Adam Schenk Wins at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship
In a day marked by relentless winds, Adam Schenk achieved an unexpected victory at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. With a final round of 71 strokes, Schenk secured the win by a single stroke, in his 243rd participation in the PGA Tour. Schenk, who was only two tournaments away from having to return to qualifying school, showed his mettle in the face of extremely difficult conditions. He achieved a crucial birdie and made four essential par saves, all under wind gusts that exceeded 30 mph. The last hole represented a significant challenge. His approach to the par 4 of the 18th hole at Port Royal slightly surpassed the green, while Schenk maintained a minimal lead. He opted to use the putter to roll the ball through about 6 feet of fringe, and the wind pushed it about 5 feet from the hole. With a soft touch, he managed to sink the decisive putt, overcoming the pressure from Chandler Phillip, who also recorded a round of 71.After having been runner-up on two occasions in 2023, the year he reached the Tour Championship for the first time, Schenk secures with this victory a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, a crucial achievement at a time when maintaining full status is vital. Takumi Kanaya from Japan, who was one stroke behind and playing with Schenk in the final group, had the opportunity to tie. However, the wind affected his approach, and although he managed an excellent shot, his putt for par veered off course. Phillips, with his second place, the best result of his career on the PGA Tour, moved up in the rankings and secured his card. Schenk overcame a difficult moment this summer, after missing six consecutive cuts. He made adjustments to his game and decided to practice putting with one hand, which helped him improve his biggest weakness. Now, with a victory on the PGA Tour, he secures a place in at least one major $20 million event next year, in addition to the PGA Championship and The Players Championship. The victory was not easy, especially with the wind that forced the starting times to be brought forward. Schenk managed to sink crucial putts from between 6 and 8 feet on holes 12 and 14. On the par 3 of hole 16, despite the difficult conditions, he achieved an excellent approach and saved par. Finally, he missed a putt he considered perfect, the wind deflected his 6-foot birdie attempt on the 17th hole. This forced him to fight for a 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 each shot and handling each situation I put myself in. I can’t believe it’s over. It feels like the longest day in history.
Adam Schenk
