Ben James enters the 2026 Butterfield Bermuda Championship as the betting favorite, with Corey Conners, Eric Cole and Kevin Yu among his leading challengers as the PGA Tour returns to Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda.
The tournament, scheduled for October 22–25, marks the fourth of eight FedExCup Fall events and carries a $6 million purse, with $1.08 million going to the winner.
According to the PGA Tour’s published odds listing, James leads the field at +1200, followed by Conners at +2200. Cole and Yu are both listed at +2500, while Andrew Novak and Chris Kirk follow at +2700.
The event arrives at a critical stage of the season, with several players seeking valuable FedExCup points to improve their playing status for 2027.
Ben James Emerges as Butterfield Bermuda Championship Favorite
James, 23, has quickly established himself as one of the rising names on the PGA Tour following a successful college career at the University of Virginia.
The American earned his Tour card through PGA Tour University and made his professional debut at the RBC Canadian Open in June.
His recent performances explain why he enters Bermuda at the top of the odds board.
James has recorded four top-five finishes across his past 10 PGA Tour starts, including a runner-up finish at the Biltmore Championship Asheville and a tie for fifth at the Bank of Utah Championship.
He also finished third at the Wyndham Championship, demonstrating his ability to contend against experienced professional fields.
Despite his strong results, James is still chasing his first PGA Tour victory.
The Bermuda Championship presents another opportunity for the rookie to turn a series of impressive finishes into a breakthrough title.
Corey Conners, Eric Cole and Chris Kirk Among Leading Challengers
Conners enters the tournament at +2200, making him the closest challenger to James on the PGA Tour’s odds board.
The Canadian is a two-time PGA Tour winner and has demonstrated his ability to compete in challenging conditions.
Both victories came at the Valero Texas Open, an event where wind can become a significant factor.
Cole is listed at +2500 as he continues his pursuit of a first PGA Tour victory.
His consistency and short-game ability make him another notable name to watch at Port Royal, where changing conditions can place greater importance on controlling approach shots and avoiding costly mistakes.
Yu also carries +2500 odds, while six-time PGA Tour winner Kirk is available at +2700.
Kirk enters the event seeking his first Tour victory since 2024. Novak, another player listed at +2700, is also positioned among the leading contenders.
Seamus Power Returns With Previous Bermuda Success
Former champion Seamus Power is another interesting player in the field.
The Irishman won the 2022 Butterfield Bermuda Championship, finishing at 19-under-par to secure his second PGA Tour title.
Power has demonstrated considerable consistency at Port Royal, making the cut in each of his six previous appearances.
He enters the 2026 tournament at +3300 on the PGA Tour’s listed odds.
His experience on the course could become particularly relevant if windy conditions affect scoring throughout the four rounds.
While several of the market leaders are making their first appearances at the venue, Power has already shown he can manage the challenges of Bermuda’s coastal layout.
Port Royal Golf Course Could Shape the Championship
Port Royal Golf Course measures 6,828 yards and plays to a par of 71.
Although relatively short by PGA Tour standards, the course presents challenges that go beyond distance.
Wind is one of its most significant defenses, potentially affecting club selection, ball flight and approach-shot accuracy.
The 2025 championship provided a clear example.
Strong winds contributed to difficult scoring conditions, particularly during the final round, when gusts reached approximately 40 mph.
The final-round scoring average climbed above 73 strokes, demonstrating how quickly conditions can change at the coastal venue.
For the 2026 field, effective course management and patience could prove just as important as aggressive scoring.
Defending Champion Adam Schenk Faces Difficult Title Defense
Adam Schenk returns to Bermuda after capturing the 2025 championship for his first PGA Tour victory.
Schenk finished at 12-under-par, one stroke ahead of Chandler Phillips, overcoming difficult weather conditions to secure the title.
The victory came in his 243rd PGA Tour start and helped transform his FedExCup standing late in the season.
This year’s situation is different.
Schenk begins the tournament ranked 163rd in the FedExCup standings, leaving him with ground to make up as players compete to secure their status for 2027.
He is listed at +15000 on the PGA Tour’s outright odds board.
A successful title defense would make Schenk the first player to win the Bermuda Championship in consecutive years.
FedExCup Fall Standings Increase Tournament Stakes
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship offers more than prize money and a tournament trophy.
Players will also compete for 500 FedExCup points, with positions in the season-ending standings determining important eligibility opportunities for next year.
A place inside the top 100 of the FedExCup Fall standings is particularly significant for golfers seeking fully exempt PGA Tour status in 2027.
That makes every strong finish important, especially for players currently positioned near the cutoff.
While James enters as the market favorite, the field includes established champions, rising professionals and experienced players who have significant reasons to pursue a strong result.
What to Watch at the 2026 Butterfield Bermuda Championship
The tournament begins Thursday, October 22, with several storylines worth following.
James will attempt to convert his recent consistency into a maiden PGA Tour victory, while Conners, Cole, Kirk and Yu aim to challenge the early favorite.
Power will seek to draw on his previous success at Port Royal, and Schenk faces the difficult task of defending his championship while improving his FedExCup position.
Weather conditions could also have a major influence on scoring, particularly if strong winds return to the coastal venue.
With valuable points, substantial prize money and PGA Tour playing privileges at stake, the 2026 Butterfield Bermuda Championship promises an important week in the FedExCup Fall season.
Odds referenced in this report are from the PGA Tour’s published tournament listing on October 20, 2026, and are subject to change.