243rd Time's the Charm: Adam Schenk Claims Maiden PGA Tour Victory at Bermuda Championship

Adam Schenk claimed his first PGA Tour victory on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course, finishing at 12-under par (272) to win by one stroke over Chandler Phillips. The 33-year-old's breakthrough came in his 243rd career PGA Tour start, placing him among the most patient first-time winners in modern tour history.

Schenk shot an even-par 71 in raging wind conditions Sunday to hold on for the victory, banking $1,080,000 in prize money and securing tour exemptions through his age-35 season in 2027. The win came at a critical moment for Schenk, who entered the week ranked No. 134 in the FedExCup standings and in danger of losing his PGA Tour card for the first time.

Brutal Bermuda Conditions

Port Royal Golf Course presented one of the most challenging conditions of the 2025 season, with sustained winds of 30 miles per hour gusting to 45 mph on Sunday. Players struggled to flight proper golf shots and maintain their balance, making even routine shots exceptionally difficult.

The coastal venue's exposed design—featuring dramatic clifftop holes with the Atlantic Ocean serving as backdrop—provided little protection from the relentless wind. The par-three 16th hole, sitting atop a cliff with ocean views, became particularly treacherous in the windy conditions.

Schenk's ability to navigate these conditions on Sunday, carding an even-par round despite the fierce elements, demonstrated remarkable course management and mental fortitude. Many competitors found the conditions overwhelming, leading to elevated scores and abandoned contention.

The Unorthodox Putting Stroke

Throughout the week, Schenk employed an unconventional one-handed putting technique as he attempted to address what he described as a chronic problem with pulling putts. The technique involved using primarily one hand on the putter, allowing the stroke to release more freely.

"It just releases really nicely with one hand, and I don't pull putts," Schenk explained. "I've been fighting the pulls for a while now."

However, recognizing that Sunday's extreme wind conditions would make the one-handed approach unreliable on short putts, Schenk made an adjustment, allowing his left hand to "rest on top" of the grip while his right hand provided the primary stroke. This hybrid approach allowed him to maintain the benefits of the unorthodox stroke while providing stability in the wind.

The technique, despite its unconventional nature, proved effective throughout the week. Schenk made crucial putts when necessary, particularly the 5-foot par putt on the final hole that secured the victory.

Dramatic Sunday Finish

Schenk shared the lead going into Sunday's final round with Braden Thornberry, setting up a climactic conclusion to the championship. As the day progressed and wind conditions intensified, both players battled not just their competitors but also Mother Nature's relentless assault.

Coming down the stretch, Schenk found himself clinging to a narrow lead. The decisive moment came at the 18th hole, where he faced a critical 5-foot par putt to ward off Phillips' challenge. Under maximum pressure with his tour card potentially on the line, Schenk rolled in the putt to secure the one-stroke victory.

"It was a surreal moment," Schenk reflected afterward. "For a lot of this year I just haven't putted well, and maybe putting one-handed this week a little bit. But I had to adjust because it was too windy to actually have one hand on the wheel."

The Field Behind Him

Chandler Phillips finished alone in second place at 11-under par, missing out on his first PGA Tour victory by one stroke. Five players tied for third at 10-under par—Alex Smalley, Vince Whaley, Frankie Capan III, Max McGreevy, and Japan's Takumi Kanaya—demonstrating the depth of quality competing in the championship.

Phillips' runner-up finish provided a strong showing but fell short of the breakthrough victory he has pursued throughout his professional career. The narrow margin highlighted how closely contested the championship had been throughout the week.

A Career-Defining Moment

For Schenk, the victory represents far more than another tournament result. It validates years of struggle, near-misses, and persistent effort on professional golf's most unforgiving circuit. After missing 13 of his last 16 cuts to close the regular season, losing his tour card seemed a distinct possibility.

"I didn't know if I was going to keep my card or not," Schenk acknowledged. "This win is going to change my life."

The mental weight of potentially losing his PGA Tour status added immense pressure to this week's competition. Playing with nothing to lose while simultaneously playing for everything, Schenk found a way to perform when it mattered most—the ultimate test of a champion.

Port Royal's Demands

Port Royal Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is among the most challenging layouts in professional golf. The course's narrow fairways bordered by native rough, strategic bunkering, and exposed nature require both power and precision. The par-three 16th, perched on a cliff with the Atlantic Ocean as backdrop, stands as one of golf's most dramatic holes.

Schenk's ability to navigate Port Royal's challenges consistently throughout the week—particularly Sunday in brutal wind conditions—demonstrated comprehensive golf skills. His control of ball flight, club selection, and course management proved decisive in determining the championship.

Exemptions and Future Opportunities

The victory provides Schenk with significant benefits beyond the $1,080,000 prize money. He earned exemptions into THE PLAYERS Championship and the PGA Championship in 2026—two of professional golf's most prestigious events. These invitations provide opportunities to compete against the world's elite in events that carry significant prestige and exposure.

More importantly, the victory secures his PGA Tour status as a winner through his age-35 season in 2027. This security allows Schenk to approach future tournaments without the constant pressure of maintaining tour privileges through FedExCup points races. He can now focus on competing and continuing to develop his game without existential concerns about his professional future.

Historical Context

Schenk's 243 starts before his first PGA Tour victory places him among late-blooming champions in tour history. While some players win in their rookie seasons, others require years of refinement and development. Golf history is filled with talented players who never broke through despite persistent effort.

The 2025 season has already produced 16 first-time PGA Tour winners, demonstrating that breakthrough victories have become increasingly common as the tour has expanded. However, Schenk's particular journey—entering the week near the bottom of the standings and facing potential tour loss—makes his triumph particularly compelling.

Persistence Rewarded

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Schenk's victory transcends golf itself. His story resonates as a lesson in persistence, belief, and the power of not giving up despite repeated setbacks. In an era celebrating instant success and quick results, Schenk's journey reminds us that sometimes championships require patience.

For aspiring professional golfers and anyone pursuing difficult long-term goals, Schenk's breakthrough provides inspiration. Not everyone succeeds immediately. Some require extended time developing skills, building experience, and finding the precise combination of conditions and mental state necessary for breakthrough performances.

Looking Forward

With his tour card secure and confidence restored through his maiden victory, Schenk enters the remainder of the 2025-26 PGA Tour season with renewed optimism. His improved FedExCup standing and knowledge that he can win on the PGA Tour at the highest level should provide psychological benefits as he approaches future tournaments.

Whether Schenk becomes a multi-time tour winner or capitalizes on this breakthrough with additional victories remains to be seen. However, his performance in Bermuda established that he belongs among professional golf's elite competitors.

The Butterfield Bermuda Championship will be remembered as the tournament where Adam Schenk finally became a PGA Tour winner. More than that, it stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of never abandoning your dreams, no matter how many attempts it takes to achieve them. In his 243rd start, Schenk proved that patience and belief eventually pay dividends at golf's highest level.