Talented golfer Oliver Betschart has made the decision to commit to Colorado State University.

The 17-year-old amateur golfer will be part of the university’s NCAA Division I programme for four years, starting next August. Among Colorado State’s recent golf alumni is Martin Laird, a four-times winner on the PGA Tour

Betschart, who visited the institution at the beginning of the month, is full of anticipation to start his college career

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Betschart told The Royal Gazette.

“I went for a visit a couple of weeks ago and it was their first days of winter. They had snow and it was a bit cold, so I got to see what it would be like in that environment.

“Even with snow and not being able to practise on course, I can see a lot of improvement getting done with my golf game. It seems like a great spot to be and I can’t wait to go there next year.

“I was talking to a couple of other schools, but Colorado was definitely the main option given the way I connected with the coaches and loved everything about their programme.

“I made my decision pretty much a week after that. I just loved it so much over there, and I could see myself playing well and improving my game, so it was a no-brainer.”

Betschart is excited at what lies in store for him and the chance to compete among some of the best young players in the world.

“Seeing the schedule and the tournaments we are playing and facilities that they have, I see major improvements in my game,” he said.

“Their facilities are amazing and they have a lot of good golf courses in the Fort Collins area that they play at.

“They are moving into the Pac-12 Conference next year as well, which is one of the top conferences, so there will be really good competition.

“There are some nerves to it as well and not knowing what’s going to come out of it, but it’s a new experience. It’s going to be exciting because there’s good golf, good people and good coaches there.”

Betschart has opted not to defend his title at the Fecchio Junior Cup, as he will be away on a family vacation. The 38th edition of the popular tournament is scheduled to take place at Turtle Hill Golf Club on Thursday and Friday.

“We couldn’t quite match the dates up with our winter vacation,” Betschart said.

“We are going to see family, so I won’t be able to participate in that, which is a bit disappointing. It’s definitely one of the cool events towards the end of the year and it was a chance for me to defend my title.”

According to the Bermuda Golf Association, a large field has registered with most of the top junior golfers having signed up.

Camilo Legere, the 2023 champion, will be looking to challenge once again, along with Arman Newton, who captured the Tucker’s Point Club Championship a few weeks ago.

Johnny Bart will also be in the hunt as he finished top of the leaderboard at the last BGA event at Turtle Hill in November, while Sa-Qui Robinson, just back from his first term at the prestigious Mike Bender Golf Academy in Orlando, Florida, will be another to watch.

Lewis MacFarlane is just 12 years old but with a handicap index of 4.6 is one to keep an eye on as his short game could flourish at the short Par 3 course.

“The 43-strong field will be divided into five divisions based on handicap index, age and level,” the BGA said.

“The Blue Division is the Championship Division with 17 players aged 15+ with a handicap index of -12. The White Division has nine players between the ages of 12 to 14 with a handicap index between 12 to 18.

“The Red Division has five players between ages 11 and 12 with handicap index of +18. These three divisions will be stroke play over 36 holes.

“The Gold [under 11 years] and Yellow Division [over 11 years] will be playing the Stableford Format. These divisions are for those golfers that don’t have an established handicap index and are just getting into playing tournament golf. Tee times start at 10am on Thursday and at 9am on Friday.”

Betschart, who won the Fecchio Junior Cup at the first time of asking last year, had some wise words for those vying for the title.

“I would just say keep it under the wind, keep it in play and rely on some good short game,” he said.

“Don’t get frustrated if you miss a couple of putts, just keep your head up and have some fun out there.”