American handles coastal gusts to grab opening-day edge at Port Royal
American Chandler Blanchet produced a scintillating nine-under-par 62 to seize the clubhouse lead on a rain-swept opening day of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course.
Despite shifting coastal gusts, Blanchet lit up the Southampton layout with two eagles and six birdies against a solitary bogey, earning a one-stroke cushion over an elite chasing pack locked on eight-under 63.
Blanchet’s late masterclass eclipsed morning pacesetters Ben Kohles—who carded an astonishing 11 birdies in a rollercoaster round—Canada’s Ben Silverman, and American Danny Walker. Canadian Corey Conners was the lone afternoon starter to match that 63 benchmark, navigating the deteriorating squalls with a flawless, bogey-free card.
Bermudian hopes rested on Camiko Smith and Nick Jones, who both faced the worst of the afternoon conditions.
Smith remained within striking distance of the weekend cut after signing for a resilient, even-par 71 to sit tied for 90th, while Jones opened with a one-over 72 to leave himself facing an uphill task on Friday morning.
