Triumph for Haddrell & Prodigies Secure PGA Tour Spots
IslandStats.com
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship Local Qualifier delivered high drama at the Port Royal Golf Course, culminating in a tense finish that saw a mix of veteran persistence and youth talent claim the three coveted exemption spots for the PGA Tour event in November.
The 36-hole qualifier was topped by veteran golfer Will Haddrell, who earned his long-awaited debut in Bermuda’s flagship tournament. Haddrell, who went into the final round tied for the lead, produced the best score of the day with a gritty two-over-par 73 to finish at two-over par overall (144), securing the top spot.
It was a particularly meaningful victory for Haddrell, who had previously come close to qualifying multiple times in years past.
Haddrell will be joined in the main field by two of the island's most exciting young golfers, Kenneth Leseur and Oliver Betschart, both of whom will be making their second career appearances at the PGA Tour event.
Kenneth Leseur, who started the day at one-over par, secured the runner-up spot with a final round of 74 to finish at four-over par (146) overall. The young professional, who previously played in the main event as a 15-year-old amateur, ensured his return to the global stage with a hard-fought performance.
The final spot went to Oliver Betschart. The amateur, who also made headlines when he first qualified as a teenager, clung onto the third position. Despite a challenging final round of five-over par 76, Betschart finished at five-over par (147) overall, just enough to secure the final exemption.
The success of the trio meant heartbreak for Daniel Augustus, who had shared the overnight lead with Haddrell and Betschart, but fell out of contention after a disappointing final round score.
The three qualifiers—Haddrell, Leseur, and Betschart—will now prepare to represent Bermuda against the world’s best at Port Royal Golf Course from November 13th to 16th.
