Golf is an unpredictable sport.

Just ask Bermuda?s Daniel Augustus who experienced first hand how challenging life can be on the course.

Despite enduring an indifferent performance at last weekend?s International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) Haig Point Tournament in Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, Augustus managed to record his second best showing in the US, carding rounds of 83 and 72 to finish in a three-way tie for fifth.

It was a performance which exposed many characteristics of the local junior golfer?s game and earned the praise of coach David Allibone.

?My first day just wasn?t together as a lot of golfers would say,? Augustus conceded. ?I shot an 83 but the fact that I managed to come back made me feel much better afterwards. It was a solid round of golf and the lowest round of the day.?

After struggling with the putter on day one, Augustus rebounded in style, firing an even par 72 on the final day in searing heat to finish in a three -way tie with American Joshua Burt and Britain?s George Thacker in the boys? 16 to 19 division.

Peru?s Alan Lima clinched the two-round event by six shots over American Chris Hass.

Augustus added: ?I felt good about the second day because I putted a lot better. I think I was over reading the greens at first but overall I was pleased to finish off strong.?

The local teenager, currently enrolled at the International Golf Academy in South Carolina, is next scheduled to compete at the IJGT season-ending Tour Championship in Florida on May 27.

Augustus will also represent Team America during July?s IJGT Junior Euro Golf Cup in Scotland at the famed birthplace of the sport, St. Andrew?s.

The Bermudian has also added a new weapon to his arsenal ? a new set of irons fitted to personal specifications.

?That should really help my game and I am confident I will have another good showing in my next tournament,? he added.

Augustus has had his clubs made by professional PGA Tour designer Mike Dennis who comes with over 15 years experience designing clubs for top golfers in the US.

?We are building him a new set of golf clubs because the previous set were not properly fitted for him,? explained Augustus? coach Allibone.

?This should enhance his playing ability immensely. Daniel is a very strong young man and his strength is actually in his short game. He has the ability to see the shots quite well which is something you can?t really train someone for. But he has this ability and a great short game.?

Augustus has also been splitting the fairways with his big drives.

?He hits the ball a very long way. But more importantly, however, he?s hitting the ball long and straight,? added Allibone.

Michael Tavares completed a spirited fightback to win the Bermuda Men?s Senior Amateur Championships at Riddell?s Bay yesterday, firing a final round 71 for a 225 total and a four-shot victory.

Tavares had opened with a 10-over par 80 in the 54-hole event on Tuesday, but recovered with a 74 on Wednesday before shooting yesterday?s best round of the day.

Noel Van Putten finished second on 229 (79-75-75) while Max Atherden and Millard Beach tied for third on 233.

In the ladies? 36-hole championship, Melinda Frith returned identical rounds of 82 for a 164 total, beating second-placed Kathy Hines (86-85?171) by seven shots.

The net divisions were won by Michael Gilbert (208) and Ann Mitchell (142).

Young golfer Mark Phillips continued his ?grudge match? against father Chris at Belmont Hills over the weekend . . . and exacted sweet revenge.

Fifteen-year-old Mark, one of the Island?s most promising players, recently finished runner-up to his father at the Ocean View club championships when he missed a short putt at the 18th which he needed to force extra holes.

But at the Belmont club championship final on Sunday, the youngster reversed those positions when he defeated Chris one-up on the final hole of the match-play tournament.

?There?s been a bit of battle between the two us this year,? said Chris afterwards. ?And Mark got the better of me this time. He?s been playing well and he deserved it. He?s now looking forward to the Amateur Strokeplay Championships at Port Royal next month.

?He?s being coached every week by Chris Marshall and his game?s coming along nicely.?