2024 Butterfield Bermuda Championship Preview & Picks

The Butterfield Bermuda Championship is the seventh of eight events in the FedExCup Fall. Players finishing in the top 125 after next week’s final tournament, the RSM Classic at Sea Island, will secure full exemption for next season. Those ranked 126-150 will receive conditional status.

Players outside the top 125 still have an opportunity to improve or regain TOUR status through the PGA TOUR Q-School, presented by Korn Ferry.

Tournament Information:

• Dates: November 14th – November 17th, 2024
• Location: Southampton, Bermuda
• Course: Port Royal Golf Course
• Course Type: Coastal
• Par: 71 (4x 3’s / 11x 4’s / 3x 5’s)
• Length: 6,828 yards
• Format: 72-hole stroke play
• Greens: Tif Eagle bermudagrass .125”
• Fairways: 419 bermuda (front 9) / 419 bermuda / zoysiagrass mix (back 9) .375”
• Rough: 419 bermudagrass 2”
• Bunkers: 87
• Water Hazard(s): 4 Ponds (In-Play on 7 Holes)
• Average Green Size: 8,000 sq. ft.
• Stimpmeter: 11.0 ft.
• Purse/ Winner: $6,900,000 /$1,242,000
• FedEx Cup Points: 500
• Field: 120 Players
• Cut: Top 65 and Ties – 36 Holes
• Playoff Format: Sudden Death
• Course Scoring Average:
  • 2023: 68.99 (-1.70), Rank 56 of 58
  • 2022: 69.16 (-1.84), Rank 40 of 50
  • 2021: 70.76 (-0.24), Rank 17 of 50
• Historic Cut Line:
  • 2023: -5
  • 2022: -6
  • 2021: E

Social Media:

• Butterfield Bermuda Championship – (@Bermuda_Champ)
• Port Royal Golf Course – (@PortBermuda)

Course Architect:

• Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1971)
• Renovations: Roger Rulewich (2008)

Comparable Courses & Greens:

• Comparable Courses:
  • PGA National – Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches – RESULTS
  • Pebble Beach – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – RESULTS
  • Corales Golf Course – Corales Puntacana Championship – RESULTS
  • Grand Reserve Golf Club (Coco Beach) – Puerto Rico Open – RESULTS

• Designer Link (Robert Trent Jones Sr.):
  • Spyglass Hill Golf Course – Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (1966) – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

• Comparable Yardage (6,828 Yards):
  • TPC River Highlands – 6,852 Yards – Travelers Championship

• Comparable Greens (Tif Eagle bermudagrass .125”):
  • Plantation Course at Kapalua – TifEagle bermudagrass .115” – Sentry Tournament of Champions
  • PGA National Resort (The Champion) – TifEagle bermudagrass .115” – The Honda Classic
  • Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge – TifEagle bermudagrass .110” – Arnold Palmer Invitational

• Comparable Average Green Size (8,000 sq. ft.):
  • El Cardonal at Diamante – 8,300 sq. ft. – World Wide Technology Championship

TV Information (all times ET):

• Round 1: Thursday, November 14th, 2024
  • Golf Channel – 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Round 2: Friday, November 15th, 2024
  • Golf Channel – 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Round 3: Saturday, November 16th, 2024
  • Golf Channel – 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
• Round 4: Sunday, November 17th, 2024
  • Golf Channel – 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Weather:

Course/ Tournament History:

The Butterfield Bermuda Championship, part of the PGA Tour, was established in 2019 as a tournament in Bermuda, marking an exciting addition to the tour’s calendar. Held at the scenic Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, it quickly became notable for showcasing emerging talent, drawing both established players and newer faces. Originally introduced as an alternate event to the WGC-HSBC Champions, it offered a full allotment of FedExCup points and a chance for players to secure a valuable PGA Tour victory. In 2020, when the HSBC event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bermuda Championship was elevated to a primary event, granting its winner an invitation to the Masters Tournament.

Port Royal Golf Course, located in Southampton Parish, Bermuda, is a celebrated course with a rich history that dates back to its opening in 1970. Designed by famed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., Port Royal was created to provide world-class golfing on the island, featuring stunning ocean views and a challenging layout that maximizes the natural landscape. Known for its dramatic elevation changes, coastal winds, and the famous 16th hole—a picturesque par-3 set against the Atlantic Ocean—Port Royal has earned a reputation as one of Bermuda’s premier golf courses. In 2008, it underwent an extensive renovation led by original architect Jones’s protégé, Roger Rulewich, enhancing its facilities and modernizing its layout while preserving its original character. Since its debut, Port Royal has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 2009 to 2014, and it became the home of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship in 2019.

