Golfer Oliver Betschart Focused On Victory
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Oliver Betschart hopes to come out on top against some of the best young golfers in the world in the second Butterfield Bermuda Junior Championship, which starts today [January 11].
The three-day tournament, in partnership with the American Junior Golf Association [AJGA], will be held at Port Royal Golf Course, featuring local contingent Dylan Muso, Sienna Mosquera, Sa-Qui Robinson, and Arman Newton among the 78 players.
“I had a little break over Christmas, but I’ve practised every day for this competition and believe I have a great chance of winning,” Betschart told Bernews. “I’m not focused on anybody else’s game. I want to play the best golf I can at that moment.
“As far as the United States goes, the AJGA is one of the biggest tours to be part of. It’s great to have this event in Bermuda and for me to compete on my home course.
“The wind could pick up over the weekend, which gives me an advantage as I know how to deal with that [at Port Royal].”
For Betschart, 15, it will be a return to facing players roughly his age, having played in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal in November.
He was not only the youngest Bermudian to play in a PGA Tour event since compatriot Kenny Leseur in 2019 but the youngest in a decade since Guan Tianlang made the cut in the Masters aged 14 in 2013.
“It was an amazing experience,” said Betschart, who is coached by American David Ogrin. “I learned plenty and met some great guys. I really enjoyed being part of it.”
Betschart has been putting the final touches to his game by practising alongside top young Canadian player Carlee Meilleur.
“I have a friend down from Canada, Carlee Meilleur, and I’ve been training with her for the last few days,” he said.
“She’s very talented and has a great chance of winning the girls’ event. She’s a great influence; it’s helpful to compete with players with a similar mindset.”
Betschart intends to join up with his coach in Texas for a few months, playing in AJGA tournaments, before heading to Switzerland in May, continuing his development until the end of August.
