By the Caribbean Journal staff
The PGA Tour is set to add the island of Bermuda to its schedule next season.
The world’s highest level of tournament golf will debut the Bermuda Championship from Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2019, the first-ever PGA Tour event on the island.
The Bermuda Tourism Authority has signed a five-year agreement, through 2023, with the tour, as the title sponsor of the event.
“We are excited to add the Bermuda Championship to the PGA TOUR beginning next season,” said Ty Votaw, Executive Vice President, International for the PGA TOUR. “Bermuda is an appealing year-round destination, and the players will love visiting in the fall, plus we will be hosted by an outstanding golf course. It promises to be a wonderful opportunity to showcase Bermuda – a beautiful island destination that embodies genuine hospitality — to the world.”
It’s a boon for the island, and follows similar successful models by islands like The Bahamas that have pushed sports tourism and seen significant marketing benefits from focused TV attention.
“The Bermuda Tourism Authority is thrilled to have secured this pinnacle event in golf for Bermuda’s tourism industry and community,” said Kevin Dallas, CEO of the BTA. “We’ve had our sights set on a PGA TOUR partnership because of the significant economic benefit the event itself will generate for Bermuda’s economy as well as the worldwide exposure to their audience that perfectly aligns with Bermuda’s visitor targets.”
The tournament will be played at the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, designed by Robert Trent Jones, a par-71, 6,539-yard course. It’s not yet clear whether the course will be lengthened ahead of the event.
— CJ