Imagine this: A professional golfer arrives in Bermuda, expecting sunshine and tropical breezes, only to find himself battling high winds and chilly weather. This unexpected twist led to a moment of triumph, a victory that tasted even sweeter because of the journey. This is the story of Adam Schenk, who clinched his first PGA TOUR win at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
Written by Adam Stanley
Schenk’s preparation for the tournament was far from conventional. He packed a single sweater, assuming Bermuda’s reputation for warm weather would suffice.
But here’s where it gets interesting: The weather had other plans. Strong winds and a cool ocean breeze forced Schenk to rely on that same, slightly stained sweater throughout the week. He even confessed to the stains, which occurred on Friday, and the fact that he wore the sweater for the majority of the tournament. It seems like the sweater became a lucky charm.
Schenk’s victory at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship was his 243rd PGA TOUR start. He secured the win with a final-round score of even-par 71, edging out the competition by a single stroke.
“Unbelievable,” Schenk said, reflecting on the win. “Was really hoping this day would come at some point in my life. Never really know if it is. That’s what makes the journey so amazing, interesting, and it’s a surreal moment when it finally does.”
The final day was challenging due to the windy conditions. Tee times were moved up an hour to accommodate the weather, but the course at Port Royal Golf Course remained tricky. Schenk managed a birdie in his first 14 holes, which was a solid start. Although he bogeyed the 15th hole, he recovered with three consecutive pars to secure his win.
This victory was particularly significant because Schenk had struggled in the 2025 season, missing the cut in 11 out of 27 starts. The win propelled him from No. 134 to No. 67 in the FedExCup Fall standings and earned him a multi-year exemption on the TOUR.
Schenk’s perspective on his struggles reveals his resilience. He mentioned a “bad stretch of golf” but emphasized his belief in his approach. “There is a method to the madness,” he declared.
Adding to the unconventional nature of his win, Schenk spent most of the week putting one-handed. He humorously admitted that he hadn’t found a definitive answer to his putting strategy. He practiced on the carpet of his hotel room, putting with one hand. While he knew that wouldn’t be enough for Sunday’s windy conditions, he decided to let his left hand “rest on top” of the grip.
His intuition proved correct as he faced a crucial putt on the 72nd hole. Schenk’s approach to the putt was simple: “Get up, do your process and hit it. If you’re going to miss it, miss it quick, but don’t sit there and think about it forever.” He made the putt.
And this is the part most people miss… The win meant Schenk avoided PGA TOUR Q-School. He was relieved to avoid another week away from his two sons and his dog, Bunker.
Schenk’s victory was about more than just the win; it was about the relief of avoiding Q-School and securing his TOUR status. He acknowledged that he still loves golf and believes in his abilities. He also highlighted the importance of good putting and how it can change the course of a tournament.
Schenk, who isn’t a big drinker, planned a low-key celebration with friends.
He left Bermuda with a trophy and, of course, that lucky sweater.
What do you think? Do you believe in lucky charms or rituals in sports? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Did Schenk’s unconventional methods surprise you? Do you think his approach is something other golfers could learn from?