SOUTHAMPTON – Bermuda Ben CraneHe took advantage to a rare start on PGA Tour with his lowest score for 10 years, a 9 under 62, which gave him a one-shot lead going into weekend of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
Cranes last win was in 2014 at FedEx St. Jude Championship. It was before it was a World Golf Championship and a FedEx Cup playoff tournament. Since summer 2017, he hasn’t led after any round.
Five-time winner, he hasn’t played a full calendar since 2018, and has played in only 18 tournaments the last three year.
Crane, 46 years old, was debating whether to go as an alternate or show up in middle of Atlantic Ocean when he discovered he was granted a sponsor exemption. On Friday, he teed off with a wedge for eagle to tie his career low on PGA Tour.
Crane stated, Obviously played the most enjoyable golf Ive ever played and to be in this tourney is very encouraging. Really cool to shoot at 62. That 29 on my back, I didn’t see coming, but it adds together to 29. Super fun day.
Crane, at 14-under 128, was played with a good friend Aaron BaddeleyAmong those one shot from the lead was a 64-year-old named.
Also, there was one more shot Austin Smotherman, who was tied up until a late, three-putt bogey of 67, Adam Schenk (66), Robby Shelton(66) Ben Griffin (64).
Seamus PowerIreland is No. 48 was the highest-ranked player on the field with 65 shots and was two shots behind.
Despite having one of the weakest fields this year on the PGA Tour, the tournament has produced some interesting stories. Arjun AtwalThe 63-year-old, who hadnt played in the three months following his fathers death, opened with a 63. He was six shots behind the lead with a 71 on Friday.
Schenk was on his journey to the airport, when he realized he had left behind his clubs. This caused him to arrive a full day late.
He was ready and packed when his wife and he went in to see their dog.
He said, Walked right by the clubs that were stored in the garage, I showed up at the airport, opened the trunk, and they weren’t there. My wife and I looked at one another and said, Well, I guess I have to go back.
The Indiana native couldnt find a flight until Wednesday. On Tuesday, he found one out Boston and made his way to Bermuda.
