Kim Swan is set to make his Butterfield Bermuda Championship debut after accepting the first of four sponsor exemptions for the PGA Tour event at Port Royal Golf Course from October 27 to 30.

The former European Tour professional was a teaching pro at Port Royal until last year when he stepped down to allow head professional Steven Lambert Jr to take over the reins.

“This special opportunity comes as I celebrate my 65th Birthday at Port Royal Golf Course, which I proudly serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees, as it enters its 53rd year of operation as a public golf course,” Swan said.

“As a senior citizen I've made a concerted effort to embrace a more healthier fitness-focused lifestyle; with this opportunity I aim to turn back the clock for one last dance in honour of all those who helped along my life's journey and lift up the Port Royal Golf Course for the great public golf course it remains today.”

While teaching, Swan offered free golf clinics to all ages. Through these clinics he would share past experiences and lessons learnt through years of playing and listening to his elders’ teachings.

In 2019, he celebrated the inaugural Bermuda Championship by hitting the honorary first tee shot, signifying the beginning of the first official PGA Tour event on island.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kim Swan into the field for this year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship,” said Danielle Baiunco, the tournament director. “Together we can make great impact through the game of golf that we all know and love.

“Our team is very excited to continue our work to provide advanced playing opportunities to Bermudian athletes.

“We wish Kim the very best of luck and have no doubt that the crowds will be out in full force to support their local advocate of the game.”

Three additional Bermudians will join the field, earning their spot through the local qualifying event.

One of the objectives of the tournament is to continue to grow the game of golf on the island through playing opportunities and exposure to golf at its highest level.

This October, Bermuda will host the first international Advocates Professional Golf Association event, followed in January 2023 by the American Junior Golf Association — both at Port Royal.