Adam Schenk finally triumphed when he least expected it, finishing with a par-fourth round amidst a fierce wind on Sunday to preserve a one-shot victory at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, his 243rd attempt on the PGA Tour.
Schenk was just two rounds away from returning to the PGA Tour's Q-School, sitting 134th in the FedExCup. He then handled some of the toughest conditions he'd ever faced, making a birdie and four crucial par saves in gusts exceeding 30 mph.
Adam Schenk, results
The last one was as difficult as the others. His approach to the 18th hole at Port Royal ended just over the green, while Schenk maintained a one-shot lead. He used his putter to roll the ball through about 6 feet of the foregreen, and the wind pushed it about 5 feet from the hole, before he holed out with a light touch. I've putted for wins on the PGA Tour so many times, and seeing one go in is something I'll never forget.
A two-time runner-up in 2023, the year he reached the TOUR Championship for the first time, Schenk's victory earns him a two-year exemption at a time on the PGA Tour when full status is critical. Only the top 100 in the FedExCup, reduced from 125, earn full status even for the smallest fields in 2026.
Francesco Molinari finished 34th with a -1 total (72-68-69-74), while Matteo Manassero finished 61st with a +6 (72-70-74-74).
Takumi Kanaya had a chance to catch Schenk, one shot behind and tied with him in the final group. The wind was so strong that his approach ended in a bunker behind the green. The Japanese player made a sensational exit just over a meter from the hole, but his par putt, influenced by the wind, went wide. Kanaya, ranked 120th in the FedExCup, would have moved up to 83rd with a par on the final hole. The error dropped him to 99th, with plenty of tension still remaining next week in the final event.
Phillips was tied for 139th, and his second-place finish, the best of his career on the PGA Tour, moved him to 92nd and should secure his spot.
Schenk had a rough spell when he missed six consecutive cuts this summer. He made some adjustments to his game, deciding to putt one-handed to address his biggest weakness, and thought he was making decent progress without any major results. He now has a win on the PGA Tour, which puts him in at least one $20 million Signature Event next year, in addition to the PGA Championship and THE PLAYERS Championship.
I knew I could win. It's just a matter of hitting every shot and managing every situation I put myself in. I don't think it's over; today feels like the longest day ever.
