Four of the island’s most promising golfers are taking on some of the best young players in the world in the Butterfield Bermuda Junior Championship, which tees off today.

Flying the Bermuda flag at Port Royal Golf Course are siblings Oliver and Darina Betschart, Arman Newton and Johnny Bart, who will pit their skills against the best the United States and beyond has to offer.

Port Royal club champion and two-times Moongate Tour Championship winner Oliver Betschart is making his final appearance in the event this year and hopes to go out on a good note.

“It’s my last year playing this event, so there are definitely some expectations,” said Betschart, who has also competed twice in the PGA Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

“But I’m just going to focus on that first tee shot and stay in the moment. I can’t control the leaderboard or what anyone else shoots, just my own game, so I’ll give it my best and see where it puts me.

“It’s great to have Johnny, Arman and my sister Darina in the field too. I’m really excited to see what they can do and anyone who wants to come out to Port Royal and show their support for our local juniors this weekend would be really appreciated.”

Tucker’s Point Golf Club, ICS Cobra Puma Junior Championship and Fecchio Cup champion Newton is looking forward to the opportunity to test his skills among a stellar international field.

“It’s a great opportunity to be able to compete with these other juniors,” he said.

“The field is incredibly strong this week, so sticking to my game and being patient is going to be key. Obviously the weather isn’t great, but everyone plays under the same conditions and I’m looking forward to it.”

Bart, who won divisional honours at last year’s Thanksgiving Challenge on the Hill at Turtle Hill Golf Course, is also looking to forward to competing among a formidable field.

“I’m very grateful and excited for this opportunity,” he said. “The field is full of the best so it’s a great chance to compete against top-tier players.

“I think I have been putting in a lot of work and am confident it will show. The weather does look a little rough but we are all playing in the same conditions.

“Lastly, I would just like to thank the Bermuda Golf Association for providing me with this opportunity.”

Darina Betschart, who is carrying the island’s sole hopes in the girls division, has mixed emotions heading into the tournament.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to play in this tournament,” she said.

“I’m excited and a little nervous, but ready to face the challenge of this week. I’ve been training quite a bit for this tournament and I’m ready to play.”

A field of 77 (45 boys and 27 girls) golfers are competing in the 54-hole event at Port Royal, home of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

American Phillips Swift (even par) and Canadian Kayla Black (three over) claimed boys and girls honours by one shot at Port Royal last year.

Newton was Bermuda’s top performer in the boys’ field, finishing in a five-way tie for 29th at 14-over 156.

Last year’s event was reduced to 36 holes after the third and final round was cancelled because of adverse weather conditions.

Play began despite the blustery conditions but tournament officials decided to bring proceedings to a halt, with the 36-hole leaders in the boys’ and girls’ divisions being declared as the winners.

American Junior Golf Association director of business development, Patrick Cansfield, is happy to be back on island for the event.

“We are thrilled to be back in Bermuda for our fourth Butterfield Bermuda Junior Championship,” he said.

“The golfers and families love Bermuda and this event continues to provide many opportunities for junior golfers around the world that are trying to earn college golf scholarships.

“We are excited to work once again with the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Butterfield and the Butterfield Bermuda Championship team.”