SOUTHAMPTON, Bermuda – Adam Schenk secured an unexpected victory, culminating with a round of 71 strokes, par for the course, amidst strong winds on Sunday. This result secured him a one-stroke victory at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, in his 243rd PGA Tour appearance. Schenk, who was two tournaments away from having to return to qualifying school (Q-school), ranked 134th in the FedEx Cup, faced the most challenging conditions he has ever experienced. He managed a birdie and made four crucial par saves in gusts of wind that exceeded 30 mph. The last save was especially difficult. His approach to the 18th hole, a par 4 at Port Royal, landed slightly above the green, while Schenk maintained a one-stroke lead. He decided to use the “putter” to roll the ball through about 6 feet of “fringe” due to the tight position, and the wind pushed it about 5 feet before the hole. With a light touch, he managed to sink the winning putt, feeling relieved to see the ball fall into the center of the cup, surpassing Chandler Phillip, who also recorded a round of 71 strokes.
Schenk, twice runner-up in 2023, the year he reached the Tour Championship for the first time, earns a two-year exemption with this victory, a significant achievement on the PGA Tour, where maintaining full status is crucial. Only the top 100 in the FedEx Cup, reduced from 125, obtain full status for the smaller fields in 2026. 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 from the left that his approach soared and landed in a back bunker. Although he made an excellent shot that left the ball 4 feet from the hole, his putt for par, affected by the wind, did not go in. Kanaya, at 120th in the FedEx Cup, would have risen to number 83 with a par on the final hole. However, the miss only took him to 99th place, facing more pressure in the next event. Phillips, in 139th place, with his second place, the best of his career on the PGA Tour, rose to 92nd place, which should secure his card. Schenk experienced a difficult period after missing six consecutive cuts this summer. He made adjustments to his game and decided to use a single hand to improve his biggest weakness. Although he felt he was progressing, the results were not reflected. Now, with a victory on the PGA Tour, he secures a spot in at least one major event with a $20 million prize next year, in addition to the PGA Championship and The Players Championship. The victory was not easy, especially in such strong wind conditions that forced the starting times to be brought forward to avoid the worst. Schenk holed crucial putts from between 6 and 8 feet on holes 12 and 14. On the 16th hole, a particularly challenging par 3 at Port Royal, next to the ocean and with strong winds, his shot landed on the side of a hill. After slightly losing his balance on the chip, he managed an excellent approach of 3 feet for another save. Finally, the putt he thought was perfect failed, as the wind diverted his 6-foot birdie attempt, taking it out of the cup. Had he made it, he would have had more room to maneuver. Instead, Schenk had to fight for a final par. “I knew I could win. It was just about executing each shot and handling each situation I was in,” Schenk said. “I can’t believe it’s over. It feels like the longest day of my life.”I’ve putted for PGA Tour wins many times on my farm. Seeing one go in is something I’ll never forget.
Adam Schenk
