On 29 October 2026, Port Royal Golf Course in Bermuda marks 56 years since it opened. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course began welcoming golfers on 29 October 1970. In a statement released ahead of the anniversary, club representatives emphasised not only the course’s architectural and tournament history but also its role in making quality golf more accessible.
Location: Port Royal Golf Course, 5 Port Royal Golf Course Road, Southampton Parish, Bermuda.
A public course with a wider purpose
In the middle of the twentieth century, access to golf in Bermuda was constrained by social barriers and racial segregation. Public opportunities existed, notably at the nine-hole Ocean View course, but a championship-calibre public facility was an ambitious proposition.
Reginald “Reggie” Tucker was among the leaders who helped establish Port Royal and bring architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. into the project. When the course opened in 1970 as a government-owned public venue, it offered residents and visitors from different backgrounds a place to play on the same high-standard layout.
The anniversary statement also highlights the influence of Walter King, a Bermudian professional whose work at Port Royal helped encourage and mentor another generation of golfers. The club describes the opening as a significant moment in Bermuda’s broader move towards inclusion in sport.
The architecture that made it famous
Port Royal is an 18-hole, par-71 course extending to approximately 6,842 yards from its longest tees. Its rolling fairways and exposed coastal position demand a combination of accurate approach play and careful wind management.
Its signature is the par-three 16th, with a green set beside dramatic Atlantic cliffs. The tee shot, coastal exposure and ever-changing wind make it both a photographic landmark and a formidable competitive test.
A substantial restoration and infrastructure upgrade took place in 2008–2009, overseen by Roger Rulewich, who had worked on the original design team. The operator values the project at about $14.5 million. Port Royal hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf and has staged the PGA TOUR’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship since 2019.
A timely reminder from the 2026 Championship
The 16th hole played a decisive role just days before the anniversary. Strong winds forced the 2026 Butterfield Bermuda Championship to end after 54 holes. Austin Smotherman and Seamus Power were tied at 197 strokes (16 under par) and returned for a sudden-death playoff on Monday, 26 October.
All three extra holes were played at the par-three 16th. Smotherman and Power each made par on the first two attempts. On the third, Smotherman made par again while Power recorded a bogey, giving the American the title. The PGA TOUR’s official results confirm both the scores and the playoff sequence.
Access today and what the anniversary means
Port Royal remains a government-owned public golf facility. Golfers can still seek tee times without belonging to an exclusive private club, and the venue offers a driving range and short-game practice areas. Visitors should check current availability, rates and local playing arrangements directly with the operator.
The anniversary statement was issued on 28 October 2026 for the 29 October milestone. No verified anniversary green-fee promotion or new construction project has been announced in connection with it. The significance lies in the legacy of a public course whose most famous hole remains a major stage for professional golf.
Sources: Port Royal anniversary statement, Bernews, 28 October 2026; official Port Royal history; PGA TOUR official tournament result, 26 October.
