The year 2007 will go down in the scrapbook of promising golfer Daniel Augustus as truly a memorable one.

In the past 12 months the 20-year amateur — one of the Island's longest hitters of the ball — has produced some remarkable achievements both locally and abroad that have not gone unnoticed, with at least one top US college now eager to recruit the young Bermudian's services.

Augustus' watershed year took flight in mid-summer when he finished runner-up at the Bermuda Golf Association (BGA) Strokeplay and Ross (Blackie) Talbot tournaments.

But the best was yet to come as in October the promising amateur competed at the Re/Max World Long Drive Championship in Las Vegas after qualifying for the prestigious event in Puerto Rico, before capping a magnificent year of golf by clinching the amateur title at the Gosling's Invitational on home soil at Belmont Hills.

"That was my first time playing in an amateur event and to be the low amateur was truly a remarkable achievement," Augustus said. " I had butterflies the first day and playing alongside someone like Michael Sims didn't help any.

"But I got to talk to him (Sims), which was pretty cool, and after that I pretty much settled in."

Settled in was perhaps a gross understatement as Augustus clinched the amateur title by a staggering 14 shots over nearest rival Jeffrey Lindo.

"I also got butterflies on the last hole because I knew I was going to win (the division), although I didn't know by how many shots," he added.

"But this year was indeed a breakthrough year for me. I did really well this year and I'm very pleased with what I was able to accomplish and couldn't have asked for more. I played good golf and I'm very happy with that."

For Augustus, support from family and friends and commitment and dedication have culminated in success on the golf course.

"My family and friends definitely have my back while I practise hard core, non-stop at least three hours every day, which has helped as well," he said. "I just want to keep on doing all the right things. Of course there will be rough spots along the way, but if I keep practising and remain positive my game will improve and hopefully next year I can be even better."

Augustus now hopes to be playing the sport at the college level abroad next year.

"I really want to go to college and play golf. That's really one of the main priorities for me next year," he added.

Augustus is currently being linked to Paine College in Augusta, Georgia but admits he'd prefer to attend studies in Florida instead.

"I've had a few discussions with them (Paine) and they would love to have me play for their golf team," he added. "But right now I'm keeping my mind open."