Witness the incredible journey of Adam Schenk as he embraces his first-ever PGA TOUR victory. With 243 starts under his belt, Schenk finally tasted success in Bermuda. Despite the challenging conditions, including high winds and a chilly breeze, he persevered.
Schenk’s unique putting strategy, involving one-handed putts, added an intriguing element to his game. He shared his thoughts on finding the right approach and the importance of belief in his process.
The win not only secured his exemption from PGA TOUR Q-School but also granted him a multi-year exemption on TOUR. Schenk expressed his relief and excitement, especially as it meant more time with his family.
Join us as we relive the moments leading up to Schenk’s victory, his post-win interviews, and the emotional impact of this achievement. It’s a story of resilience, belief, and the power of a good putting stroke.
Imagine chasing a dream for years, facing setbacks and doubts, only to finally grasp it in the most unexpected way. That’s precisely what happened to Adam Shank at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. After 243 PGA Tour starts, the golfer clinched his first ever victory, a moment he described as surreal. But here’s where it gets interesting. His triumph wasn’t just about skill. It was a quirky blend of determination, a coffee stained sweater, and a rather unorthodox putting strategy. Shanks journey to the winner’s circle was far from smooth. He arrived in Bermuda, prepared for a tropical getaway, packing only one sweater. Little did he know, the island’s blustery winds and chilly ocean breeze would turn his wardrobe choice into a running joke. That single sweater, stained with coffee from an earlier mishap, became his lucky charm, worn through most of the tournament. I’m a little embarrassed because these stains happened like on Friday, Jenk confessed. I haven’t taken it off. Probably doesn’t smell too good. But as he quipped, “Whatever works works.” And this time it worked wonders, imbuing the sweater with the sweet scent of victory. It’s almost reminiscent of how athletes develop pregame rituals or superstitions, believing those actions contribute to their success. Do you have any lucky items or routines you rely on? Shanks final round was a testament to his resilience. Tea times were moved up due to the anticipated wind, making the already challenging Port Royal Golf Course even more treacherous. Despite the conditions, Shank managed a steady performance, carding an even par 71. He secured a single birdie in his first 14 holes, a testament to the course’s difficulty before a bogey on the 15th threatened to derail his chances. However, he held his nerve, finishing with three consecutive pars to secure the win by a single shot. This win is a stark contrast to the season he had been having. And this is the part most people miss. Shanks victory wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was a major career boost. Prior to Bermuda, Shanks season was underwhelming with only 11 cuts made in 27 starts. Two sets of six missed cuts in a row. I knew it was bad, he admitted. The win catapulted him from number 134 to number 67 in the FedEx Cup fall standings, guaranteeing him a multi-year exemption on the tour. A massive relief. Winning’s great. It’s awesome. But like not having to go to Q school is so big and having 2 years exempt. This exemption provides him with stability and the opportunity to further refine his game without the constant pressure of qualifying. But here’s where it gets controversial. Shanks putting strategy throughout the week was, shall we say, unconventional. He spent most of the time putting one-handed. Yes, you read that right. I think the answer I came up with is there is no answer, Cheng joked, illustrating his seemingly carefree approach. He even practiced his one-handed putting in his hotel room using the carpet subtle slopes to his advantage. While he acknowledged that a single-handed approach might not be ideal for short putts in windy conditions, he adapted by resting his left hand lightly on the grip. This unorthodox method culminated in a nerve-wracking putt on the 72nd hole to seal the victory. He decided to trust his instincts in that moment. It was so windy on the last hole. My best chance to hit it is just get up, do your process, and hit it. If you’re going to miss it, miss it quick, but don’t sit there and think about it forever. It paid off. Some might argue that such an unconventional technique is unsustainable in the long run, while others might see it as a testament to Shanks adaptability and mental fortitude. What do you think? Can such unorthodox methods lead to sustained success in professional golf? Beyond the trophy and the career boost, Shanks victory meant avoiding the dreaded PGA Tour Q school, which would have meant more time away from his two sons and his dog, Bunker. Family is clearly a priority. He expressed his excitement about celebrating with close friends, although he admitted that his responsibilities as a father of young children would keep the festivities relatively tame. He left Bermuda with his lucky coffin sweater and a trophy, a tangible symbol of his long- awaited triumph. It’s a story of perseverance, a little bit of luck, and a whole lot of self-belief. It begs the question, does belief in yourself and your methods trump traditional or correct technique even in a sport as precise as golf? Share your thoughts in the comments.
