Darina Betschart reigns supreme at Caribbean championships

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