Bermuda’s small island economy is punching well above its weight in the world of sports tourism, and golf (specifically the PGA Tour) is at the forefront of that growth. With the Bermuda Tourism Authority announcing more than $32 million in new tourism contracts during 2025, a significant portion of that funding has been earmarked to support high-profile sports events, including extended partnerships with the PGA Tour that will keep elite golf on the island for years to come.
For Bermuda, leveraging golf tourism isn’t just about hosting a single tournament; it’s about building a year-round identity around world-class sporting events that attract visitors globally, boost local spending, and elevate the island’s profile as a destination far beyond its beaches and pink-sand shores.
The PGA Tour’s Extended Presence in Bermuda
At the heart of golf’s contribution to Bermuda’s tourism strategy is the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, the island’s official PGA Tour stop. The tournament, held annually at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, has quickly become one of the most scenic and talked-about events on the fall FedExCup schedule.
In 2025, the BTA allocated more than $17.3 million of its tourism contracts to continue its sponsorship of the PGA Tour through 2028, ensuring that the Butterfield Bermuda Championship remains a staple for years to come. This multi-year commitment reflects not just financial investment, but strategic intent: golf tourism is now a cornerstone of Bermuda’s broader tourism and economic growth plan.
“The PGA TOUR is honored to be a continued guest of Bermuda each year for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, both a critical component to our FedExCup schedule and a key economic driver for the local community,” Tyler Dennis, PGA TOUR chief competitions officer, said. “We are eager to build on our relationship with Bermuda alongside the continued support of a fantastic partner in Bermuda Tourism Authority.”
And the impact isn’t theoretical. The PGA Tour’s global broadcast reach guarantees that Bermuda’s dramatic landscapes, from lush fairways to ocean vistas, are seen by millions of viewers worldwide each year.
“The Bermuda Tourism Authority is proud to continue our partnership with the PGA TOUR and the Butterfield Bermuda Championship,” Erin Wright, acting CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, said. “This event has showcased our island’s beauty and the challenging, camera-friendly design of Port Royal Golf Course to millions worldwide, cementing Bermuda’s place among the world’s top golf destinations.
“Equally important has been the local involvement on and off the course, the charitable giving that has touched so many lives, and the millions in economic impact that benefit our entire community. We look forward to building on this legacy in the years to come.”
Economic Impacts and Beyond
Hosting a PGA Tour event delivers more than just media impressions; it drives real dollars into Bermuda’s economy. Visitors drawn by the Butterfield Bermuda Championship spend on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment, injecting cash into multiple sectors. Combined with other sports partners like SailGP (which brought in $4.9 million in economic impact at the 2024 event), sports tourism is helping counteract seasonal dips in visitor numbers and encourage tourism outside traditional peak times.
Local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic and extended stays, and the longer schedule of events tied to Bermuda’s sports calendar encourages planners to look past quick weekend visits toward more immersive vacations.
According to Bernews, the golf event in 2023 “contributed $17.7 million to Bermuda’s economy.” The KPMG Economic Impact Report, commissioned by the BTA, detailed the return on investment tied to the tournament’s sponsorship and overall delivery.
Notably, the 2023 results represented an increase from the $17 million generated in 2022, highlighting steady year-over-year growth tied directly to the PGA Tour’s presence on the island. Economic results for the 2024 and ’25 tournaments have not yet been disclosed.
Golf tourism also helps support community engagement. Local spectators have the opportunity to watch world-class golf close-up, and ancillary activities–such as fan zones, pro-am events, and hospitality activations–draw both residents and visitors together. These events have enhanced cultural exchange, created volunteer opportunities, and helped unite the community around global sports.
Port Royal and Bermuda’s Golf Brand
The setting of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, the historic Port Royal Golf Course, plays a key role in the island’s golf tourism appeal. Designed by Robert Trent Jones and celebrated for its dramatic cliffside holes, Port Royal provides a unique backdrop that differentiates Bermuda from mainland tour stops.
The course is a par-71 layout stretching just over 6,800 yards, but its coastal exposure and elevation changes create a challenge that goes beyond distance. Several holes play directly along the Atlantic Ocean, with strong winds, narrow fairways, and dramatic elevation drops forcing players to prioritize precision over power. The course’s signature 16th hole, a par-3 set atop rugged cliffs, has become one of the most recognizable visuals on the PGA Tour schedule.
How SailGP Complements Bermuda’s Sports Tourism Strategy
SailGP, an international high-speed sailing league featuring national teams competing in identical catamarans, has become a key part of Bermuda’s sports tourism strategy alongside golf. The event adds another globally recognized competition to the island’s calendar and showcases Bermuda’s ability to host elite sporting events beyond traditional land-based sports.
In 2024, SailGP generated a global audience of more than 13.5 million viewers, along with 41.2 million social media interactions. The event also attracted over 4,200 attendees to the island and produced an estimated $4.9 million in economic impact, further boosting local tourism.
Building on that success, the 2026 Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix is expected to further elevate the island’s global exposure as one of SailGP’s flagship events.
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