Luke is an avid weekend-warrior golfer from the East Coast who plays golf more than he cares to admit.
Butterfield Bermuda Championship is held in Port Royal Golf Course, Southampton, BER . Learn About This PGA Championship, Course, History, & Why You Need to Visit!
History Around the Butterfield Bermuda Championship
In the early 1900’s Bermuda was a very popular holiday destination for America’s wealthiest, including John D. Rockefeller and his family.
In fact it is said that when Mr. Rockefeller arrived in Bermuda he would boast about how much money he paid to stay there!
One of his favorite activities when vacationing in the island resort was playing golf at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton Parish.
During one of these games an idea struck him, why not donate a trophy to be played for annually by American golfers in Bermuda? He went on to discuss this idea with the head professional at Port Royal Golf Course who loved the concept.
Thus The Butterfield Trophy was born and today we know it as The Butterfield Bermuda Championship .
First Butterfield Tournament
The first tournament held was in 1913 with just 15 golfers participating. From the very beginning John D. Rockefeller was involved with this golf classic by serving as an honorary chairman, opening many doors for players to come and compete!
Butterfield Bermuda Championship was most recently played in 2007 at Port Royal Golf Course which is where it has been held every year since 1913 except 1923 when it was moved to Mid Ocean Club in Tucker’s Town due to renovations being made at Port Royal Golf Course.
On past occasions retired PGA Tour professionals have participated in the tournament including Paul Goydos who recorded his first ever hole-in-one on the 17th hole during a practice round before the competition began!
Playing The Butterfield Bermuda Championship Golf Course
The tournament is played on the 5,022 yard par 72 Port Royal Golf Course . The course was designed by Englishman Joseph “Bull” Strub in 1912 and has been challenging golfers from all over the world ever since!
Because Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory it calls its currency the Bermudian Dollar. As a result for Americans this means one US Dollar equals 1.00 Bermudian Dollars or simply $1 = $Bd 1.00
The Bermuda golf tournaments have not only inspired many to come play here but they have helped support the local economy as well with tourism increasing rapidly, especially during golf season (April-November).
Butterfield Championship Tickets & Prices
If you are interested in watching some of the world’s best golfers compete in Bermuda during the Butterfield Championship you will be happy to know there are plenty of options available.
For spectators, players and visitors who want to experience the action up close
The Clubhouse Restaurant offers packages for $75 which include:
- Entrance into the ground floor viewing lounge with reserved seating,
- Complimentary refreshments (beer, wine & soft drinks),
- Buffet lunch featuring local seafood specialties served by well trained Bermudian staff.
You can also choose another option that features all this plus an open bar on the upper level terrace overlooking Port Royal Golf Course !
Butterfield Bermuda Championship tickets start at $65 US Dollars per person and go up depending on what you would like to do.
Why Visit the Butterfield Bermuda Championship
If you enjoy golf and exotic vacations the Butterfield Bermuda Tournament is for you! Come see why it is such a popular destination for Americans and foreign golfers alike.
Not only will you have an opportunity to watch world class players up close but you can visit Bermuda’s many beaches, historic sites, museums and attractions as well. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed if ever given the chance!
What is there to do around the Butterfield Golf Course?
When you are not watching the game you could visit Cambridge Beaches for swimming and sunbathing, St. George’s Town to see local shops, restaurants and bars or even Snorkel Park Beach to enjoy some water activities!
If nature is more your thing Botanical Gardens can be found close by as well as Gibbs Hill Lighthouse which makes for an amazing photo opportunity if the lighting is just right.