Oliver and Darina Betschart endured tough outings in the opening round of the North & South Junior Amateur at the world-famous Pinehurst Golf Course on North Carolina on Monday.

Competing at Pinehurst’s No 6 course, top local amateur Oliver shot a seven-over 78, which included seven bogeys, a double bogey `and two birdies, to enter the clubhouse tied for 75th among the 90-strong boys division.

Darina also struggled on the way to a 14-over 86, that contained six bogeys and two double bogeys, to finish tied for 74th in 90-strong girls division competing at Pinehurst’s No 2 course.

Joint leaders Zonghan Liu, of China, and Americans Slater Meade and Jace Benson hold a one-shot advantage in the boys division through 18 holes after carding five-under 66. American Taylor Snively leads the girls division by three shots after carding a four-under 68.

The 54-hole tournament concludes on Wednesday.