Yesterday www.islandstats.com reported the Butterfield Bermuda Junior Championships will take place at Port Royal Golf Course, home to the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, February 12th - 15th.
The three-day tournament will be hosted at Port Royal Golf Course, home to the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, with a field of 49 males, and 27 females top junior golfers. Representing the premier tier of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) circuit, the event has attracted top-ranked talent from across North America, Europe, and Asia.
While every player in the field has earned their spot, these five male and five female individuals will take to the course in Bermuda with exceptional momentum and high expectations:
Oliver Betschart (Bermuda): A local hero and tournament veteran, Betschart made global headlines in 2023 as one of the youngest PGA TOUR qualifiers. He enters the week in top form, following a stellar T11 finish at the prestigious Junior Orange Bowl International in January.
Andrea Birolini (Italy): Hailing from Southlake, Texas, the Italian standout has been a model of consistency on the AJGA circuit. His technical prowess makes him a formidable contender on Port Royal’s wind-swept fairways.
Evan Pena (Puerto Rico): A rising star in Caribbean golf, Pena has consistently climbed the AJGA rankings. His experience in coastal conditions will be a significant asset as he hunts for his first major victory of the 2026 season.
Taeyoung Lim (South Korea): Representing the international strength of the field, Lim brings a high-performance pedigree to Bermuda. His presence highlights the championship’s status as a truly global developmental event.
Konner Kubica (USA): The Northville, Michigan native is no stranger to the Bermuda breeze, having competed at Port Royal in previous editions. His familiarity with the course layout and proven ability to score in tough conditions places him among the pre-tournament favorites.
Annie Jin (Bradenton, Fla.): One of the most experienced players in the field, Jin (Class of 2026) has been a model of consistency on the Florida circuit. Her ability to navigate coastal conditions—a byproduct of her training in Bradenton—makes her a primary threat for the title.
Keisha Han (Toronto, Canada): Representing a strong Canadian contingent, the Class of 2030 standout has already begun to turn heads on the international stage. Despite being one of the younger competitors, her technical proficiency has outpaced many of her senior rivals.
Darina Betschart (Bermuda): Carrying the hopes of the host nation, Betschart is far from just a local favourite. The former Caribbean Amateur Junior champion (Girls 11-13) has grown significantly in stature and skill, and her intimate knowledge of Port Royal’s 16th-hole "cliffside" challenges will be a formidable advantage.
Asara Sawhney (Singapore): Bringing a truly global flair to the event, Sawhney represents the rising strength of Asian junior golf. Her participation underscores the championship's status as a top-tier destination for the world's elite prospects.
Payton Haugen (Brookfield, Wis.): As a senior in the Class of 2026, Haugen brings a veteran poise to the field. This may be one of her final major junior appearances before moving into the collegiate ranks, and her drive to leave the AJGA circuit as a champion makes her a dangerous competitor.
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