The Butterfield Bermuda Championship is shaping up to be one of the most tumultuous events of the 2024 PGA Tour season. As the penultimate stop in the FedEx Fall series, this tournament was expected to deliver high-stakes golf and thrilling competition. Instead, it’s been plagued by delays, withdrawals, and an ominous weather forecast that threatens to derail the entire schedule.
A Rocky Start: Delays and Cutlines
From the outset, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship has been at the mercy of Mother Nature. The opening round was delayed due to fading daylight and had to be resumed on Friday. The second round fared no better, with 11 golfers unable to finish their play due to darkness. These delays pushed the second round to Saturday morning, forcing players to hit the course at 7:00 a.m. local time. Within 26 minutes, the round was completed, and the cutline was set at 2-under 140, narrowing the field to just 75 competitors.
Round Three Tees Off Under Threat
Despite hopes for smoother sailing, the tournament remains in disarray. Third-round tee times were released late, with play rescheduled to start between 8:08 and 10:20 a.m. But the weather forecast paints a grim picture: a 70% chance of rain and thunderstorms threatens to suspend play once again. If this happens, the tournament might be forced into a Monday finish, an increasingly common scenario in this chaotic season.
Withdrawals Add to the Drama
Even before the opening tee shot, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship faced roster challenges. Chesson Hadley withdrew before the event, with Robert Streb stepping in to fill the spot. As delays mounted, two additional players bowed out during the second round. The PGA Tour has not disclosed the reasons for these withdrawals, but their absence further diminishes the $6.9 million tournament’s already struggling momentum.
Uncertain Finish Looms
If weather delays push the third round into Sunday or beyond, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship could face a Monday finish—a logistical headache for the players, organizers, and fans alike. With rain and thunderstorms looming, the event’s conclusion remains in limbo, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already chaotic week.
The Stakes Remain High
While the tournament grapples with uncontrollable elements, the stakes remain high for the 75 players who made the cut. With a $6.9 million prize purse and 500 FedEx Cup points on the line, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship could still deliver drama and excitement—if the weather permits.
Golf fans and players alike are now left waiting, watching the skies, and hoping for a reprieve from the relentless disruptions. Will the Butterfield Bermuda Championship salvage its weekend, or will the chaos continue? Stay tuned as this stormy saga unfolds.
