A Rising Gem on the PGA Tour
Introduction
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship is one of the most distinctive stops on the PGA Tour, offering breathtaking ocean views and a challenging coastal course. First played in 2019, this tournament quickly became an integral part of the fall PGA Tour schedule, serving as an opportunity for rising stars and veterans to compete for crucial FedExCup points and a prestigious title.
Played at Port Royal Golf Course in Bermuda, the tournament showcases challenging trade winds, undulating fairways, and stunning scenery, making it one of the most visually appealing stops on the PGA Tour.
A Storied Legacy: The History of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship
Origins & Growth
- 2019: The tournament was introduced as an alternate-field event during the PGA Tour’s fall series.
- 2020: Due to the pandemic-related schedule shifts, the event became a full FedExCup points event, awarding 500 points to the winner.
- 2021: The tournament gained further prestige, attracting a stronger field and increased media coverage.
- 2022-Present: Continues to serve as a crucial event for players aiming to secure their PGA Tour cards or break through with a first career victory.
🏌️♂️ GOAT Tour Hub
Understanding the Format of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship
Tournament Structure
- Field Size: 120-132 players.
- Cut After 36 Holes: The top 65 players and ties advance to the weekend.
- Prize Fund: The tournament offers a multi-million dollar purse, with the winner receiving a significant share and full PGA Tour exemption for two seasons.
- FedExCup Points: 500 points awarded to the champion.
- Winner’s Benefits: Alongside FedExCup points, the winner receives exemptions into The Players Championship, PGA Championship, and key invitational events.
🏆 Recent Winners
2024: Rafael Campos (Puerto Rico)
- Final Score: 265 (−19)
- Runner-Up: Andrew Novak (USA), 268 (−16)
- Third Place: Seamus Power (Ireland), 269 (−15)
- Key Highlights: Rafael Campos secured his first PGA TOUR victory with a three-stroke lead, demonstrating consistent performance throughout the tournament.
2023: Camilo Villegas (Colombia)
- Final Score: -24 (260)
- Runner-Up: Alex Noren (Sweden, -22)
- Third Place: Matti Schmid (Germany, -21)
- Key Highlights: Villegas ended a nine-year PGA Tour winless drought, capturing his first title since 2014.
2022: Seamus Power (Ireland)
- Final Score: -19 (265)
- Runner-Up: Thomas Detry (Belgium, -18)
- Third Place: Ben Griffin (USA, -17)
- Key Highlights: Power’s victory helped solidify his Ryder Cup aspirations and PGA Tour standing.
2021 : Lucas Herbert (Australia)
- Final Score: -15 (269)
- Runner-Up: Patrick Reed (USA, -14)
- Third Place: Danny Lee (New Zealand, -13)
- Key Highlights: Herbert’s first PGA Tour victory, played in brutal wind conditions.
Port Royal Golf Course: The Stunning Venue
Course Overview
- Location: Southampton, Bermuda
- Course Length: 6,842 yards, Par 71
- Designed by: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Signature Features:
- Cliffside fairways offer breathtaking ocean views.
- Trade winds play a crucial role, requiring expert shot shaping.
- Water hazards and deep bunkers make accuracy paramount.
- Hole 16: A legendary par 3 over the ocean, testing nerves under pressure.
The Port Royal Golf Course is one of the most visually striking and challenging coastal courses on the PGA Tour.
Why the Butterfield Bermuda Championship Matters
- Gateway to Stardom: Many players earn their first PGA Tour win at this event.
- Challenging Conditions: The wind and ocean test even the best ball-strikers.
- FedExCup Playoff Implications: The event plays a key role in shaping the standings.
- A Unique PGA Tour Stop: One of the few tournaments played outside the continental U.S.
- Community Impact: The event contributes to local charities and drives Bermuda’s golf tourism.
Final Thoughts
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship is more than just a PGA Tour event; it’s an island spectacle filled with unpredictability, drama, and emerging stars. With its breathtaking scenery, high-stakes competition, and thrilling finishes, this tournament has quickly become a fan favorite.
