Kim Swan: Local Golfers Play Admirably In PGA
The Bermuda players in the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championships “can hold their heads high having played admirably in the Bermuda Qualifier,” Kim Swan said.
Mr Swan, a former PGA European player who has decades of experience, said “Michael Sims was the low Bermudian for the 5th consecutive year with a second round one under par 70 on day 2 to finish outside the projected cut.
“Sims showed great class with his play, playing alongside side teen phenom Oliver Betschart, who was responsible for the extremely large local following. Oliver did extremely well as the pair were neck in neck for 27 holes and a bright future is certainly in the cards for this talented 15-year-old.
“At 143 [+1] Michael Sims will certainly rue the two double bogeys that proved costly to his chances – ironically – both in the early stages of both of his rounds. But Michael Sims showed that his playing ability is still within grasp to have made two eagles to get both of his rounds back on track.
“The other three Bermuda players in their PGA Tour debuts can hold their heads high having played admirably in the Bermuda Qualifier. Michael Sims’ clearly still has the game to play at this level, but clearly will be reflecting on the poor starts that saw him card two double bogeys at the outset.”
“The PGA Tour field consist of entirely of full-time players. Schoolboy Oliver Betschart – our 15-year-old sensation — is the closest Bermudian to a full-time player in the field.”
