SOUTHAMPTON, Bermuda – Adam Schenk secured an unexpected victory at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, closing with a 71 in adverse weather conditions on Sunday. This triumph, achieved in his 243rd PGA Tour appearance, secured him the victory by one stroke. Schenk, who was two tournaments away from having to return to qualifying school, showed his mettle by facing the most challenging conditions he has ever experienced. He achieved a birdie and made four crucial par saves, all amidst wind gusts exceeding 30 mph. The last save was particularly difficult. His approach to the 18th hole, a par 4 at Port Royal, landed slightly over the green, while Schenk maintained a one-stroke lead. He decided to use the putter to roll the ball across about 6 feet of fringe, and the wind pushed it about 5 feet before the hole. With a gentle touch, he managed to get the ball to fall in the center of the cup, securing his victory over Chandler Phillip, who also finished with 71 strokes.
Schenk, who was runner-up twice in 2023, the year he reached the Tour Championship for the first time, earns a two-year exemption with this victory, a crucial achievement on the current PGA Tour. Takumi Kanaya from Japan had the opportunity to catch up to Schenk, being one stroke behind and playing with him in the final group. The wind was so strong that his approach soared and landed in a back bunker. Although he managed an excellent shot to 4 feet, his putt for par, affected by the wind, did not go in. Kanaya, at 120th in the FedEx Cup, would have risen to 83rd with a par on the final hole. However, the miss only took him to 99th place, facing more pressure in next week’s final event. Phillips, in 139th place, with his second place, the best of his career on the PGA Tour, rose to 92nd place, securing his card. Schenk overcame a difficult moment by missing six consecutive cuts this summer. He made adjustments to his game and decided to putt one-handed to improve his biggest weakness, although the results were not immediate. Now, with a victory on the PGA Tour, he secures a spot in at least one major event of 20 million dollars next year, in addition to the PGA Championship and The Players Championship. The victory was not easy, especially with the strong wind that forced the starting times to be brought forward to avoid the worst of the conditions. Schenk made important putts from 6 to 8 feet on holes 12 and 14. On the par-3 16th hole, one of the most challenging at Port Royal, located by the ocean, and with the wind against him, he almost lost his balance while chipping, but managed an excellent shot to 3 feet for another save. Then, he missed a putt he thought was perfect, the wind diverted his 6-foot birdie attempt, preventing him from gaining distance. This forced him to fight for a final par. 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 seems like the longest day ever.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