Tournament Records:

• 72-Hole Record (Butterfield Bermuda Championship):
  • 260, Brendon Todd (2019), Camilo Villegas (2023)
• 18-Hole Record (Butterfield Bermuda Championship):
  • 61, Taylor Pendrith (2nd Round, 2021), Alex Noren (1st round, 2023)

• Largest Margin of Victory:
  • 4 Strokes – Brendon Todd (2019)

Course Records:

• 72-Hole Record (Port Royal Golf Course):
  • 260, Brendon Todd (2019), Camilo Villegas (2023)
• 18-Hole Record (Port Royal Golf Course):
  • 61, Taylor Pendrith (2nd Round, 2021), Alex Noren (1st round, 2023)

Course Guide/ Scorecard:

Port Royal Golf Course is a Par 71 that plays 6,828 yards. The layout features four Par 3’s, eleven Par 4’s, and three Par 5’s. It’s one of the shortest courses on Tour with the main defense being the wind.

The four Par 3’s range between 148 yards and 235 yards. At the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship, only one (No. 3), had a scoring average under par.

No. 8, 213 yards, Par 3: “This is a demanding par 3 and the large green perched on the ocean will present the golfer with a challenge. Bunkers surround the target and beware – the ocean awaits the long ball. A par here is a hard-earned achievement.”

No. 16, 235 yards, Par 3: “This is truly one of the most spectacular holes in world golf. The tee shot will require a solidly hit shot across the ocean to a green perched high above the ocean on its own peninsular, A well-bunkered green offers the player a small target to find and, with the prevailing winds, this hole has the ability to fool the strongest of minds. A shot to the right will be safe from the ocean but missing the traps will be a challenge.”

Six of the eleven Par 4’s range between 350 – 400 yards. No. 10 is the shortest Par 4’s listed at 350 yards with the longest being No. 4, at 458 yards.

No. 15, 412 yards, Par 4: “A dogleg to the right, with the ocean on the left and a steep run off to the right, will be the initial issues the golfer faces. Two well-placed traps on the left of the fairway must be avoided, so play for position from this tee. A risk/reward shot is available with a well-struck drive down the right leaving a short iron into a well-protected, undulating green. Achieving a par here is a challenge.”

No. 18, 410 yards, Par 4: “A long, straight, uphill par 4 requiring a well-struck tee shot to a tiered fairway with bunkers left and right – this is a visually excellent hole. The second shot to a raised green will test your skill set and be sure to take an extra club for this shot to the three-tiered front-to-back sloping green. You will face a constant challenge to the end on this hole.”

The three Par 5’s are No. 2, 7, and 17. None of the Par 5’s are listed over 600 yards. All of the Par 5’s had a scoring average below par at the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

No. 2, 553 yards, Par 5: “This is a serious par 5, three-shot hole. Water off the tee gives way to a left-to-right sweeping dog leg, trees left and right with bunkers to threaten the off-center shot. You will need to play for position on the 2nd shot. This gives way to a short iron approach to a raised green well protected on all sides by deep bunkers.”

No. 17, 507 yards, Par 5: “The prevailing wind will punish you here and a well positioned tee shot is necessary. The water on the left will make the big hitter think and the well-trapped right side will certainly favor the conservative player. The second shot is all about position and an accurate lay-up is required to leave you with a challenging third shot to a raised green, but beware of the run-off. An undulating green caps off this challenging par 5.”

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 16

Key Statistics:

As the Butterfield Bermuda Championship takes place at Port Royal Golf Course, here are the key statistics to keep an eye on for this week’s event.

Per DataGolf, this is the favored skillset at Port Royal Golf Course.

• Good Drives Gained
  • Success this week will hinge on players’ ability to position themselves effectively off the tee. While the course’s considerable length underscores the significance of distance, precision holds equal importance.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Matthew NeSmith
    • Ben Kholes
    • Austin Smotherman
    • Andrew Putnam
    • Greyson Sigg
    • Ryan Brehm
    • Chez Reavie
    • Nick Hardy
    • Alex Smalley
    • Mark Hubbard

• Strokes Gained: Approach
  • A strong iron game is crucial for success at Port Royal Golf Course, as demonstrated by recent tournament history.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Lucas Glover
    • Doug Ghim
    • Austin Smotherman
    • Michael Kim
    • Nick Hardy
    • Andrew Novak
    • Matti Schmid
    • Zac Blair
    • Ben Kholes
    • Francesco Molinari

