Kim Swan Gets Sponsor Exemption For PGA Golf
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship announced today it has extended the tournament’s first sponsor exemption to Kim Swan, who will make his Butterfield Bermuda Championship debut, which returns to Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, October 27-30.
A spokesperson said, “One of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship objectives is to continue to grow the game of golf on the island through playing opportunities and exposure to golf at its highest level.
“This October, Bermuda will host the first international Advocates Professional Golf Association event and in January of 2023, will host the American Junior Golf Association at Port Royal Golf Course. Kim embodies the objectives of the championship through his desire and impact to the growth of the game through teaching and his career as an athlete.
“Kim started to learn the game of golf started from his uncle, Herman Santucci Bascome a former golf professional at Ocean View Golf Course in Bermuda while also having the newly developed Port Royal Golf Course in the early 1970s.
“His love for the game of golf led him to play collegiately at Troy State University before turning professional in 1980 in which he qualified for the DP World Tour [formerly European Tour that same year, becoming the first Bermudian to compete on that Tour.
“Since 2012, Kim has been teaching others about the great game of golf at Port Royal Golf Course until last year when he stepped down to allow Head Pro Steven Lambert Jr. to step in.
“While teaching, Mr. Swan would offer free golf clinics to all ages. Through these clinics he would share past experiences and lessons learned through years of playing golf and listening to his elders’ teachings. In 2019, Kim celebrated the inaugural Butterfield Bermuda Championship by hitting the Honorary first tee shot, signifying the beginning of the first official PGA TOUR event in Bermuda.
Mr Swan said, “This special opportunity comes as I celebrate my 65th birthday at Port Royal Golf Course – which I proudly serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees – enters its 53rd year of operation as a public golf course. As a senior citizen I’ve made a concerted effort to embrace a more healthier fitness focused lifestyle – with this opportunity I aim to turn back the clock for one ‘Last Dance’ in honour of all those who helped along my life’s journey and lift up the Port Royal Golf Course for the great public golf course it remains today.”
Danielle Baiunco, Tournament Director for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Kim Swan into the field for this year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship. Together we can make great impact through the game of golf that we all know and love
“. Our team is very excited to continue our work to provide advanced playing opportunities to Bermudian athletes. We wish Kim the very best of luck in this year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship and have no doubt that the crowds will be out in full force to support their local advocate of the game/
A spokesperson added, “Three additional Bermudians will join the field, earning their spot through the Local Qualifier taking place at the Port Royal Golf Course this October.
“General Admission tickets will go on sale starting September 12 and spectators can purchase tickets online [while quantities last] through the tournament website at www.butterfieldbdachampionship.com.
“Gates are open to the public Thursday, October 27 to Sunday, October 30; daily general admission tickets will be available online only for $35. Individuals may also choose to upgrade their general admission ticket to the Digicel Business Ocean Club for $250 per day, this provides access to the shared hospitality space and all-inclusive food and beverage.
So he is taking a spot for a young Bermudian to qualify for the Bermuda Championship. If he wants to play, why not just go to the qualifying if you are good enough.
It just gets worse!
I respect the sponsors choice and I’m not saying Mr. Swan is not deserving of this opportunity and I truly do not want to rain on his parade. However, as someone who claims to be a cheerleader for the youth program, I would have hoped that he would have respectfully declined and made that spot available to one of the many talented players that are looking for experience, and a chance to compete with tour players. He played on the European Tour and in many other events and I trust he will agree he had his moment to shine. Additionally, as a serving politician for the same political party that organized this event, the current Pro at the host venue, and the chairman of the Board of Trustees for Government Golf Courses, Chairman of the PRGC board of Trustees, one would think there would be a conflict of interest. He is a well liked and respected golfer, so I kind of understand why the sponsor might consider him eventually. I’m just disappointed, and I know my post will be unpopular with many. My comments are not meant to be an attack on his character or past achievements. He is a great person that played professionally on the tour already. He is well past his prime, and does not train or play enough golf to be competitive. I’m not hating on the sponsor but I’m just disappointed that he would accept.