With a club that looks more like an ice hockey stick than a classic putter, Ben Silverman created quite a stir at the 2026 Butterfield Bermuda Championship, catapulting himself into the leading group with a stellar 8-under 63. Yesterday, on Thursday, the Canadian posted a bogey-free, brilliant round, placing him just one shot behind leader Chandler Blanchet, whose 9-under 62 set the benchmark.
Silverman's Caliber Golf Putter, custom-built for him in record time, is a real eye-catcher. With its longer, hockey stick-like grip and shaft, it's the answer to Silverman's preference for holding the putter with a palm grip, while the flat sides keep the clubface perfectly straight. Tony Finau had already caused a stir with a similar model earlier in January 2026, and Silverman didn't hesitate: He contacted Caliber founder Tim Wright, who crafted his personal model for Bermuda within six days.
The Unorthodox Grip to Success
Eight birdies without a single dropped shot – this first-round performance is truly impressive and shows that the unconventional equipment is perfectly suited to Silverman's game. For an entire season, he had repeatedly missed the cut by just one shot, even as his ball-striking was steadily improving. Now, the hockey putter seems to be the missing piece of the puzzle to finally swing the momentum in his favor. Friday also saw him at the top, where he intermittently held the lead according to PGA Tour reports.
Canadian Dominance in Bermuda
While Silverman's putter-fueled ascent is dominating headlines, the 2026 Butterfield Bermuda Championship is also a stage for the Canadian golf elite. Besides Silverman, compatriots like Corey Conners, who reached 7 under on Friday, and Mackenzie Hughes, also at 7 under, are competing and shaking up the leaderboard. With Chandler Blanchet's top round and other strong names like Ben Kohles and Danny Walker, things are really heating up in Bermuda.
