SOUTHAMPTON, Bermuda — Adam Schenk demonstrated remarkable resilience on Saturday, completing a bogey-free round in challenging wind conditions with a score of 4-under 67. This performance placed him in a tie for the lead with Braden Thornberry at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, a pivotal event for players vying for PGA Tour cards.
Thornberry, a rookie on the PGA Tour and former NCAA champion, shot a 69 to join Schenk at 12-under 201, as the competition intensifies with only one round remaining. Both players are among the top 11 on the leaderboard, with the majority needing to improve their FedEx Cup rankings, as the season concludes with next week’s RSM Classic, which will only offer cards to the top 100 players.
Currently sitting at 134 in the FedEx Cup standings, Schenk’s options are dwindling. Nevertheless, he has been making crucial adjustments to his game over the past few months, leading to this unexpected opportunity at Port Royal.
“This is a great opportunity for tomorrow,” Schenk remarked, acknowledging this is his first 54-hole lead since the Colonial tournament two years ago. “I know that if I don’t secure a spot in the top 100, I will have to go to Q-school, so that’s a strong motivator.”
Thornberry also faces pressure, sitting at 178 in the FedEx Cup rankings, where only victory would guarantee him a tour card along with a two-year exemption.
Behind them, notable competitors include Adam Hadwin, who fell back slightly with a 71, ending the day tied for third, along with Max McGreevy (69), Chandler Phillips (70), and Japan’s Takumi Kanaya (66). Rikuya Hoshino followed closely with a score of 67, while Vince Whaley, holding steady at No. 86 in the FedEx Cup standings, shot a 68 to remain comfortably in contention.
Despite the constant wind posing significant challenges, Thornberry emphasized the importance of adapting to the conditions. He described his strategy of capitalizing on favorable gusts while maintaining composure during difficult shots.
Schenk serves as a testament to perseverance in golf, having navigated his way into major events this year without a win, and he is now poised for a fresh start in his career. “I wish I could have done this earlier in the season, as I wouldn’t be in this position, but here we are,” he said, expressing optimism about the potential for another outstanding round despite the windy conditions. “If I can sink some putts tomorrow, it could be another bogey-free round, which would be fantastic.”
As they head into the final round, Schenk and Thornberry’s battle is not only a fight for a championship but also a critical junction in their careers, underlining the unpredictable yet thrilling nature of professional golf.