Bermuda Golf Association president Craig Brown has hailed the performances of the island’s young golfers in the Butterfield Bermuda Junior Championship.

It proved to be an historic occasion for teenage prodigy Oliver Betschart, who became the first Bermudian to secure a podium finish in the 54-hole American Junior Golf Association event at Port Royal Golf Course.

Fellow local Johnny Bart also had plenty to be proud of after finishing tied for fifth at six over.

It was the pair’s best showing in the tournament with Betschart also earning full exemption on the AJGA tour this year for his efforts in what is his final year of eligibility in the junior event.

Arman Newton and Darina Betschart, the only local in the girls field, finished tied for 31st and 22nd in their respective divisions.

“It has been a great showing for us this year,” Brown told The Royal Gazette.

“We have seen Oliver Betschart and John Bart really put in a strong showing and overall it’s been a fantastic week for them in some adverse, challenging conditions. Then we saw Arman Newton and Darina Betschart also putting in strong performances trying to come through the ranks here.

“I think overall from a Bermuda golf perspective we are very happy with that and it’s great to see the team camaraderie with the players out there in their national colours this week.

“Overall, from a BGA perspective, it’s onwards and upwards from here and our season continues with other good events for these individuals going forward.”

Joint first-round leader SJ Thomas, from Alabama, won the championship by five shots and was the only player finishing the event under par at two-under. Aubrey Hilgers, of Arizona, won the girls title by two shots at eight over.

This year’s tournament once again featured some of the best junior players in the world and Brown is thrilled to see the island’s up and coming golfers being afforded the opportunity to compete at this level.

“It’s a great opportunity for all the youngsters and any junior that’s coming through Bermuda Golf Association to get an opportunity to play in an AJGA event,” he said.

“So thank you to the AJGA and Butterfield Bermuda Championship because without this opportunity we would not be able to play this on home soil.”