Butterfield Bermuda Championship 1st Round
The first round of the 2022 Butterfield Bermuda Championship was held at the Port Royal Golf Course, Southampton, today [Oct 27].
A spokesperson said, “The field of 132 players are playing for a $6.5 million purse, and the champion will receive $1.17 million and 500 FedExCup points. The second round will begin at 7:35 a.m.
Leaders in the Clubhouse
“Austin Smotherman and Harrison Endycott share the lead by one stroke after tying the tournament record for a low opening round with a 9-under, 62. That was one shot off the tournament and course record of 61, set by Taylor Pendrith in last year’s second round. Smotherman turned in a bogey-free round with nine birdies, including six in eight holes from #2-#9. Endycott, making his first appearance in Bermuda, carded two eagles, seven birdies and two bogeys on the day.
“Arjun Atwal is tied for second place with Adam Schenk, Denny McCarthy, Robby Shelton and Scott Brown at -8, 63. Atwal, who got into the tournament as an alternate Thursday morning, posted nine birdies with a lone bogey. McCarthy tied the tournament record for the lowest back-nine score with a 29.
“Tied for third place at -7, 64 are Sean O’Hair, Justin Lower, Thomas Detry, Dylan Wu, Greyson Sigg, Ben Martin, and Harry Higgs.
The Second Time is the Charm
“Smotherman, who played in Bermuda last year for the first time, saw his opening-round score improve by 14 strokes from 2021. He posted a 76 last year and a 62 this year.
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“Jarryd Dillas is the top Bermudian in the field today, finishing at -2 with an opening round 69. That is the lowest score posted by a Bermudian competing in the tournament historically. Fellow Bermudians Nick Jones [E, 71], Michael Sims [+2, 73] and Kim Swan [+18, 89] are all competing as well.
Fly Like an Eagle
“Kevin Yu set a new tournament record for eagles in a single round, carding 3 today. He eagled #2, #7 and #17. The previous record was 2, posted by four players.
Bogey or Bigfoot
“Higgs’ bogey-free round is not surprising, as he is as elusive from bogeys as a Bigfoot. Including today, he has played five rounds at Port Royal and only recorded two holes above par, one bogey on Hole 14 during the 3rd round and a double bogey on #7 during the 4th round of 2019. He went his first 49 holes without a bogey. His five scores have been 66, 65, 65, 68, and 64.
Low and Steady
“Kramer Hickok opened with a -1, 70. Competing in and making the cut in every Butterfield Bermuda Championship, he is the only player to have shot par or lower in every tournament round.
Former Champ in the Field
“2020 Butterfield Bermuda Championship winner Brian Gay shot a -5, 66 to open the competition. Playing in every tournament so far, he has now posted rounds under-par in 12 of his 13 rounds with a lone 75 in the first round of 2021.
Field Update
“Nicholas Lindheim withdrew before the first round due to a back injury. Arjun Atwal replaced him in the field.
Event information
“The field of 132 players are vying for a $6.5 million purse. The champion will receive $1.17 million and 500 FedExCup points. The winner is also awarded a two-year PGA TOUR exemption, 20 Official World Golf Ranking points, and berths in multiple tournaments, including the 2023 Masters, 2023 PGA Championship, 2023 THE PLAYERS Championship and next year’s Sentry Tournament of Champions.
Supporting Local Charities
“Thursday’s opening round is Supporting Local Charities Day, presented by Digicel Business. A portion of all ticket sales for the Digicel Business Ocean Club will be donated to the Birdies for Charities programme, benefitting local Bermudian charities.
Former Champ in the Field
“2020 Butterfield Bermuda Championship winner Brian Gay tees off at 8:19 a.m. from Hole #10. He is grouped with 2009 U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.
Other Major Winners in the Field
“2011 FedEx Cup winner Bill Haas tees off on #1 at 8:46 a.m., playing with Cameron Percy and Kramer Hickok. Two-time Major champion John Daly tees off at 12:31 p.m. from #10 with Nick Watney and D.J. Trahan.
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“Michael Sims is in the field for the fourth consecutive year, teeing off at 1:48 p.m. from #10. He is joined by fellow Bermudians Jarryd Dillas [9:25 a.m., #10], Nick Jones [9:19 a.m., #1] and Kim Swan [1:37 p.m., #10].
Pairings Guide
“The public can access a free digital fan guide available at www.butterfieldbdachampionship.com. The Official Butterfield Bermuda Championship Pairings Guide includes daily pairings, a course map, a schedule of events and more.
Tickets
“Tickets are available on the tournament website at www.butterfieldbdachampionship.com.”
