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Lewis MacFarlane and Darina Betschart retained their title as youth conquered experience for the second straight year in the Bermuda Mixed Foursome Championship at Turtle Hill Golf Club on Saturday. The teenage pair completed the 36-hole tournament at 12 under to win the Championship Flight by eight shots over Tracy Burgess and Richard Marriott, who pipped Ann Symonds and Walter Jackson for second-place honours on retrogression.
MacFarlane and Betschart were both thrilled to have maintained their grip on the trophy. “Going back to back is amazing and playing with Darina is always great. She’s a great partner,” MacFarlane, 13, told The Royal Gazette. “Missed a couple of birdie chances but in the end we played amazing and finishing on 12 under is almost perfect.” Betschart, 14, added: “It always feels great to win back-to-back and Lewis and I were just ham and egging it out there. “We were just supporting each other and if one of us was out of position, the other one was on the green inside 15 feet. “Lewis saved me a lot today with the pars and I really appreciate him for that.”
Katrin Burnie and Roderick Forrest were the remaining pair finishing under par to finish fourth overall. Also retaining their title were Jackson and Symonds in the Championship Flight net division — a feat which caught the pair by surprise. “Unbeknown to us that we find ourselves in this position,” Jackson said. “I told Ann unlike last year we played much better and our scores were much better, and I think we are deserving of a placing in the tournament. But that place was a shocker to both of us when we found out.” Symonds added: “Playing with Walter is great and today’s round was nice. We were birdieing when we thought we didn’t and it was great golf.”
Brent and Jaime Giannone were crowned champions in the First Flight at nine over, with Darrin and Kimberly Lewis finishing second at 14-over and Richard Hazelwood and Sarah Eggen third at 33-over. Darrin and Kimberly Lewis pipped Brent and Jamie Giannone for First Flight net honours.
The tournament saw players test their skills in the Four-Ball (partner best ball), Pinehurst (modified alternate shot) and Captain’s Choice formats.
Article provided by the Royal Gazette
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Virgilio Paz came from four shots back to win the Gosling’s Bermuda Open in dramatic fashion at Port Royal Golf Course on Saturday.
The 21-year-old amateur was tied with overnight leader Nathan Petronzio with two holes to play before rolling in back-to-back birdies to pip the latter for the title by one shot.
“It was really good making birdies the last two holes to win the tournament,” Paz told The Royal Gazette.
“It was really good opportunities and I was just focused on making those putts. I am really happy with how I handled things on the course and being patient was the key to today’s round, especially being four shots back of the lead.
“Nathan played really good golf this week and I knew I needed to play really good in the final round to catch him up and that’s what I did. I’m really happy with how I performed this week and really happy to win the Bermuda Open.”
Paz‘s three-round total of 15 under is a new record since the tournament format was revised, while his bogey-free 63 in the final round was just two shots shy of the course record of 61 held by Sweden’s Alex Noren.
With victory, the Venezuelan has earned exemption into the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal next month and he is now looking forward to making his debut in a PGA Tour event.
“Bermuda is awesome, this golf course is really good and I am really excited to go and play in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship next month,” he said.
With no margin for error, Paz carded four birdies on the front nine, including three consecutive, to move to within a shot of the leader at the turn.
Petronzio made back-to-back birdies at No 11 and 12 to give himself a bit more breathing room at the summit, but the momentum shifted again after the American professional carded a second bogey at No 13.
It was game on when Paz birdied the next hole to grab a share of the lead at 13 under and set the stage for a nail-biting finish.
He then surged ahead after birdieing the penultimate hole and sealed the deal just as clinically after rolling in his eighth birdie of the round at the 18th.
Petronzio also birdied the last hole but the damage had already been done.
The 24-year-old, who shot 68 to finish runner-up at 14 under, was still happy with his performance despite coming up just short.
“I played well and put myself in good position all day but just maybe didn’t take advantage of some of the putts,” he said.
“I stuck to my game plan pretty well, executed and just came up a little short but overall a very fun week and really glad I got to come out and experience Bermuda. Paz played an unbelievable round today and hats off to him. It was really fun to watch him do his thing.”
If it was any consolation, Petronzio received the $10,000 winner’s share of the prize money instead of Paz, who was unable to accept it as a result of his amateur status.
“We’ll take that, that’s always nice,” Petronzio said.
Fellow American professional David Pastore finished third at 12 under after also signing off with a bogey-free 65.
“I had a nice clean round. Had some birdies in the beginning and kind of just let two shots slip on 17 and 18,” he said.
