Oliver Betschart has come up short in his attempt to compete at the US Amateur Championship this year.

The Bermudian golfer was unable to clinch one of the available spots in the final stage of qualifying at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in California.

Betschart shot a ten-over 81 in the 18-hole qualifier to finish well outside the cut, which came at even par and ties.

“Only the top 13 players would earn a ticket to the US Amateur Championship and unfortunately I came up short,” he told The Royal Gazette.

The 16-year-old amateur struggled on the demanding par-71 golf course.

“The course was a true test as it should be at this level,” he said.

“The greens were rolling incredibly fast, which made putting especially challenging.

“The biggest challenge for me was approach shots as I left myself out of position too many times and paid the price.

‘“Naturally, I’m disappointed not to have played better but I’m also proud to have made it to this stage.

“Competing at this level has helped me clearly see what parts of my game need sharpening.

“This was a valuable experience and an important step in my journey, and I am motivated to keep working hard and growing as a player.”

Betschart played alongside Canadian Cooper Humphreys, who shot a five-under 66 to finish three shots clear of the rest of the field at the top of the leaderboard.

“One of the highlights of the day was playing alongside Cooper Humphreys of Canada,” he said.

“It was a privilege to share the round with him and great to chat throughout. He played with impressive consistency and composure.”

Betschart advanced to the final stage of qualifying after securing one of the 11 spots up for grabs in last month’s Local Qualifier at Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond, Oklahoma.

The 125th US Amateur Championship will be held at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, California, in August.

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