The highest-ranked golfer at this week’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship is in one of his favourite places.

Irishman Seamus Power is the only player inside the world’s top 50 teeing off in the first round at Port Royal Golf Course on Thursday and he is not shy about radiating his love affair with Bermuda.

After competing in this tournament since it began in 2019, Power’s affection for the island developed when he was stranded on the island for two weeks after the 2020 event with Covid protocols and embassy closures contributing to a delay in getting his US visa renewed.

“I was so lucky to have friends here who showed me around,” Power, 35, said.

“It's just a different of style of life than I've ever seen. The water is just beautiful and the people here are nice, so it was fantastic. I got to see all over the island and really enjoyed my time.

”I didn't know much about the island before I came here the first time, but I've enjoyed my experience every time. It's unique, even something as small as the ferry coming across to the course. It's different and it's a beautiful place, and I’ve made some friends here over the years now, so it's a stop I really look forward to all year.”

Power’s love for the island does not extend to all modes of transportation and he will not be suffering the same fate as Grayson Murray, who broke a kneecap in a scooter crash on South Shore on Tuesday.

"I haven't yet ventured out with the mopeds,“ Power said. ”To be honest, I grew up in a rural place. I had a motorbike or a dirt bike a couple of times and It wasn't for me. My friends were driving me around when I was here and I had a tour on the shuttles, but no, I haven't quite ventured that far yet.”

Power has played consistently well at Port Royal and has plenty of experience of the course under his belt. No stranger to windswept golf, he may need to call on all his knowledge to safely negotiate the 18 holes.

“I think just being able to handle the wind is an advantage,” Power said. “This morning [Wednesday] was kind of unusual as the wind is not blowing much at all but for the most part you're kind of expecting 10, 15 [mph] or more. The course is designed for it, which I like. It helps you picture some of the shots with wind directions.

“I've seen it in all different winds at this point and it's just fun. There are all sorts of different shots here, uphill and down, which makes it fun to play, makes it challenging but enjoyable.”

As members of Port Royal will know, holes 13 to 16 are the most difficult stretch and Power is under no illusion they can make or break a round .

“I don't know what it is statistically, but I feel like that's probably it,” Power said. “But for the most part, I think the par 3s have the biggest bite here.

“The 213 yard, par-3 number 8 when it's playing into the wind, can be very tough. And obviously (the 235 yard, par-3) number 16, especially when the wind's blowing off the ocean there.

“At the same time, 8 and 16 are spectacular. When you walk back to number eight tee and then you turn back around, it's really our first time seeing the ocean on the course. I always think that moment is gorgeous there. You're just seeing the sunshine off the water and it's spectacular.”

Power became only the fifth Irishman after Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Pat Doyle and Peter O'Hara to to win a PGA Tour event with his triumph at the 2021 Barbasol Championship. He finished 12th at this year’s US Open and has played consistently well in Bermuda.

This week’s champion receives $1.17 million of the total $6.5 million purse and 500 FedExCup points. The winner is also awarded a two-year PGA Tour exemption, 20 Official World Golf Ranking points and berths in multiple tournaments, including the 2023 Masters, 2023 PGA Championship, 2023 The Players Championship and next year’s Sentry Tournament of Champions.

This could also be an extraordinary time for Seamus to improve his chances of competing in next year’s Ryder Cup in Rome, especially if he impresses European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, who is also taking part this week.