• Strokes Gained: Around the Green
  • Players will undoubtedly miss greens this week so they’ll need to rely on their short game. The past few winners of this event have all been great short-game players.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Mackenzie Hughes
    • Brendon Todd
    • Andrew Putnam
    • Greyson Sigg
    • Vince Whaley
    • Ben Griffin
    • Maverick McNealy
    • S.Y. Soh
    • Ben Taylor
    • Trace Crowe

• Strokes Gained: Total (Windy AF Conditions (Fantasy National terms))
  • The weather forecast predicts daily winds of 15-30 mph, giving an edge to players skilled at shaping shots in both directions.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Sam Stevens
    • Daniel Berger
    • Vince Whaley
    • Sean O’Hair
    • Tyler Duncan
    • Seamus Power
    • Jhonattan Vegas
    • Scott Piercy
    • Chad Ramey
    • Brendon Todd

• Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)
  • The Greens at Port Royal Golf Course are Tif Eagle bermudagrass .125”.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Mackenzie Hughes
    • Chad Ramey
    • S.H. Kim
    • Jacob Bridgeman
    • David Skinns
    • Sam Stevens
    • K.H. Lee
    • Justin Suh
    • Hayden Springer
    • Garrick Higgo

• Par 3 Scoring: 225+ Yards (x2)
  • Two of the four Par 3’s at Port Royal Golf Course are more than 225 Yards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Ben Taylor
    • Trace Crowe
    • Robby Shelton
    • Nico Exhavarria
    • Kevin Chappell
    • Mackenzie Hughes
    • Ryo Hisatsune
    • Daniel Berger
    • S.Y. Noh
    • Ben Griffin

• Par 4 Scoring: 350-400 Yards (x6)
  • Six of the eleven Par 4’s at Port Royal Golf Course range between 350-400 Yards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Roger Sloan
    • Troy Merritt
    • Andrew Novak
    • S.Y. Noh
    • Brandt Snedeker
    • Joel Dahmen
    • Martin Trainer
    • Maverick McNealy
    • Brendon Todd
    • Pierceson Coody

• Par 5 Scoring: 500-550 Yards (x2)
  • Two of the three Par 5’s at Port Royal Golf Course range between 500-550 Yards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Michael Kim
    • Ben Taylor
    • Seamus Power
    • Kevin Tway
    • Austin Smotherman
    • Ryan Brehm
    • S.H. Kim
    • Cameron Champ
    • Ben Griffin
    • Kevin Dougherty

• Birdies or Better Gained
  • To be in contention at Port Royal Golf Course this week, players must capitalize on every scoring opportunity.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Sam Stevens
    • Matti Schmid
    • Justin Lower
    • Rico Hoey
    • Mackenzie Hughes
    • Jacob Bridgeman
    • Ben Griffin
    • Carson Young
    • Trace Crowe
    • Nico Echavarria

• Comparable Courses and Event History
  • According to the Data Golf Course History Tool, previous experience at Port Royal Golf Course has shown to be slightly beneficial for players.

• Leaders in this category (Multiple Events Played, Average Score Per Round):
  • Kevin Yu
  • Ben Griffin
  • Brendon Todd
  • Justin Lower
  • Tyson Alexander
  • Adam Long
  • Alex Smalley
  • Matti Schmid
  • Tyler Duncan
  • Lanto Griffin

The Field:

This year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship will feature a total of 120 competitors.

• Here is the current basis of qualification for each entrant this week:
  • Top 125 FedExCup Fall Point Lists
  • Tournament Winner in Past Two Seasons
  • Top 30 on the FedExCup Playoffs & Eligibility Points List
  • Top 70 on Prior Year FEC Playoff & Elig List through the Playoffs
  • DP World Tour / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category – Reordered
  • Reorder Category – Cat. 37 thru 44
  • Top 10 and Ties from the Previous Event
  • Major Medical Extension
  • Designated Sponsor Exemption
  • Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
  • Sponsor Exemptions: DPWT / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category
  • Career Money Exemption
  • Open Qualifying

• Previous Winners in the Field (Event):
  • Camilo Villegas (’23), Seamus Power (’22), Brendon Todd (’19)

• Debutants in the Field (Event):
  • Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Alejandro Tosti, Blaine Hale, Jr., Brandt Snedeker, Cameron Champ, Chez Reavie, Christo Lamprecht, Connor Jones, Daniel Berger, Egor Eroshenko, Ethan Cairns, Francesco Molinari, George Bryan, Graeme Robertson, Hayden Springer, Jacob Bridgeman, James Hahn, Joel Dahmen, Kevin Dougherty, Kevin Kisner, Kevin Streelman, Mackenzie Hughes, Michael Herrera, Miles Russell, Nick Jones, Norman Xiong, Paul Barjon, Pierceson Coody, Raul Pereda, Rico Hoey, Ryan McCormick, Ryo Hisatsune, Taylor Montgomery, Tom Whitney, Trace Crowe, Tyler Collet, Wilson Furr

