Bermuda’s golfers announced their arrival at this week’s prestigious Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships in a big way after securing the silver medal on their debut in the 54-hole event.

The team of Eric West, Will Haddrell, Oliver Betschart, Dylan Muso, Mikus Ming, Arman Newton, Tracy Burgess, Sienna Mosquera, Darina Betschart and Morgan Lightbourne held their own against the region’s elite players in Nassau, Bahamas, to finish 11 points behind winners Puerto Rico at the Royal Blue Golf Course on Thursday.

Bermuda finished third in the men’s division at 11 over and fifth in the ladies division at 56 over.

West finished third in the men’s individual competition at two-under to claim the bronze medal, while Mosquera was Bermuda’s top finisher in the ladies individual event in eighth at 26-over. Siblings Oliver (3-over) and Darina Betschart (30-over) also impressed, finishing tenth in the individual men’s and ladies divisions respectively.

Bermuda Golf Association president Craig Brown, who was also part of the local contingent in Bahamas, hailed the team’s impressive showing this week.

“We are thrilled to finish second overall in the CAGC Championships at the first time of competing,” Brown said.

“Our men’s team finished third and our women battled to fifth position. It’s been a great week with some outstanding individual performances on the men’s side from Eric West, who finished third overall.

“Dylan Muso hit a low round of the week of four-under and Oliver Betschart posting two-under in extreme heat in the final round but all of the team members contributed.

“In the women’s team Sienna Mosquera and Darina Betschart put in outstanding scores on a long and challenging set up and were ably supported by Tracy Burgess and Morgan Lightbourne.

“Big credit must go to team manager Richard Marriott for his tireless efforts ensuring the team never wanted for anything in tough conditions and a thank you to Darrin Lewis, BGA general secretary for organising logistics prior to the team arrival.

“Lastly, thank you to Mr Lynford Miller, president of Bahamas Golf Federation for hosting a fantastic week of golf.”