Wait goes on for home players to sample weekend delights
The wait for a local player to make the cut at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship continues after Michael Sims, Nick Jones, Jarryd Dillas and Kim Swan all bowed out at Port Royal Golf Course yesterday.
The foursome went into the event keen to become the first Bermudian to achieve the feat, but ultimately came up short.
Starting the second round seven shots shy of the projected cut of minus five, Sims carded a one-under 70 to enter the clubhouse tied for 119th at one-over 143.
“I played well today,” the former Web.com Tour player told The Royal Gazette.
“Obviously could have been a little bit lower, but I made a few silly mistakes that cost me again.
“But I hit the ball well and putted really beautiful, so I was definitely a little more pleased with what happened.”
Tournament debutant Jones finished tied for 127th at five-over 147.
“I got off to a rough start,” he said. “We started in the rain and the wind, which I did not mind.
“I made bogey on the first hole and then missed an easy birdie on No 12. My putter kind of left me a little bit today, but it’s golf.”
Jones started the round five shots shy of the cut but likewise was also unable to make headway.
“I felt really good coming into today,” he added. “Putter was not quite rolling in and I learnt from these guys that you have to make these putts. You have to be good at putting, you have to be confident in your lines, you have to be confident on these greens, and I just did not have it today.”
Swan signed off at 28-over 170 which left him at the bottom of the leaderboard and playing for pride, having seen his hopes of making the cut dashed during the opening round.
“My aim was just play some good shots,” the government MP said. “That’s all I could I do; continue to play and improve the shots that I hit.
“What’s funny is both days I’ve played with the same golf ball that I started with. I was not in trouble, but my short game let me down, and that’s something I got to go work on.”
Dillas started the day three shots shy of the projected cut but was three over for the tournament with one hole left when play was suspended because of bad light.
“It was a disappointing day,” he said. “Obviously stopped on 18, so I have got two more shots to play.
“But it doesn’t take away from the experience. Yesterday [Thursday] was a lot fun, played really well.
“Today the conditions were a little tougher. Possibly we got the bad side of the draw, but that’s golf and no two days are alike.
“I really enjoyed it. It was great to have so many people come out supporting, even in the bad weather.”