Lead Bermuda Expedition "Targeting Niche Markets"... Gay 'Title Defense'

'World Stars Largely Absent' Bermuda Championship Victory Bid, Korea's No Seung-yeol and Bae Sang-moon Declare Challenge

Patrick Reed aims for a 'niche market' at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

[Asia Economy Reporter Noo Rae Noh] "Dreaming of restoring honor."

It is Patrick Reed's 'Bermuda expedition.' On the night of the 28th (Korean time), at the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda (par 71, 6,828 yards), the 6th event of the 2021/2022 PGA Tour season, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship (total prize money $6.5 million), will open, where he aims to target a 'niche market.' The world stars all took a break right after the Zozo Championship (total prize money $9.95 million) held in Japan last week.

Reed is a player nicknamed 'Captain America.' His starting point was his exceptional fighting spirit in intercontinental golf competitions such as the Ryder Cup, where the U.S. and Europe face off, and the Presidents Cup, where the U.S. competes against the International Team. He has won a total of nine PGA Tour titles, including one major victory by winning the 2018 Masters Tournament. However, there has been much talk about his unique family background. His style clearly divides opinions.

Reed revealed a mischievous streak after entering the University of Georgia in 2008. He was expelled from the golf team due to incidents such as so-called 'ball tapping,' theft, and drinking. Even wearing the green jacket, he was not welcomed. He was criticized as "the most unpopular Masters champion." He often found himself in controversy due to verbal missteps. He is estranged from his family. His relationship with his parents deteriorated because they opposed his marriage to Justin, who is four years older. His wife is his manager, and his brother-in-law is his caddie.

He has frequently been at the center of golf rules violation controversies. In 2019, he received a two-stroke penalty for improving his bunker shot lie at the Hero World Challenge, and in January at the Farmers Insurance Open, he lifted a ball stuck in the rough. His performance has declined since these suspicious actions. His last win was at this year's Farmers Open. Since finishing 5th at the Memorial Tournament in June, he has failed to make the top 10 in nine consecutive events.

Brian Gay challenges for a consecutive win at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

The new season has also been disappointing, with a cut-off at the Shriners Children's Open and a tie for 68th at The CJ Cup. Improving his shaky shots, including his average driving distance ranked 204th (296.4 yards), fairway hit rate 159th (53.57%), and greens in regulation 172nd (66.67%), is key to winning. Defending champion Brian Gay (USA) is aiming for a second consecutive victory. He recalls the thrilling memory of winning last year after a playoff against Wyndham Clark (USA).

At that time, he achieved his fifth career win after 7 years and 10 months since the Humana Challenge in January 2013. In Korea, No Seung-yul (30, Jivent) is at the forefront. He has participated in three tournaments this season but failed to advance to the main rounds in all and withdrew from the Shriners Children's Open. Since returning to the field after his discharge in August 2019, he has struggled to improve his results. Bae Sang-moon (35, Kiwoom Securities) has joined. After finishing 69th at the Barracuda Championship in August, this is his first start of the new season.

No Seung-yeol dreams of overcoming his slump at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.