Bermuda’s Darina Betschart produced a masterclass in pressure golf to overturn a deficit and capture the Girls 15 and Under title at the 2026 Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships.
The triumph comes exactly one year after Betschart secured the Girls 11-13 crown, marking an exceptional back-to-back achievement in two different age categories.
Entering the final round at the Playa Dorada Golf Club in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Betschart trailed overnight leader Haley Hall of the Bahamas. However, the Bermudian youngster carded a magnificent two-over par 74—anchored by two birdies and 12 steady pars—to surge past her rival.
Betschart completed her tournament loop at 14-over par, finishing a comfortable three strokes clear of Hall to seal a memorable victory for the historic Caribbean Golf Association debutants.
Betschart said, ‘I’m very happy with how I scored over the three days, even though I was sick for 2 of the 3 days I still powered through and came out on top. The course was in excellent condition but there were some holes that the wind made it difficult but being from Bermuda where we face those conditions almost everyday it made it slightly easier. It means a lot to me to win first place not just for me but for my country.”
While Betschart celebrated gold, her national teammates fought through a demanding final day across the rolling Dominican fairways:
Lewis MacFarlane narrowly missed out on a podium spot in the Boys 11-13Division, securing a highly commendable fourth-place finish overall at 24-over par following a closing round of 89. Ten-year-old compatriot Bradford Laing gained vital continental experience, finishing 16th overall after grinding out a final-round 92.
MacFarlane said, “I thought that it was a great experience but adapting to the conditions was difficult as it was very dry and the ball was running out a lot on the fairways and greens. I enjoyed playing with new people and making good friends along the way, and I was very happy with my 4th place.”
Laing said, “I had fun on the trip. It was a great experience for my first overseas golf tournament. I was the youngest and playing from white tees for the first time, so I was happy with myself. Now that I know what to expect, I’m excited to come back next year and improve my scores. My team was really supportive, and I met a lot of new friends.”
Grayson Tavares broke into the top ten with a resilient final-round performance in the Boys 15 & Under Division, Tavares carded a six-over par 78, featuring 13 pars and a birdie, to climb into solo eighth place at 27-over par.
Tavares said, “It has been very exciting representing Bermuda for the first time, the course gave some challenges and also an opportunity to score well. Although I had a difficult first day I was able to make something out of day 2 and 3. I am grateful to have had this experience as it has provided me with more time to play at an international level and I have made lasting friendships along the way. I look forward to possible future opportunities.”
In the Boys 18 & Under Division Sa-Qui Robinson concluded his championship campaign on a high note in the flagship division. Robinson showcased fine attacking intent to collect three birdies in a final-round 76, sealing 13th place overall at 23-over par.
Robinson said, “Overall it was a great experience, the competition was exceptional although it took me a while to become accustomed to how the Dominican weather affects the ball and the firm conditions of the course. I had fun, managed to keep my head and solidify my place in the middle of the table.”
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