The Bermuda Championship was confirmed yesterday as a stand-alone event for 2021 with prize money increased significantly from $4 million to $6.5 million.

It is to be hoped the enticement, along with the field growing from 120 to 132, will attract more of the game’s marquee players to Bermuda’s shores.

The PGA Tour said in a statement:

“Following this week’s announcements related to the fall schedule by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan during his annual press conference at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, the Bermuda Championship was announced as a stand-alone event for 2021.

“With the change comes several significant adjustments for the Bermuda Championship, taking place October 25 to 31 at Port Royal Golf Course, Southampton.

“Following discussions with HSBC, we have confirmed the cancellation of the 2021 WGC-HSBC Champions,” the commissioner said. “Although it is unfortunate to have to do so, we must ensure that we abide by the pandemic prevention policies of different markets, which may cause inconvenience to the players and make tournament operations very challenging. Therefore, after careful evaluation, we had to make this difficult decision to cancel the event.”

“With the cancellation of the HSBC Champions event, we are excited to announce that the Bermuda Championship will be played as a stand-alone event.”

With the field size expanding from 120 to 132 players with standard full-field eligibility, 500 FedExCup points will be awarded to the winner and the purse increases to $6.5 million.

Brian Gay earned $720,000 for winning in 2020.

As in 2020, tickets will be limited because of the pandemic. General admission tickets will go on sale starting September 20 and spectators can purchase tickets online, while quantities last, through the tournament website at bermudachampionship.com. Gates are open to the public from October 28 to 31; daily general admission tickets are available online only for $35.

The Bermuda Championship benefits more than 50 charities on the island through the Birdies for Charity Programme and Volunteer Charity Programme.