The Bermuda Golf Association [BGA], Bermuda Professional Golfers’ Association [BPGA], and tournament officials announced the Local Qualifier for this year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship will be played at Port Royal Golf Course on Tuesday, October 17 and Wednesday, October 18, with Thursday, October 19 reserved as a rain day.
The format will be a 54-hole event, with 36-holes played on Tuesday, October 17 and the final 18 holes on Wednesday, October 18.
Butterfield Bermuda Championship, Tournament Director, Danielle Carrera said, “We are excited and proud to support local Bermuda golf talent with the return of the Bermuda Local Qualifier.
“This year the Local Qualifier will secure the top three Bermudian golfers spots to compete in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship PGA TOUR event, November 9 to November 12 . The next three qualifiers will be given be spots in the Butterfield Bermuda APGA Championship being played at Port Royal Golf Course October 26-28, and the overall winner of the APGA event will receive an exemption in the PGA Tour event.”
“This year the Local Qualifier sub-committee unanimously agreed to increase the local qualifier to a 54-hole event. The landscape of global golf has changed with greater emphasis now on ranking points in order to qualify to play in top events. This action was taken to provide the next generation of local golfers a pathway to accrue these ranking points in a home event. The opportunity to provide these points will facilitate representation for Bermuda golf in overseas events such as the Central American Caribbean [CAC] and Pan Am Games.” said BGA President Craig Brown.
The spokesperson said, “During the 2022 Qualifier hosted at Port Royal Golf Course, Michael Sims, Nick Jones and Jarryd Dillas qualified for the PGA Tour event. Other qualifying spots for the inaugural APGA were secured by Christian Collins, Oliver Betschart, Camino Smith and Damian Palanyandi. Cory Desilva replaced Christian Collins in the APGA event as the next best qualifier.”
“We are excited to once again to provide a platform for local professional golfers to qualify for a PGA Tour event on home soil. Over the years the Local Qualifier event has come to represent hope, growth and opportunity for local golfers. Last year we were able to include qualification to the inaugural APGA event. This year we felt the time was right to add an additional round in order provide the next generation the best opportunity to represent Bermuda at international events.” noted BPGA President Scott Roy.
The spokesperson said, “Entries are open to professional golfers, amateur golfers, and applicants for reinstatement. To be eligible to compete in the Local Qualifier, participants must meet the following criteria:
- Players must possess Bermudian status
- Players must be in good standing with the BGA and BPGA and not subject to any disciplinary process or sanction of either association
- Amateurs must have an up-to-date Handicap Index, or equivalent handicap issued by an international body of golf, not exceeding 1.4 under the USGA Handicap System
“Note: A player’s current eight counting handicap scores cannot include scores from before October 1, 2022.
“Full details of eligibility requirements and Conditions of Competition related to conducting the tournament will be available at the time of registration. Entries officially open Monday, September 25, 2023. Any questions should be directed to info@bermudagolf.org or call the Bermuda Golf Association office at [441] 295-9972.
“Important Note: Bermudians who are located overseas and intend to return for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship Qualifier should be aware they will be need to fully comply with travel requirements as stipulated by the Bermuda Government, and should factor this into their travel arrangements.
“For more information about the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, visit www.butterfieldbdachampionship.com.”