“Virgilio played great so I think I would’ve needed at least two more, but I’m happy with how I played, I just put myself too far back after the first round.
“But it was a great first trip, the course was awesome and greens were in great shape, so I’ll definitely be back.”
Eight players came in under par, with Bermuda amateur Will Haddrell best of the locals after finishing with a 69 to end the tournament an impressive ninth overall at two over.
“I haven’t played much different all week and today this kind of kept it together,” he said.
“I had it going pretty good early. I was four under through ten and let a few go at the end, but I’m happy. I’m glad I entered the tournament and did pretty well.”
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Article compliments of the Royal Gazette
Bermuda’s junior golfers secured a memorable runner-up finish at the 2026 North America Junior Cup, concluding a sensational campaign at the Vidanta Vallarta resort in Mexico with an overall team score of 37-under-par.
Tournament hosts Mexico claimed the championship title in commanding fashion at 80-under-par, while Bermuda held off a determined challenge from Canada—who finished third at five-under-par—to comfortably take second spot on the podium.
Following the opening two days of pairs play, the tournament concluded with a demanding individual stroke-play round, where Bermuda posted a combined 18-over-par 602 to protect their overnight advantage.
Will Weston and Ramsay Soutter once again set the standard for the Bermudian contingent, each firing composed rounds of level-par 72.
Damian Moniz delivered another standout performance with a one-over 73, while Sa-Qui Robinson carded a solid 74 and Arman Newton signed for a 75.
Resolute team display guarantees silver
Grayson Tavares battled to a 77, with Lachlan Soutter posting a 79 to keep Bermuda safely ahead of the chasing Canadian squad. Sebastian Gomez (83), Max Parry (86), and Kaillie Matthews (90) completed the scorecard in testing afternoon conditions.
The result marks one of Bermuda’s finest collective junior international golf performances, showcasing depth across the squad against top continental opposition.
Article provided by Islandstats
Bermuda’s golfers announced their arrival at the prestigious Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships in a big way after securing the silver medal on their debut in the 54-hole event.
The team of Eric West, Will Haddrell, Oliver Betschart, Dylan Muso, Mikus Ming, Arman Newton, Tracy Burgess, Sienna Mosquera, Darina Betschart and Morgan Lightbourne held their own against the region’s elite players in Nassau, Bahamas, to finish 11 points behind winners Puerto Rico at the Royal Blue Golf Course on Thursday. Bermuda finished third in the men’s division at 11 over and fifth in the ladies division at 56 over.
West finished third in the men’s individual competition at two-under to claim the bronze medal, while Mosquera was Bermuda’s top finisher in the ladies individual event in eighth at 26-over. Siblings Oliver (3-over) and Darina Betschart (30-over) also impressed, finishing tenth in the individual men’s and ladies divisions respectively.
Bermuda Golf Association president Craig Brown, who was also part of the local contingent in Bahamas, hailed the team’s impressive showing this week. “We are thrilled to finish second overall in the CAGC Championships at the first time of competing,” Brown said. “Our men’s team finished third and our women battled to fifth position. It’s been a great week with some outstanding individual performances on the men’s side from Eric West, who finished third overall. “Dylan Muso hit a low round of the week of four-under and Oliver Betschart posting two-under in extreme heat in the final round but all of the team members contributed. “In the women’s team Sienna Mosquera and Darina Betschart put in outstanding scores on a long and challenging set up and were ably supported by Tracy Burgess and Morgan Lightbourne. “Big credit must go to team manager Richard Marriott for his tireless efforts ensuring the team never wanted for anything in tough conditions and a thank you to Darrin Lewis, BGA general secretary for organising logistics prior to the team arrival. “Lastly, thank you to Mr Lynford Miller, president of Bahamas Golf Federation for hosting a fantastic week of golf.”
Article supplied by Colin Thompson in the August 6th Royal Gazette
There is something about the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships that brings the very best out of Darina Betschart and this year’s event at the Playa Dorada Golf Club in Dominican Republic proved to be no exception. The golfer won the Girls 15 and under division by three shots to claim her second title at the championships in as many years after winning the 11-13 age bracket at last year’s event in Puerto Rico. Betschart did it the hard way this year erasing a six-shot deficit heading into the final 18 holes on Thursday while also grappling with a stomachache.
“I started the tournament leading by one shot, I played a steady round and I was confident going into the next day,” Betschart told The Royal Gazette. “I woke up the second day feeling a little under the weather but continued to play good golf. “On the last day I wasn’t feeling any better, but I told myself just push through one more round and that was my mindset the whole way through. I shot a 74 that round to secure the win.”
