Adam Schenk secured his immediate future on the PGA TOUR after grabbing a vital maiden victory in challenging conditions at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
The 33-year-old American came into the final round at a very breezy Port Royal in a tie for the lead alongside fellow American Braden Thornberry after rounds of 69, 65, and 67. Despite the blustery conditions which saw the tee times for the final round adjusted to avoid the worst of the wind, Schenk continued to show consistency throughout the day as he searched to go bogey-free. However, a first dropped shot arrived at the 15th as the pressure slowly began to crank up. He then went on to miss a five-foot birdie putt at the 17th as conditions continued to prove challenging meaning he walked up to the final hole with only a narrow one-shot advantage. But the American held his nerve to overcome the weather and card a respectable even-par 71, seal his first win on the PGA TOUR, and grab hold of his PGA TOUR Card.
Schenk came into the tournament placed 134th on the FedExCup Fall standings, looking to conclude the season inside the top 125 to earn conditional status or finish inside the top 100 to earn full status. However, thanks to victory on his 243rd start, he catapults up to 67th in the standings.
“I really didn’t think this moment would come, but I started to play better the last few months and still had the belief despite missing eight (it was six) cuts in a row,” said an emotional Schenk on the 18th green.
“I’ve really been working hard. I wish my family could be here, I want to thank my Mum and Dad for getting me involved in golf, and there are so many other people who helped me, so I am really appreciative to all of them.”
Schenk added: “I knew I could win, it was just a matter of executing each shot and handling myself. We did a great job out there today. I can’t believe it’s over – it was the longest day ever, it was really tough out there towards the end.
“I’ve putted for PGA Tour wins so many times in my barn, but to do it again, to see one go in is something I’ll never forget.”
American Chandler Phillips ended as runner-up on 11 under which also all but confirms his place on the PGA TOUR for the next two seasons jumping from 139th to 92nd on the rankings while there was a was an all-American five-way tie for third.
What is the next event?
The next event on the PGA TOUR schedule is the RSM Classic taking place between 20-23 November at Sea Island Golf Club in Georgia.