Bermudian Trio Qualify For PGA Event
Three Bermudian golfers — Will Haddrell, Kenneth Leseur, and Oliver Betschart — have earned exemptions into the 2025 Butterfield Bermuda Championship following a thrilling Local Qualifier at Port Royal Golf Course.
A spokesperson said, “The Butterfield Bermuda Championship is proud to announce that three Bermudian golfers have earned exemptions into the 2025 tournament following an exciting Local Qualifier held at Port Royal Golf Course. The trio will join an elite international field when the PGA TOUR returns to Bermuda from November 13-16.
“After two days of competitive play, Will Haddrell, Kenneth Leseur, and Oliver Betschart emerged at the top of the leaderboard to secure their positions in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
“Will Haddrell finished with a Round 1 of 71 and Round 2 of 73 claiming victory by 2 shots. Will has competed every year in the local qualifier, his hard work has paid off as he will represent Bermuda for the first time this November.
“The leaderboard was tight entering into the final three holes with a three-way tie for second place between Johnny Bart, Oliver Betschart and Kenneth Leseur. Kenny went on to par the final three holes securing his second-place finish and sealing his fate to compete in Bermuda’s PGA TOUR event for the second time in his career. Oliver Betschart also went on to par his final three holes with an impressive save from the fairway bunker on the 18th and a two-putt finish for par. This will also be Oliver’s second time representing Bermuda this fall. Johnny Bart finished as the first alternate for the PGA TOUR event.
“The qualifier featured Bermuda’s best professional and amateur golfers, each vying for the opportunity to represent the island on the global stage.”
“Each year, the Local Qualifier showcases the incredible talent and dedication within Bermuda’s golf community,” said Danielle Carrera, Tournament Director. “We’re thrilled to welcome these three outstanding players to the field and look forward to seeing them compete at Port Royal alongside the PGA TOUR professionals.”
A spokesperson added, “The Local Qualifier is a long-standing tradition that provides Bermudian golfers a pathway to compete in their home country’s premier sporting event. The Butterfield Bermuda Championship continues to serve as a source of pride and inspiration for the local community, fostering growth and opportunity at every level of the game. The tournament wishes to thank Bermuda Tourism Authority, Butterfield, Local Qualifier Sponsor, Brit Re, the BGA, BPGA, and the Ministry of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport for their unwavering support of this event.”
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport Owen Darrell attended the Local Qualifiers at Port Royal Golf Course, where Bermudian golfers competed for the opportunity to earn a place in the prestigious Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
Minister Darrell stated, “The Local Qualifier event is a significant and meaningful collaboration between the Bermuda Golf Association [BGA], the Bermuda Professional Golfers’ Association [BPGA], and the PGA TOUR. I was pleased to see our talented golfers take to the green yesterday. Bermuda is proud of its golf legacy, and the event was a testament to how much sport means to our island. I extend my congratulations to the winners, Kenny Leseur, Will Haddrell, and Oliver Betschart on their outstanding performances.”
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship, an official PGA TOUR event, will be staged at Port Royal Golf Course from November 13–16, 2025.
