Preview and Picks for the 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Championship

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⛳ Fall PGA Tour Nears Conclusion Amid Disappointing Fields

Hard to believe the fall portion of the PGA Tour is almost over, with just this week and next remaining. Unfortunately, the fields have been underwhelming. Last week featured only 19 top-100 players, and this week is even worse, with just 13 top-100 players and only one top-50 player participating.

Of the five past champions, only three are in the field this week: defending champion Camilo Villegas, 2023 winner Seamus Power, and 2019 champion Brendon Todd. Even more concerning, out of the 45 events played on the PGA Tour in 2024, only five champions have shown up this week: Nico Echavarria (Zozo Championship), Kevin Yu (Sanderson Farms), Jhonattan Vegas (3M Open), Peter Malnati (Valspar), and Nick Taylor (Phoenix Open).

🌬️ Why the Poor Turnout?

Several factors contribute to the lackluster field. First, traveling to Bermuda is not only challenging but also costly, with accommodations being particularly pricey. Additionally, contrary to popular belief, Bermuda isn’t a tropical paradise year-round. This week, temperatures range between 67 and 71 degrees with limited sunshine and rain expected on Sunday. Most notably, strong winds of around 23 mph are forecasted throughout the tournament.

Professional golfers often dislike playing in windy conditions, as it can lead to swing adjustments that negatively impact future performances. Many players avoid tournaments known for high winds to prevent disrupting their game. Furthermore, Port Royal Golf Course doesn’t offer the allure that attracts top players. Its design and challenges don’t compensate for the other drawbacks.

🏆 Players Eyeing Financial Gains and Tour Cards

Despite the challenges, some players see this week as an opportunity, particularly those aiming to secure their positions in the FedExCup Fall standings and retain their PGA Tour cards.

Battling for Positions 51-60 in the FedExCup Fall Standings:

• Mackenzie Hughes (51): Playing this week, almost guaranteed a top-60 finish.

• Harris English (52): Not playing but likely secure in the top 60.

• Maverick McNealy (53): Competing this week, aiming to solidify his spot.

• Seamus Power (54): In the field; making the cut will help maintain his position.

• Patrick Rodgers (55): Playing and has participated in five of six fall events.

• Tom Kim (56): Not playing this week but expected at the RSM Classic.

• Nick Taylor (57): Playing this week; a win at Phoenix gets him into all 2025 Signature events.

• Ben Griffin (58): Needs to make the cut and finish strong.

• Justin Rose (59): Not playing this week, possibly next.

• Kevin Yu (60): Playing this week; a win at Sanderson Farms secures entry into 2025 Signature events.

Players just outside the top 60, like Nico Echavarria (61) and Lucas Glover (62), are also competing this week, hoping for strong finishes to break into the coveted positions.

And for those of you who follow Seamus Power…. We bring to you the Seamus Power Tracker. 😆 

Players Fighting to Retain Their PGA Tour Cards for 2025:

• Alex Smalley (120) and Joel Dahmen (121): Playing this week, need to make cuts to stay safe.

• Henrik Norlander (122) and Vince Whaley (123): Must perform well this week and next.

• Daniel Berger (124) and Hayden Springer (125): In similar positions, needing cuts and good finishes.

• Dylan Wu (126) and S.H. Kim (127): Have struggled this fall, need to reverse course.

• Wesley Bryan (128): Started the fall at 156th, but a T-6th last week has boosted his chances.

• Kevin Tway (129): Needs a top-25 finish to improve his standing.

🏝️ About Port Royal Golf Course

Located in Southampton, Bermuda, Port Royal GC is a public course perched on the southwest part of the island with stunning Atlantic Ocean views. Designed by Robert Trent Jones and opened in 1970, the course underwent a $16 million renovation in 2009 to host the PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

Course Details:

• Par: 71

• Yardage: 6,828 yards

• Features: Shortest course on the PGA Tour this year, characterized by sharp doglegs requiring precision over power.

🌪️ Challenges of Port Royal

The course is notorious for its strong winds, averaging 17–20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. These conditions make club selection and shot execution particularly challenging for players. Additionally, with only three holes without doglegs, golfers often have to throttle back off the tee, favoring accuracy over distance rather than power. The TifEagle greens also demand precise approach shots, especially in the windy conditions that are typical at Port Royal.

🏌️‍♂️ Keys to Success at the Bermuda Championship

Wind proficiency is a crucial factor; players who excel in windy conditions have a significant advantage. Those hailing from windy regions like Texas, Florida, Australia, and the UK often perform well here. Accuracy over power is also important; short hitters who can navigate the doglegs and maintain control in the wind are favored. Additionally, strong performance on par-4 holes is key, as previous winners have dominated these, scoring significantly under par. Finally, putting is essential; success has often hinged on strong putting, especially from mid-range distances of 10 to 15 feet.

With the unique challenges that Port Royal Golf Course presents, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship promises to be an intriguing event. The combination of strong winds, a demanding course layout, and a field of players eager to secure their PGA Tour status sets the stage for some exciting and unpredictable golf. Whether you’re fine-tuning your fantasy lineup or considering a wager, keeping these keys to success in mind will help you navigate this captivating tournament.

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🔥 Who to Watch at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship

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