Betschart, who carded 76 and 80 in the opening two rounds, finished at 14-over 230, which was good enough to clinch the title. Bahamian Haley Hall, the 36-hole leader, finished second at 17-over with compatriot Anissa Robinson claiming third, a farther eight shots back. “This was an excellent championship very well organized,” Betschart said. “I’d like to thank the Bermuda Golf Association for this opportunity and congrats to my managers and teammates, who played steady golf all three days. I couldn’t have done this without my parents and I’m very grateful for everything.” Betschart, 14, warmed up for the regional tournament in the North & South Junior Amateur Championship at Pinehurst, North Carolina last week, where she overcame a tough start to finish tied for 72nd at 29-over 245 in the 90-strong girls division.
Also flying Bermuda’s flag at the championships were Lewis MacFarlane, Sa-Qui Robinson, Grayson Tavares and Bradford Laing. MacFarlane just missed out on a podium finish after finishing fourth in the Boys 11 to 13 division at 24-over 240, with Laing bringing up the rear in the 16-strong field at 55-over 272. Tavares finished eighth in the Boys 15 and under division at 27-over 243 and Robinson, who also plays Premier Division cricket for St George’s, thirteenth in the 17-strong Boys 18 and under division at 23-over 239.
BGA president Craig Brown was pleased with the team’s showing at the event. “The Bermuda Golf Association is extremely proud of the junior team that represented Bermuda at the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships this week in the Dominican Republic,” he said. “All of the players this week demonstrated solid performances with some marked improvements each day and noticeable results. “Congratulations to Darina Betschart, who overturned a six-stroke deficit in the final round to win the Girls Under 15 division. “A big thank you to the team management and the families who travelled to support the team throughout the championship. Your dedication and encouragement are greatly appreciated.” The BGA team was accompanied by team managers Jo MacFarlane and Tamara Betschart.
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Article supplied by Colin Thompson of the Royal Gazette
Eric West joined an exclusive group after claiming a third Bermuda Stroke Play Championship title at Port Royal Golf Course on Sunday. The former Tour de las Americas player finished at even-par 213 to win the 54-hole tournament by seven shots over American visitor Alec Barker and join Jarryd Dillas and William Haddrell, who are among those to have won the event three or more times.
West was delighted to lift the coveted Tony Lema Memorial Trophy for the first time in six years. “This victory is just as special as the others because it gets harder,” he told The Royal Gazette. “It’s hard to get your game to a point where you’re competitive and then hold on for three rounds.” The 42-year-old clung to a one-shot advantage over the field heading into the final round and got off to a poor start when he bogeyed the first hole after his tee shot strayed off the fairway and he was unable to get up and down to save par. Barker parred the same hole to claim a share of the lead, which West regained outright for good on the next hole after his rival dropped a shot. West’s lead was increased by another four shots after he birdied the short par-3 3rd hole and Barker made a triple bogey at the par-4 4th. He then rolled in back-to-back birdies on holes and 6 to extend his lead to seven shots and all but clinch the title. West puts his success down to the hard work he has put into improving certain aspects of his game. “I worked really hard all winter on my wedges and my putting and totally changed the way that I read greens,” said West, whose round included three birdies and as many bogeys. “I don’t read the green really any more. I just look at where I want to hit it and try and get there, so it’s a totally different mindset than I’ve ever had. “The greens were punched so just getting on a roll was hard. You’re really trying to two-putt and when you’re chipping you have no idea where it’s going to go. So it’s mostly about just getting it close to the hole and not making any big numbers.” Barker finished at seven-over 220 while Dillas, the defending champion, signed off another shot back to round off the podium finishers.
Sienna Mosquera obliterated the field on the way to clinching a maiden women’s title by 16 shots. The Lehigh University Golf Team member, who finished at nine-over 222, was surprised to have won by such a wide margin. “Coming into tournaments I never have expectations about my score and that’s how I always try to play,” said Mosquera, who carded a nine-over 83 in the final round. “I just always try to play my best game and so it was quite a surprise but I was really happy with it.” The 19-year-old, who held a commanding 17- shot advantage over the field heading into the final round, was equally as delighted to have achieved two new personal records on her march to victory. “I broke personal records this tournament,” she said. “My lowest score before this was three-under at Island Games, which I just broke with a four under 67 in the second round, so I was really happy with that”. Then I got another three-day low round in so very happy with that as well.” Defending champion Tracy Burgess finished runner-up at 25-over 238 followed by Kim Botelho in third, another ten shots back.
