who finished tied for fourth at the recent Butterfield Bermuda Championship local qualifier and was joint 34th in the Gosling’s Bermuda Open, was runner-up, followed by Ramsay Soutter (160) in third.

Also going from wire-to-wire for the win was Lewis MacFarlane, who ran away with the boys’ 11-13 title by a resounding 18 shots after producing a combined 11-over 151.

He held a seven-shot advantage over the rest of the field through the first 18 holes after carding an opening 77 before putting more distance between himself and the chasing pack on Tuesday with a 74.

Max Parry (169) and Fletcher Logie (175) finished second and third respectively.

Darina Betschart, sister of top amateur Oliver Betschart, was the only competitor in the girls division after sole rival Poppy Parry withdrew from the event.

She shot 74 in the first round and 78 in the second to finish with a combined 12-over 152.

Joshua Cann also led from start to finish to win by six shots in the novice division, which was played over nine holes per round.

He carded 47 in the first round to open a six-shot advantage, then signed off with a 44 in the second to finish with a combined 15-over 85.

Bradford Laing (91) and Adrian Myers (95) finished second and third respectively.

Tournament director and acting Ocean View head professional OJ Pitcher was delighted by the record field.

“It’s the best turnout we’ve had,” he said. “It was very encouraging to see the numbers and see how junior golf is being revamped and getting the support that it rightly deserves.

“We had a total of 31 participants this year and I want to congratulate the winners of the four different divisions on a well-played two rounds of golf at Ocean View.”

Pitcher also thanked sponsor Island Construction, his fellow organising committee members, Ocean View groundstaff and parents for their contribution towards making the event a success.