In the world of golf, Bermuda stands as a beacon for both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs. Nestled in the Atlantic, this island offers a unique blend of competitive spirit and community camaraderie, making it a must-visit destination for golf aficionados. Among its many prestigious events, the Johnnie Walker Classic at Ocean View Golf Course shines brightly, promising a thrilling experience for all who attend.
"Bermuda's Johnnie Walker Classic is not just a tournament; it's a celebration of the island's golfing heritage and community spirit."
The Story of the Johnnie Walker Classic
Bermuda's Homegrown Golf Tradition
The Bermuda Johnnie Walker Classic is a uniquely Bermudian event, distinct from its international namesake once held on the European Tour. This local tournament, sponsored by the iconic Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker, has carved its own niche in the island's golfing calendar. Organized by the Bermuda Golf Association (BGA), it takes place at the beloved Ocean View Golf Course in Devonshire Parish.
Since its inception, the tournament has grown in stature, reaching its ninth edition in 2026. It has become a staple for Bermudian golfers, who eagerly mark their calendars for this late September event. The Royal Gazette and Island Stats cover it with enthusiasm, reflecting the pride of Bermuda's golf community.
Ocean View Golf Course: A Bermudian Gem
The People's Course with a View
Situated in Devonshire Parish, Ocean View Golf Course is a cherished venue among locals. Unlike the resort-centric courses of Port Royal and Tucker's Point, Ocean View is truly the people's course, embraced by residents as their own. Its par-70 layout, perched above Devonshire Bay, offers stunning views of Bermuda's north shore.
"Ocean View's tight fairways and Atlantic breezes test every golfer's skill, making the Johnnie Walker Classic a true challenge."
The course's compact design demands precision and thoughtful play, rewarding local knowledge and course management. This unique character is why Bermudian players often excel in the Johnnie Walker Classic.
The 2026 BGA Championship Calendar
A Season of Competitive Golf
The Johnnie Walker Classic, scheduled for September 20 to 21, 2026, is a highlight in a busy stretch of the Bermuda Golf Association's championship calendar. Here's a glimpse of the events surrounding it:
- September 13: BGA Team Challenge at Port Royal Golf Course
- September 20 to 21: Johnnie Walker Classic at Ocean View Golf Course
- September 30: Bermuda Championship Local Qualifier at Port Royal
- October 1 to 2: Bermuda Championship Local Qualifier at Port Royal
- October 4 to 5: Bermuda Mixed Foursomes (venue TBC)
- October 15: Goslings Bermuda Open practice round at Port Royal
- October 16 to 18: Goslings Bermuda Open at Port Royal
- October 19 to 25: Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal
- November 13 to 16: Butterfield Bermuda Championship (PGA Tour event) at Port Royal
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship 2026
World-Class Golf on the Island
For those traveling to Bermuda with golf in mind, the Johnnie Walker Classic is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The Butterfield Bermuda Championship, part of the 2026 PGA Tour FedExCup Fall schedule, will take place at Port Royal Golf Course from October 19 to 25, 2026.
This prestigious event, hosted at the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed Port Royal Golf Course, draws top professionals from around the world. Known for its dramatic ocean views and challenging layout, Port Royal has been a fixture in the PGA Tour since 2019.
Golf in Bermuda: Must-Play Courses
Beyond the Johnnie Walker Classic
While the Johnnie Walker Classic at Ocean View is the main event, Bermuda offers a quartet of world-class courses that make any golf trip unforgettable:
Port Royal Golf Course, Southampton
Bermuda's flagship public course, home of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, offering championship-standard golf and breathtaking ocean views.
Tucker's Point Golf Club, St. George's Parish
An exclusive resort course with panoramic views, redesigned by Roger Rulewich, consistently ranked among the top in the Caribbean.
Belmont Hills Golf Club, Warwick Parish
Known for its challenging parkland layout and stunning views, Belmont Hills is a popular venue for BGA events and social golf.
Ocean View Golf Course, Devonshire Parish
The host of the Johnnie Walker Classic, offering a unique local golf experience with its challenging layout and scenic north shore views.
