Column: Two 15-Year-Old Golfers In 5 Years
[Written by Kim Swan ]
The 5 year history of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship has provided unparalleled opportunities for local golfers beyond measure.
I am overjoyed that today we have a PGA Tour event in our country and that we have a unique relationship to allow Bermudians to qualify to compete in the PGA Tour event. The co-founders, former Tourism Minister Hon. Zane Desilva and PH Horgan III a former Bermuda Open Champion & PGA Tour Player, stressed the importance of this relationship for the betterment of local golf.
In the inaugural event in 2019, fifteen-year-old Kenny Leseur impressed the Bermuda golfing community and joined an elite group of global protégés to participate in a PGA Tour event.
Ironically, in 2019 during Kenny’s shining hour a then 10-year-old Oliver Betschart was getting a ‘Birdseye View’ and he was undoubtedly influenced by the experience of Bermuda hosting the PGA Tour.
Fast forward to 2023, and Kenny Leseur is now a sophomore at Butler University in Indiana with a collegiate victory under his belt. Sadly, Kenny is fighting a concerning injury and we wish him well.
I’m proud to have played an integral part in both Kenny Lesuer Jr and Oliver Betschart’s lives simultaneously.
“Because of my involvement with Kenny Jr – who I linked with my connections with my alma mater Troy University in Alabama – I urged Oliver’s parents to get him coaching and tournament experience overseas as soon as possible.
In addition, I was able to utilize my international contacts and thankfully his 5 year connection with my friend since 1974, former PGA Tour winner David Ogrin has been a match made in heaven.
The common denominator between my experiences with both 15-year-old protégés – Kenny Leseur Jr and Oliver Betschart – is both young men have phenomenal family support. In addition, I am eternally grateful that both families trusted and acted on my judgment when their gifted children were under my care.
I’m proud to have played a part in the formative years of both Kenny Leseur Jr and Oliver Betschart.
More importantly, the opportunity they have received is inspiring future generations.
