Rookie Blanchet Grabs One-Shot Lead in Bermuda
At Port Royal, Chandler Blanchet carded a personal-best 62 on Thursday, using two eagles to move one shot clear after the opening round of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. Ben Kohles, Corey Conners, Danny Walker and Ben Silverman share second after 63s. The rookie began the week No. 114 in the FedExCup Fall standings and is projected to improve significantly.
Blanchet, a first-year PGA Tour player, opened with a 9-under 62 at Port Royal, his best round on the circuit. He eagled the 17th from roughly 50 feet and the 7th from about five feet, added six birdies, and made one bogey. He played the par-5s in 5-under.
He entered at No. 114 in the FedExCup Fall and is projected to rise to No. 56; the top 100 retain full 2027 status. This is his second 18-hole lead or co-lead, following the Puerto Rico Open, where he placed second.
Blanchet’s strong opening round could raise his visibility and improve his chances of securing full tour status, affecting his career, sponsors, and fans who follow emerging players. A compelling leaderboard may also draw more attention to the Bermuda event and its host course, potentially benefiting local hospitality and tourism businesses, though the effect would likely be modest and short-lived.