Chandler Blanchet delivered a sensational round at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship: a 9-under 62, his season-best, catapulting him to the top of the leaderboard with a one-shot lead at Port Royal Golf Course.
What a round! The PGA Tour rookie carded two eagles and six birdies on his scorecard; only a single bogey marred an otherwise brilliant performance. Particularly impressive were the eagles on the par-5 11th and 17th holes. On the 11th, he fired a 5-iron to within 5 feet of the pin, and on the 17th, he drained a monster putt from 50-52 feet. That's pure magic!
In the penultimate group of the day at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, PGA Tour rookie Chandler Blanchet cards two eagles (Nos. 17 and 7) en route to a career low 9-under 62 and a one stroke led over four players. Blanchet holds the first-round lead/co-lead for the second
Auf X weiterlesenRoom to Move – or to Fall?
The course initially played amenable, with an average score of 68.5. Variable conditions, from gusty winds to calm spells, along with a few showers, resulted in a bunched leaderboard. Lurking behind Blanchet are Ben Kohles, Corey Conners, Danny Walker, and Ben Silverman, each with a round of 63. Jonathan Byrd, Emiliano Grillo, Mackenzie Hughes, and Chan Kim follow with 64s. It's still anyone's game!
Season on the Line
For Blanchet, currently ranked 114th in the FedExCup Fall standings, everything is on the line. Only the top 100 secure full PGA Tour status for 2027. His best finish this year so far was at the Puerto Rico Open 2026. Ben Kohles is also fighting for his Tour card, while other players are primarily looking to accumulate crucial FedExCup points. Those who make the top 65 and ties after Friday's second round will continue.
Blanchet's lead is indeed very strong, but also fragile. The first round was riddled with low scores, and the weather forecast promises even more wind for the weekend. It's going to be a battle!
