Created: Dec 13, 2024 07:56 AM (Updated: Dec 13, 2024 11:09 AM)

Oliver Betschart will launch the defence of his Gosling’s Moongate Tour Championship title at Port Royal Golf Course today (File photograph by Ras Mykkal)

Several of the island’s top golfers will compete at the season-ending Gosling’s Moongate Tour Championship, which gets under way at Port Royal Golf Course today.

Among those in a formidable field are defending champion Oliver Betschart and inaugural winner Camiko Smith, who both head into the 36-hole event in good form and confident about their chances of success.

“Heading into the Moongate Tour Championship I’m feeling confident in my game. My form has been solid, and I’ve been putting in the work both on and off the course to ensure I’m ready to defend the title,” teenager Betschart told The Royal Gazette.

“The field this year is strong, so I know I’ll need to stay focused and play my best golf.

“My main goal is to stay composed, trust my preparation and take it one shot at a time.”

Smith, fresh from making his third appearance in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal last month, is hoping to capitalise on the improvements he has made to his game in the build-up to the championship.

“I’m feeling really confident heading into the Moongate Championship,” he said.

“My form has been strong lately. My preparation has been dialled in and I’ve been focusing on both the physical and mental aspects of my game.

“My ball-striking feels consistent and my short game has been a big focus in recent weeks. I’m seeing real improvement there, which will be key on this course.

“I’m excited to get out there and put my preparation to the test. This is the kind of stage I look forward to, and I’m ready to leave it all on the course.”

Other notables among the star-studded field include Order of Merit winner Dwayne Pearman and fellow professionals Nick Jones, Scott Roy, Chris Smith, Quinton Sherlock Jr and Chaka DeSilva.

The field is also stacked with a host of amateurs who have enjoyed success over the years, such as Jarryd Dillas, Jevon Roberts, Damian Palanyandi and Kenny Leseur.

“Haven’t been playing too much. But I look forward to the challenge and I am excited to see where my game is at in tournament play,” said Leseur, who achieved two wins on the tour this year.

Betschart will tee off in the final group today, playing alongside APGA Tour player Jones, Leseur and the evergreen Pearman.

Tee times

11.00: Steven Lambert, Mackih McGowan, Marcelos Thomas

11.20: Jevon Roberts, Arriek Douglas, Roger Brangman

11.30: Justin Madeiros, Scott Barnett, Camiko Smith

11.40: Andrew Trott-Francis, Jamie MacMillan, Quinton Sherlock Jr

11.50: Gordon Cox, Chaka DeSilva, Jarryd Dillas

12.00: Kenny Leseur, Oliver Betschart, Nick Jones, Dwayne Pearman