Canadian golfer Ben Silverman has surged into contention at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, sitting tied for third place at 12-under par through the opening two rounds after posting scores of 8-under 63 and 67 at Southampton, as reported by PGATOUR.com. The strong start provides a welcome turnaround for Silverman, who entered the week needing a performance boost.
Silverman’s performance has been partially catalyzed by a striking equipment adjustment: a hockey-style putter grip. The Ontario native adopted the flat-sided grip after observing fellow PGA Tour player Tony Finau using one weeks prior at the Bank of Utah Championship.
“I was like, ‘Let me see that, one second. What is that? It’s hockey, right up my alley, I’m a big hockey guy, love it,” Silverman said, according to PGATOUR.com. He contacted manufacturer Caliber Golf, and a custom grip arrived within a week.
Mechanical Advantages and Iron Play
Beyond its aesthetic appeal for hockey enthusiasts, the equipment features a distinct structural advantage. The grip is flat on both the front and back sides, allowing players to place more surface area of their palms against the club.
“It fits perfectly in my palms,” Silverman noted, as cited by PGATOUR.com. “I do a double interlock left-hand low grip, but you can literally hold it anywhere as long as your palms are on it and you’re going to be square to the face, so that’s what I like about it.”
While the putter grip has assisted on the greens—including five birdies during Friday’s round—Silverman’s iron play has driven much of his success. He currently ranks fourth in Strokes Gained: Approach at the halfway point of the tournament.
Stakes and FedExCup Standing
The mid-tournament success arrives at a critical juncture for Silverman’s season. He entered the week at No. 143 on the FedExCup Fall Points List, having missed seven of his previous nine cuts.
To secure full PGA Tour status for the 2027 season, Silverman requires a tournament victory or multiple high finishes over the closing stretch of the schedule. The current performance in Bermuda represents a significant step toward that goal, supported by improved confidence and equipment adaptation.