Defending champion Adam Schenk and rising PGA Tour rookie Ben James entered the 2026 Butterfield Bermuda Championship with different expectations but a shared challenge: managing the unpredictable coastal conditions at Port Royal Golf Course.
In a Golf Channel report presented by Gabby Herzig on October 21, the two golfers discussed their preparations for the tournament, which began Thursday in Southampton, Bermuda.
Schenk returned to the venue where he claimed his first PGA Tour victory in 2025, while James arrived as one of the pre-tournament favorites following three consecutive top-five finishes.
Both players identified ball-flight control and consistency as important factors ahead of a championship expected to encounter stronger winds over the weekend.
Adam Schenk Returns to the Site of His First PGA Tour Victory
Schenk’s victory at the 2025 Butterfield Bermuda Championship remains one of the most memorable moments of his career.
The American finished at 12 under par, one stroke ahead of Chandler Phillips, securing his first PGA Tour title in his 243rd start.
His final-round performance came in exceptionally difficult conditions, with wind gusts approaching 40 mph.
Rather than relying on aggressive scoring, Schenk managed the conditions with controlled shots, creative recovery play and important putts.
During his October 21 pre-tournament press conference, Schenk explained that the wind forced competitors to pay particular attention to trajectory and spin.
He also said putting was perhaps the hardest part of the experience.
Strong gusts occasionally caused balls to oscillate on the putting surfaces, while the wind could change how putts broke toward the hole.
Schenk believes that experience gives him valuable knowledge of how to approach Port Royal when the weather deteriorates.
Schenk Believes Windy Conditions Could Suit His Game
Although some players might prefer calmer weather, Schenk indicated that demanding conditions could work to his advantage.
The defending champion explained that he generally feels comfortable on courses requiring additional strategy and creativity.
Keeping the ball low and controlling its flight are among the skills he considers particularly useful when the wind strengthens.
He also discussed his ability to produce controlled approach shots when other players struggle with distance and direction.
However, Schenk acknowledged that defending his title would not be straightforward.
He entered the tournament following a difficult season and admitted that his recent results had fallen below his expectations.
Despite those struggles, he expressed confidence that changes to his swing and greater freedom in his ball striking could help him improve.
His actual opening round proved challenging. Schenk shot a four-over-par 75 on Thursday, leaving him well behind the early leaders.
Ben James Focuses on Consistency Despite Rising Expectations
While Schenk carried the experience of winning at Port Royal, Ben James arrived for his first appearance at the Bermuda Championship.
The 23-year-old American has emerged as one of the PGA Tour’s promising young players after an impressive transition from college golf at the University of Virginia.
James entered the tournament having recorded three consecutive top-five finishes, establishing himself as one of the leading contenders in the field.
Despite the growing attention, he emphasized maintaining the habits that helped him achieve those results.
During his official press conference, James said he was concentrating on daily preparation, practice and improving his game rather than focusing too heavily on tournament expectations.
He also acknowledged that professional golf brings additional responsibilities beyond competition, including sponsor commitments and other off-course activities.
James has continued working with coach Todd Anderson as he adapts to life on the PGA Tour.
For the rookie, consistency in preparation remains an important part of managing the pressure associated with his recent performances.
Ben James Plans to Control Ball Flight at Port Royal
James recognized that wind would play an important role during his first visit to Bermuda.
He explained that controlling high and low trajectories and managing iron distances would be particularly important on the exposed coastal course.
His preparation draws on previous experience competing in windy conditions during college golf and at the U.S. Open.
James also recalled watching Schenk’s remarkable low-running shot at the 17th hole during the 2025 championship.
That moment provided an example of the creativity required when conventional high shots become difficult to control.
The rookie highlighted the par-3 16th as another demanding challenge.
Its position near the Atlantic Ocean means the wind can change direction and affect both club selection and the intended ball flight.
Rather than outlining a complicated strategy, James emphasized committing to the shot demanded by the conditions.
Weather Forecast Raises Concerns for Bermuda Championship Weekend
Port Royal Golf Course measures 6,828 yards and plays to a par of 71.
Although relatively short by PGA Tour standards, the course has earned a reputation for difficult coastal conditions.
Golf Channel’s October 19 forecast suggested that Saturday could bring sustained winds of 20–25 mph, with gusts reaching 25–30 mph.
Sunday’s earlier forecast called for sustained winds of 23–28 mph and gusts potentially reaching 30–35 mph.
Rain was also considered possible during both days.
Those numbers were forecasts issued before tournament play and should not be confused with observed weather.
According to the PGA Tour’s official first-round notes, Thursday brought mostly cloudy conditions, occasional rain and westerly winds of 8–13 mph, gusting to 18 mph.
The relatively manageable opening-day conditions helped create opportunities for low scoring.
Chandler Blanchet Takes First-Round Lead as Schenk Struggles
The championship’s opening round produced an impressive performance from PGA Tour rookie Chandler Blanchet.
Blanchet carded a nine-under-par 62 on Thursday, making two eagles to establish a one-shot advantage.
Ben Kohles, Ben Silverman, Danny Walker and Corey Conners followed with rounds of 63, placing them at eight under.
The scores demonstrated that Port Royal can produce low rounds when conditions allow players to attack.
For defending champion Schenk, however, the opening day was considerably more difficult.
His 75 left him at four over, 13 strokes behind Blanchet after the first round.
The result increased the challenge facing Schenk as he attempted to defend his title.
With the possibility of stronger weekend winds, the championship could still demand the adaptability that proved so important during his 2025 victory.
FedExCup Fall Stakes Add Pressure at Port Royal
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship represents the fourth tournament in the eight-event FedExCup Fall series.
The tournament carries a $6 million purse, with $1.08 million and 500 FedExCup points awarded to the winner.
Players are also competing to improve their positions ahead of the 2027 season.
Finishing inside the top 100 of the final FedExCup Fall standings provides an important route to full-field PGA Tour eligibility.
For James, improving his position could also create opportunities to qualify for additional Signature Events.
During his pre-tournament interview, he stressed that his main objective remained maintaining a positive attitude and continuing to develop his game.
What Comes Next at the 2026 Bermuda Championship?
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship continues through Sunday, October 25, with stronger coastal winds potentially becoming a significant factor during the final two rounds.
Schenk faces an uphill battle after his opening 75, while James will attempt to build on the consistent performances that made him a pre-tournament favorite.
The contrast between the experienced defending champion and the emerging rookie remains an interesting storyline.
Both players entered the tournament emphasizing preparation, shot control and the importance of adapting to Port Royal’s changing conditions.
As the championship progresses, those qualities could become increasingly important if the predicted weekend weather develops.