Mackenzie Hughes (Photo by Raj Mehta/Getty Images)
RG's "Wednesday Fairway Focus" is a weekly look at golf's major tours. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights. In this installment, a big week on tap in golf: PGA TOUR in Bermuda, DP World Tour Championship set in Dubai, The ANNIKA brings out the stars.
Previewing the Week in Bermuda: Players to Watch and Key Insights for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship
As the excitement builds for this week's PGA TOUR Butterfield Bermuda Championship, here's what you need to know about the players to watch, the bubble boys, and the iconic course hosting this event.
Players to Watch
Mackenzie Hughs
As of now, Hughs stands at 51st in the FedExCup Fall standings, having achieved an impressive five top-10 finishes this season. Additionally, he earned a coveted spot in the Presidents Cup, showcasing his competitive edge and skill on the international stage. However, despite these accomplishments, significant work remains ahead for this Canadian, who is currently positioned 63rd in the Official World Golf Ranking. While Hughs has demonstrated he can hang with the big boys this season, his path to further success is still a work in progress as he looks to elevate his standing in both the FedExCup and the OWGR.
Nico Echavarria
Seamus Power
Although Power is not defending his title this week, he was the champion of this event in 2022. An unfortunate injury prevented him from competing as the defending champion last year. If the phrase "horses for courses" holds true, Seamus Power is an excellent pick this week in Bermuda. He has made the cut in all four previous appearances, with two finishes in the top 15, including that 2022 win.
The Irishman has had an impressive campaign in 2024, highlighted by three top-15 finishes in his last four starts. Currently ranked 116th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), Power is striving to regain his place among the top 50 in the world, a position he held as recently as early 2023 when he was ranked as low as 28th. Presently, he is positioned at 54th in the FedEx Fall rankings.
Bubble Boys: FedExCup Top 125
Wesley Bryan
Wesley Bryan is currently ranked 128th in the FedEx Fall standings and is close to qualifying for the top 125, granting him PGA TOUR status for the 2025 season. His performance in Bermuda this week is crucial for achieving this goal. Known for his exceptional short game and creativity around the greens, Bryan must secure a solid finish to solidify his place and continue his journey on the PGA TOUR. Could his first two-round playing partner, his big brother George, who is playing on a sponsor exemption this week, prove helpful? We will have to wait and see.
Joel Dahmen
"I want to keep my job out here," Dahmen said last Sunday after a T14 finish at the World Wide Technology Championship. He went on to add, "My story is not finished."
Dahmen became a fan favorite after being showcased on Netflix's "Full Swing." His self-deprecating humor and laid-back personality quickly made him a cult hero. But it was a heartfelt and authentic moment with his caddie, another fan favorite, Geno Bonnalie, that won fans over. Dahmen cares deeply.
This was evident last week when, even though he wasn't near the lead and wasn't competing for a win, he continued fighting to retain his card. Dahmen's tie for 14th was his third-best result in 28 starts this season. That performance was crucial, as it moved him from No. 124 to No. 121 in the FedExCup Fall standings, with only two events left. He would love to repeat that, or better, this week in Bermuda.
This Week's Track: Port Royal Golf Course
Port Royal Golf Course, situated in Southampton, Bermuda, is celebrated for its stunning ocean views and challenging gusty winds that require strategic play. Stretching over 6,828 yards, this par-71 layout may be on the shorter side for a PGA TOUR venue, but those formidable tropical winds pose a challenge and will significantly influence how players approach each shot. One of the signature holes at Port Royal is the par-three 16th hole, renowned as one of the most iconic on tour. This 235-yard beast is perched on a cliffside, offering dramatic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Players must demonstrate precision and adaptability to navigate these obstacles successfully.
The DP World Tour Season Ending Championship is Here
As we reach the climax of the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai, all eyes are now on this week's DP World Tour Championship, taking place at the Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course in Dubai. This is the 44th and final event of the year, where the top 50 players in the standings will compete for glory in this prestigious Rolex Series event. With Rory McIlroy holding the season-long points top spot—a position he is poised to keep—many additional stories are sure to unfold this week in the desert.
