Bermuda’s leading local golfers are competing against some of the best amateur players in the United States at Port Royal Golf Course this week.

Quinton Sherlock Jr, Adam Perry and Scott Roy are taking part in the 36-hole APGA Butterfield Bermuda Championship over the next two days, vying for a share of the $60,000 prize fund.

Sherlock, elected president of the Bermuda Professional Golfers Association this year, expressed satisfaction with his progress since returning to the island.

“It’s really great, and I’m very happy with the progress I’ve made on and off the course in terms of getting my feet back on the ground in Bermuda,” he said.

“I’ve been off the island for ten years, building some things in Ghana. Now is the chance to focus back on home soil and also put some time into my own game.

“To qualify for this event is rewarding because, when I was overseas, I couldn’t focus on myself as much. Now I’m starting to see the dividends of the work I’ve put in over the past 12 months, so I’m very happy with how things are panning out.”

The players earned their spots after finishing just outside the top three at the Bermuda Butterfield Championship Local Qualifier. Sherlock is confident in their chances of competing effectively.

“The three of us representing Bermuda can definitely compete in this field,” he said.

“Obviously, we have to bring our top games, but I think we have a realistic chance. Generally, the cut line of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship has been the winning score for the APGA event. Although we haven’t had a Bermudian make the cut, we’ve had some come close.”

Adam Perry, crowned Bermuda matchplay champion this summer, is managing his expectations, acknowledging that pressure has sometimes been his downfall.

“Normally, my downfall is setting big expectations, then playing myself out of them and disappointing myself,” Perry said.

“I’m just going to go into the week and see what I can do. I’m not playing as much golf as I used to, so I’ll just see if I can place well.

“There’s no cut line and a guaranteed paycheque, so I don’t have any expectations. These guys are playing for a cheque every week and doing it for a living, whereas I played a bit in college and realised it was too tough to make it. These guys are giving it a go, which I respect, but I definitely don’t play well enough to make a cheque every single week.”

Scott Roy, who competed in last year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship, is confident in his ability to challenge the overseas players.

“The days of putting pressure on myself are long gone, but I’ve definitely got the game to compete, and I don’t feel like an underdog in the event,” Roy said.

“I know the course well, I know my game, and I feel good. I’ll just go out there and let it happen.

“I played Port Royal in the PGA Tour last year, so hopefully that experience will help me. The confidence of playing on a large stage helps, but it’s still just a golf tournament. I’ll be happy to play well regardless of where I finish.”

Roy, aware of the age gap between himself and many competitors, has adapted his game accordingly.

“I enjoy competing. I know I’m almost 20 years older than half these guys, and I just want to have fun,” said the 42-year-old.

“I’m good friends with young Adam Perry. He’s a phenomenal player and hits the ball a mile. I’m not going to try to hit it as hard as he does, so I’ll navigate it a little differently.

“Port Royal isn’t lengthy, so you don’t have to hit driver everywhere. I’ll rely on my short game and avoid forcing anything.”

Roy’s main goal is to finish the tournament with no regrets.

“I want to leave everything I have on the golf course,” he said.

“I don’t want to come off and say, ‘I could have done this or I should have done that.’ I’ve always had a goal that if I shoot one, two or three under, I’ll place well.

“I’m just excited to be playing with these guys and happy to be part of it.”

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