Oliver Betschart has an extra pep in his step after advancing to the US Amateur Championship Regional Qualifier.

The Bermudian golfer clinched one of 11 spots up for grabs at Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond, Oklahoma, and did so the hard way after being forced to play three extra holes in a pressure-filled play-off.

“I am really pleased with this achievement,” an elated Betschart told The Royal Gazette. “I missed the cut at the US Junior Amateur at Dornick Hills Country Club, so to come back in an arguably bigger event and play well was a great boost in confidence and motivation.”

Competing among a formidable field of 117 players, Betschart carded an impressive two-under 68 to finish in five-way tie for the final four available qualifying spots.

He sank four birdies on the front nine, including three in a row, to make the turn at four under but the 16-year-old made bogeys at the 11th and 13th before steadying the ship and making par on the remaining holes.

“I feel that I played really well,” Betschart said. I had four birdies on the front nine, shooting a 31, and continued to play well on the back.

“I had a couple of unlucky bounces that really could have gone either way that led to two bogeys on the back, but with a solid finish I knew that I would have a chance.”

Betschart, who made his PGA Tour debut at the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course, then had to endure a lengthy delay before the play-off could begin.

“I was one of the first groups out in the morning, which meant that I finished early and with a field of 117 we needed to wait about three hours,” he said.

“It was tough having such a long wait after my round and then to make it through the play-off was an awesome feeling. It was a long day but worth it.”

Betschart will now shift his focus to one of 19 final qualifiers in an attempt to secure a spot in the 125th US Amateur Championship, to be held at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, California, in August.

The eventual US Amateur Championship winner and runner-up will earn exemption to next year’s US Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York.