Robert Vallis won the senior men’s division by 15 shots after finishing at one under 212. Arthur James finished second at 14-over 227 and Rony Ravenda third at 20-over 233 respectively.
Burgess (238) won the senior women’s division by 24 shots, followed by Linda Down (262) in second and Katyna Rabain (263) in third.
Jonathan James (150) won the closely fought men’s first flight by one shot, with Richard Marriott (151) finishing second and Paul Egan (152) third.
Ten-year-old Saltus Grammar School student Bradford Laing (166) won the junior division by one shot, with Joshun Cann (167) finishing runner-up and Grayson Tavares (173) third.
“I was very excited and had a good lead for most of the second round,” Laing said.
“I thought I lost it on 17 when I hit my approach out of bounds and had a tough lie for my drop, but I won it back with a chip-in birdie on 18.”
Arthur Cooper (87) won the Stableford format, with Jacob Garrett (79) claiming second and Nicholas Gakundi (75) third.
Article featured in the Royal Gazette
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Five of Bermuda’s promising junior golfers will be departing on Sunday, June 28th to participate in the Caribbean Junior Golf Championship being held in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic from June 29th to July 2nd at the prestigious Playa Doradae Golf Club.
The BGA Junior Golf Select Team comprises of first-time representatives Sa-Qui Robinson, Bradford Laing and Grayson Tavares with previous participants Lewis MacFarlane, and Darina Betschart. The team will be overseen by managers Joanne MacFarlane and Tamara Betschart.
This group of junior golfers represents a blend of athletes with previous overseas tournament experience and those being provided with new development opportunities through meaningful international competition.
The event marks the beginning of a busy summer schedule for Bermuda’s junior golfers, with several overseas competitions planned throughout the summer season as part of the BGA’s ongoing junior development and tournament players pathways.
Congratulations to Dylan Muso for the low round of the day with a -1 under par 70 to finish on top of the leaderboard in the Men’s Championship Division in his first local tournament since returning from a successful season in college. Mikus Ming has been in good form as of late, with a +1 over par 72 to secure the runners up spot. Rounding out the top 3 was Richard Marriott who turned in an impressive round of +2 over par 73.
In the Senior Men’s Championship Division, veteran Robert Vallis led the field with +2 over par 73. Arthur Jones captured the second spot on retrogression over Mark Ray as they both turned in scores of +4 over par 75.
The Ladies Championship produced a tight finish at the top with Katyna Rabain edging out Tracy Burgess by 1 shot. Morgan Lightbourne rounded out the podium to secure third place.
There was a small field in the Junior Division with Joshua Cann taking home the honors with 56 Stableford points.
Closest to Pin Winners:
Men’s Championship Hole #16 – Arman Newton
Senior Men’s Championship Hole #13 – Mark Ray
Ladies Championship Hole #8 – Katyna Rabain
Junior Division Hole #3 – Joshua Cann
Congratulations to all prize winners (noted on the results attached) and participants. Prizes may be collected from the BGA Office, 5 Park Road, Argonaut House, Hamilton on Wednesday of this week or next week Wednesday or Friday between the hours of 9:00am – 4:00pm. Please call 734-2168 before coming to the office to ensure I’m there.
Click HERE to view the full results.
The next BGA tournament is the Bermuda Stroke Play Championship on June 26 – 28 at the Port Royal Golf Course. Click HERE to register.
The BGA has released the National Orders of Merit standings for the 2025-2026 season up to May 31st, 2026. There are two tournaments in June which will have Order of Merit points up for grabs. For the first time, we have introduced a Senior Men’s (55+) category in the National Orders of Merit.
Click HERE to view the current standings
May 27th was the date to celebrate Women and Girls in Golf across the globe. The Bermuda Golf Association hosted their Women and Girls in Golf Tournament at the Turtle Hill Golf Club with a 2:00pm shot gun start for the 8 foursomes that registered for the event. The teams played under the Captains Choice format without any restrictions with only gross scores. The veteran team of Tracy Burgess, Ann Symonds, Valerie Nearon and Katyna Rabain captured the top spot with an impressive 6 under par 48. They were followed by the team of Linda Down, Katrin Burnie, Elaine Parker-Frost and Tracy Nash with a 4 under par score of 50. Valerie Nearon won the Closest to Pin prize on hole #4 and Katrin Burnie was closest on hole #15.
It was an enjoyable day under fabulous weather conditions!
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