A hockey-style putter on the PGA Tour? Ben Silverman is causing a stir at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, aiming for a big win with an unusual grip. The rookie is 14-under par going into the decisive Sunday round, just two strokes behind co-leaders Seamus Power and Austin Smotherman, who are at 16-under. Saturday saw intense play on the wind-swept greens, but the Canadian remained unscathed and is ready for the showdown.
This Sunday will be a battle not just for the title, but also for the future. Silverman, 38 years young, is desperately fighting for his 2027 PGA Tour card as a rookie. His current standing? Around 143rd in the FedExCup Fall standings – he needs an outstanding result to crack the top 100. A victory or a top finish is more than just prestige for him; it's his license to keep playing.
The Putter Trick: Hockey-Style on the Green
The putter Silverman is currently dominating the greens with is not standard equipment. He uses a hockey-style grip from Caliber Golf. This flat, elongated design is intended to stabilize the hands and minimize unwanted wrist movement. He drew inspiration after seeing Tony Finau with a similar setup at the Bank of Utah Championship. Silverman swears by it: the grip feels natural in his palms and helps keep the putter face absolutely square.
And it's working! The putter switch immediately showed results. Silverman carded a 63 in his opening round, including eight birdies. Initially, he had to get used to the unfamiliar feel, but now he's comfortable with it. To pull such an ace out of his sleeve in the midst of a fight for his Tour card is quite a statement.
Tour Card in Jeopardy: All or Nothing?
The conditions on Sunday at Port Royal Golf Course? Wind is expected, and that won't make things easier. But this is precisely where Silverman's unusual putter could play to its full advantage. With stable hands and precise putts, he could keep the competition at bay. It remains to be seen whether this bold move will ultimately secure his 2027 Tour card and perhaps even bring him his first big win.