The Host Course: Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course
Nestled in the heart of Dubai, the Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course is hosting this week's championship for the 16th time. Recognized for its challenging layout and stunning beauty, the Greg Norman design has witnessed countless moments of drama and triumph since its debut in 2009. The Earth Course's design and environmental sustainability initiatives, including water-use reduction and the ban on plastic water bottles, make it a benchmark for modern golf tournaments.
Rory's Quest to Win the Race to Dubai
Rory McIlroy stands at the forefront of the Race to Dubai leaderboard, aiming for his sixth title. With a lead of 1,785.02 points over South African Thriston Lawrence, McIlroy's task is clear. Despite a year of impressive performances, a triumph here would cement his status as one of the greatest in modern golf — leaving him just two titles shy of Colin Montgomerie's record of eight.
The Importance of Finishing in the Top 10
Aside from the championship title race, a significant storyline involves the Race to Dubai rankings. Finishing in the top ten on the final points list is crucial, as it provides dual membership — eligibility for both the DP World Tour and the PGA TOUR in 2025. For many players, such as Rasmus Højgaard and Paul Waring, this represents a remarkable opportunity for career advancement, similar to former beneficiaries like Matthieu Pavon and Robert MacIntyre, who established themselves on the PGA TOUR.
4 Players to Watch Outside Rory
Thriston Lawrence: With five runner-ups this season, Lawrence needs a victory to challenge McIlroy's position at the top. Regardless of the outcome of that battle and his bid to upset the reigning leader, a strong finish will give Lawrence significant momentum heading into 2025.
Matteo Manassero: Once a golfing prodigy, Manassero's form has shone this season — earning a spot in Dubai. He's a crowd favorite, looking to capitalize on his momentum here.
Tommy Fleetwood: Known for his tenacity and resilience, Fleetwood's performance in Rolex Series events makes him a serious contender capable of captivating surprises.
Adam Scott: As a major champion with profound experience, Scott's presence at the championship carries weight. Fans and fellow competitors alike await his strides towards the top of the leaderboard.
Other players to watch include the fiery Tyrrell Hatton, fan favorite Shane Lowry, 2024 breakout star Robert Macintyre, and American Billy Horschel.
The Stars are Out in Florida: The ANNIKA Driven by Gainbridge
This week, the LPGA Tour will be in Belleair, Florida, for the 2024 edition of The ANNIKA, driven by Gainbridge, at Pelican Golf Club. Founded by Annika Sörenstam, this event showcases some of the best female golfers in the world in the beautiful setting of Pelican Golf Club. The tournament is part of Annika's ongoing commitment to the development of women's golf through her ANNIKA Foundation, which promotes young talent globally. This week's competition promises to be thrilling as top players gather to compete for the title.
Challenging Host Course: Pelican Golf Club
Pelican Golf Club is a par-70 course spanning nearly 7,000 yards. Inspired by Donald Ross's original design, with recent renovations by Beau Welling, the course features lush terrains, crushed quartz sand, and meticulously maintained greens. Players will face undulating fairways and the strategic challenges that define this historic course, making for an exciting tournament week ahead.
Defending Champ: Lilia Vu
All eyes will be on 27-year-old Lilia Vu this week. As the defending champion who won the title in 2023, she is poised for another strong performance this year. Ranked 3rd in the world, Vu is known for her grit and consistency on the greens, qualities she has demonstrated at Pelican in the past. As the reigning champion, she will aim to fend off a talented field, defend her title, and secure her 6th career victory. With 4 top 10s in 16 starts this season, including a win at the Meijer LPGA Classic, fans are eager to see if she can maintain her momentum and successfully defend her championship against a formidable lineup.
Nelly is Back!
Players to Watch: Ko, Zhang, Thompson
Aside from Nelly Korda, watch for Lydia Ko, Rose Zhang, and Lexi Thompson to be hanging around the top of the leaderboard this week. Lydia Ko, known for her remarkable consistency, presents a serious threat. Rose Zhang, a rising star, has quickly made a name for herself with sharp play and a youthful vibrance. Meanwhile, Thompson brings that experience and power as only Lexi can.
Star-Studded Wednesday Pro-Am
Adding to the week's excitement, the Pro-Am event scheduled for Wednesday features a roster of stars, with WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark headlining the field. The Pro-Am offers fans a unique glimpse of celebrities and players sharing the course, providing fun and engaging moments before the competition heats up.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