• Sponsors Exemptions:
  • George Bryan IV, Wesley Bryan, Miles Russell, Christo Lamprecht, Graeme Robertson, Connor Jones, Camiko Smith, Nick Jones, Eric West, Chris Baker, Ben Crane, D.A. Points

• Players with ties to Bermuda in the Field:
  • Birthplace:
    • Camiko Smith
    • Nick Jones
    • Eric West

• Notable Withdraws/ Changes:
  • Taylor Montgomery (WD) – William McGirt (in)
  • Joe Highsmith (WD) – Russell Knox (in)

The Odds:

Here are the current favorites for this week’s event:

Seamus Power (+1600)

Maverick McNealy (+1600)

Mackenzie Hughes (+1800)

Doug Ghim (+2000)

Ben Griffin (+2000)

Tournament Props:

Playoff:

• Will There Be a Playoff at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship? (Yes +350 / No -500)

Of the five editions of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, the tournament has only been decided by a playoff once. It was back in 2020 when Brian Gay defeated Wyndham Clark.

Hole-in-One:

• Will There Be A Hole-in-One at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship? (Yes +130 / No -185)

No holes in one were made in the last two editions of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

Recent Horses for Courses (Event):

Recent Donkeys for Courses (Event):

Previous Winners Scores and Prices:

• 2023: Camilo Villegas (-24)
  • Price: 150-1

• 2022: Seamus Power (-19)
  • Price: 22-1

• 2021: Lucas Herbert (-15)
  • Price: 80-1

• 2020: Brian Gay (-15)
  • Price: 200-1

• 2019: Brendon Todd (-24)
  • Price: 100-1

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):

• 2023: Camilo Villegas
  • T2 – World Wide Technology Championship (PGA)
  • MC – Sanderson Farms Championship (PGA)
  • T37 – Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship (KFT)
  • MC – Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation (KFT)
  • T43 – Albertsons Boise Open (KFT)

• 2022: Seamus Power
  • T49 – THE CJ CUP in South Carolina (PGA)
  • MC – Shriners Children’s Open (PGA)
  • T30 – Sanderson Farms Championship (PGA)
  • 65 – BMW Championship (PGA)
  • MC – FedEx St. Jude Championship (PGA)

• 2021: Lucas Herbert
  • MC – Sanderson Farms Championship (PGA)
  • MC – Fortinent Championship (PGA)
  • T21 – DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP, DUBAI (EUR)
  • T45 – Korn Ferry Tour Championship (KFT)
  • T58 – Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship (KFT)

• 2020: Brian Gay
  • MC – Shriners Hospital for Children Open (PGA)
  • MC – Safeway Open (PGA)
  • MC – THE NORTHERN TRUST (PGA)
  • MC – Wyndham Championship (PGA)
  • T41 – Barracuda Championship (PGA)

• 2019: Brendon Todd
  • T28 – Houston Open (PGA)
  • MC – Shriners Hospital for Children Open (PGA)
  • MC – Safeway Open (PGA)
  • MC – Sanderson Farms Championship (PGA)
  • MC – A Military Tribute (PGA)

Previous Winners Finishes at Event:

2023: Camilo Villegas

2022: Seamus Power

2021: Lucas Herbert

• Tournament Debut

2020: Brian Gay

2019: Brendon Todd

• Inagural Event

Picks:

Outrights:

• Ben Griffin (+2000) – DraftKings
  • Risk 0.40 to win 8.00 Units

• Daniel Berger (+3300) – BetMGM
  • Risk 0.25 to win 8.25 Units

• Andrew Putnam (+3300) – DraftKings
  • Risk 0.25 to win 8.25 Units

• Greyson Sigg (+4500) – FanDuel
  • Risk 0.18 to win 8.10 Units

• Ben Kholes (+7000) – FanDuel
  • Risk 0.12 to win 8.40 Units

Total Risk on Outrights: 1.20 Units

Top 20 (Including Ties):

• Jacob Bridgeman (+135) – DraftKings
  • Risk 1.00 to win 1.35 Units

• Kevin Yu (+165) – DraftKings
  • Risk 1.00 to win 1.65 Units

Total Risk on Top 20s: 2.00 Units

Total Risk on the Butterfield Bermuda Championship: 3.20 Units 

Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.