Adam Schenk Secures Victory at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship
In a day marked by strong winds, Adam Schenk achieved an unexpected victory at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, culminating with a round of 71 strokes, par of the course. This triumph comes in his 243rd participation in the PGA Tour. Schenk, who was two tournaments away from having to return to qualifying school, showed his mettle by facing adverse weather conditions, achieving a birdie and crucial par saves amid wind gusts exceeding 30 mph. The last of these saves was particularly challenging. His approach to the 18th hole, a par 4 at Port Royal, landed slightly above the green, but Schenk, clinging to a one-stroke lead, chose to use the putter to navigate about 6 feet of rough. The wind deflected the ball about 5 feet before the hole. With a soft and liberating touch, he managed to get the ball to fall in the center of the cup, securing the victory over Chandler Phillip, who also recorded a round of 71.This victory grants Schenk a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, a crucial achievement at a time when maintaining full status is vital. Only the top 100 in the FedEx Cup, reduced from 125, obtain full status for smaller fields in 2026. Takumi Kanaya from Japan, who was playing in the final group and was one stroke behind, had the opportunity to catch up to Schenk. However, his approach was affected by the wind and ended up in a bunker. Although he managed an excellent shot to 4 feet, his par putt, influenced by the wind, did not go in. Phillips, for his part, with this second place, the best of his career on the PGA Tour, moved up in the ranking. Schenk, after a difficult summer where he missed six consecutive cuts, made adjustments to his game, including a change in his putting technique, which helped him improve his biggest weakness. Now, with this victory, he secures a place in at least one major event with a purse of $20 million next year, in addition to the PGA Championship and The Players Championship. The victory was not easy, especially with a wind that forced the starting times to be brought forward to avoid the worst conditions. Schenk holed crucial putts from between 6 and 8 feet on holes 12 and 14. On the par-3 16th hole, one of the most challenging at Port Royal, situated next to the ocean and exposed to the wind, he managed a saving chip to 3 feet after slightly losing his balance. On the 17th hole, the wind knocked his 6-foot birdie attempt off course, leaving him no room for error for the final par.I’ve putted to win on the PGA Tour many times in my barn. Seeing one go in is something I’ll never forget.
Adam Schenk
I knew I could win. It’s just a matter of executing every shot and handling every situation I put myself in. I can’t believe it’s over. It seems like the longest day ever.
Adam Schenk
