SOUTHAMPTON, Bermuda – Adam Schenk secured an unexpected victory at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, clinching the win with a final round of 71 strokes, amidst strong winds. This victory came in his 243rd PGA Tour appearance. Schenk, who was only two tournaments away from having to return to qualifying school, showed his mettle in facing the most challenging conditions. He achieved a crucial birdie and made four vital par saves, facing wind gusts exceeding 30 mph. The último hole presented a considerable challenge. His approach to the par 4 of the 18th hole at Port Royal overshot the green, but Schenk, with a one-stroke lead, chose a putter to roll the ball through about 6 feet of rough. The wind deflected the ball, leaving it about 5 feet from the hole. With a soft touch, he managed to sink the ball and secure the victory, surpassing Chandler Phillip, who also completed the round with 71 strokes.
Schenk, who had been runner-up twice in 2023, the year he reached the Tour Championship for the first time, earns a two-year exemption with this victory, something crucial on the PGA Tour. Takumi Kanaya from Japan, with the opportunity to tie Schenk, was affected by the wind on his approach and his par putt narrowly missed. Phillips, with his second-place finish, the best of his career on the PGA Tour, moved up in the rankings. Schenk, after a difficult period, made adjustments to his game and decided to practice putting with one hand to improve his biggest weakness. Now, he celebrates a victory on the PGA Tour, which secures him a place in at least one major event with a prize pool of $20 million next year, in addition to the PGA Championship and The Players Championship. The tournament, which had to move up tee times to avoid the worst of the wind, saw Schenk sink crucial putts from between 6 and 8 feet on holes 12 and 14. On the par 3 16th hole, on the ocean’s edge, he managed a masterful chip to save par. A missed putt on the 17th hole prevented him from extending his lead, forcing him to fight for a final par. 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 feels like the longest day ever.I’ve putted for PGA Tour victories many times in my barn. Seeing one go in is something I’ll never forget.
Adam Schenk