Why September is Ideal for Golf in Bermuda
The Perfect Month for Golf Enthusiasts
September is a prime month for golf in Bermuda, offering several advantages:
- Course conditions: Courses are at their peak after the summer season, well-maintained for autumn events.
- Weather: Warm temperatures and comfortable trade winds, with humidity easing by late September.
- Fewer tourists: Between summer and autumn peaks, offering more available tee times and less crowded venues.
- Golf calendar density: A high concentration of competitive events, energizing the island's golf community.
Travel Tips for the 2026 Johnnie Walker Classic
Planning Your Bermuda Golf Adventure
- Registration: Contact the Bermuda Golf Association at bermudagolf.org for tournament entry details.
- Location: Ocean View Golf Course is in Devonshire Parish, accessible via Number 10 and 11 bus routes or a short taxi ride from Hamilton.
- Nearest Airport: L.F. Wade International Airport is 20 minutes from Ocean View by taxi.
- Accommodation: Book at least four to six weeks in advance due to limited hotel inventory.
- Tee Times: Plan in advance for Port Royal, Tucker's Point, and Belmont Hills through their respective pro shops.
- Coverage: Follow Island Stats at islandstats.com for the latest tournament news.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Things People Always Want to Know
When is the Johnnie Walker Classic 2026 in Bermuda?
The Johnnie Walker Classic takes place on September 20 and 21, 2026 at Ocean View Golf Course in Devonshire Parish, Bermuda.
Where is the Johnnie Walker Classic held in Bermuda?
The tournament is held at Ocean View Golf Course, a par-70 layout in Devonshire Parish on the north shore of Bermuda.
Who organizes the Bermuda Johnnie Walker Classic?
The tournament is organized under the Bermuda Golf Association (BGA) championship schedule and sponsored by Johnnie Walker.
Is the Bermuda Johnnie Walker Classic related to the international Johnnie Walker Classic on the European Tour?
No. The Bermuda Johnnie Walker Classic is an entirely separate, locally organized tournament on the BGA championship schedule. The international Johnnie Walker Classic was a European and Asian Tour event played historically in Australia and Asia and has no organizational connection to the Bermuda event.
Is there a PGA Tour event in Bermuda in 2026?
Yes. The Butterfield Bermuda Championship is confirmed as part of the 2026 PGA Tour FedExCup Fall schedule, taking place at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda from October 19 to 25, 2026.
What other golf events take place around the Johnnie Walker Classic in September 2026?
The BGA Team Challenge at Port Royal takes place on September 13, one week before the Johnnie Walker Classic. The Bermuda Championship Local Qualifier at Port Royal begins September 30, one week after. The Goslings Bermuda Open at Port Royal follows in October, with the PGA Tour Butterfield Bermuda Championship from October 19 to 25.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event Name: Johnnie Walker Classic 2026 – Bermuda
- Category: Amateur Golf Tournament / BGA Championship Series Event
- Date: Saturday and Sunday, September 20 to 21, 2026
- Venue: Ocean View Golf Course, Devonshire Parish, Bermuda
- Course Format: Par-70, Devonshire layout
- Organizer: Bermuda Golf Association (BGA)
- Sponsor: Johnnie Walker
- Edition: 9th edition (anticipated)
- Entry/Registration: Through Bermuda Golf Association at bermudagolf.org
- Nearest Airport: L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA), St. George's, approximately 20 minutes from Ocean View Golf Course
- Related 2026 Bermuda Golf Events:
- BGA Team Challenge: September 13, Port Royal
- Bermuda Championship Local Qualifier: September 30 to October 2, Port Royal
- Goslings Bermuda Open: October 15 to 18, Port Royal
- Butterfield Bermuda Championship (PGA Tour / FedExCup Fall): October 19 to 25, Port Royal
- Butterfield Bermuda Championship (PGA Tour): November 13 to 16, Port Royal
- Official Golf Calendar: bermudagolf.org
- Tournament Coverage: islandstats.com
- Best For: Competitive golfers, Bermuda golf travelers, BGA members, golf tourism visitors combining local and professional events
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