The 2026 Moongate Tour moves into high gear this Saturday as the field arrives at Turtle Hill Golf Club for the season's first Major Championship.
With double Order of Merit points on the line, the pressure is mounting on Bermuda’s elite to master the technical par-three layout. Organizers have urged all competitors to review the 2026 Player Handbook before tomorrow's opening tee-off, emphasizing the stakes involved in this prestigious event.
The morning action begins with a formidable threesome at 10:30. Jarryd Dillas, a perennial contender on the international amateur circuit, brings significant momentum after a tied-second finish in the season opener. He is joined by the clinical Adam Perry, who is arguably the in form player on the tour following his impressive three-stroke victory at Port Royal last month. Completing the group is professional Camiko Smith, a former Johnnie Walker Classic winner known for his grit in testing coastal conditions.
Just ten minutes later at 10:40, the spotlight turns to defending overall tour champion Kenny Leseur. Leseur, who dominated last year's Order of Merit with unwavering consistency, will look to rediscover that form alongside Turtle Hill’s own Club Director, Scott Roy. Roy’s intimate knowledge of these greens makes him a major threat on home turf. They are joined by Matthew Smith, rounding out a group that features three of the island's most disciplined ball-strikers.
At 11:00, the experience levels jump as Daniel Augustus takes to the tee. Augustus, who recently finished runner-up in the tour's inaugural 36-hole major at this very course, remains a favorite to clinch his first title of the year. He is paired with Chris Smith, the local professional who held his nerve to win here last season, and the versatile Chris Parry.
The final featured group at 11:20 sees Damian Palanyandi looking to build on a string of top-five finishes. He will face off against Will Haddrell, a seasoned amateur known for his prowess in match-play scenarios, and Jordan Swan, who has been steadily climbing the rankings following a strong showing in the Mid Ocean Cup team events.
As the blustery Atlantic winds continue to buffet the south shore, accuracy rather than distance will be the currency of the day.
|
