Puerto Rico’s Rafael Campos, 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Champion, celebrates his win with the Bermuda Triangle Trophy. Campos, only the second Puerto Rican to claim a PGA Tour title on tour, since the late Chi Chi Rodriguez, made both Puerto Rico and the Caribbean proud.
(Southampton, Bermuda – November 19, 2024) – The 2024 Butterfield Bermuda PGA Tour Championship concluded with historic moments celebrating the shared legacy of Bermuda and the Caribbean in golf. The Honourable Kim Swan, JP MP was awarded the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA). His award presentation was followed by a milestone victory for the Caribbean, as Puerto Rico’s Rafael Campos became the first Caribbean Champion of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship PGA Tour, claiming the coveted Bermuda Triangle Trophy.
The Caribbean connection was further emphasised with the presence of CARICOM representatives, including Prime Minister Mitchell of Grenada, head of Caricom, who joined Bermuda’s Premier at the tournament. Representatives of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) were also on-island to witness the event, which underscores Bermuda’s strong ties to the region, particularly as the island advances its bid to upgrade its CARICOM membership from Associate to Full.
The award recognised Kim Swan for his lifelong contributions to the sport of golf, spanning his trailblazing playing career and his impactful work in politics and on industry boards, which have significantly shaped Bermuda’s golf legacy. Swan has been an advocate for making golf more accessible and promoting Bermuda as a premier golfing destination, using the sport as a platform to foster youth development and community engagement.
PGA Kim Swan Day 4 : (left – right) Hon. Owen K Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Sport & Culture; Kim Swan, JP, MP, Lifetime Achievement Awardee; Wayne Caines,
Reflecting on the honour, Kim Swan, JP, MP remarked:
"This award is humbling and reminds me of 1987 when I hired Bermuda’s first two women golf professionals and staged an International Ladies Pro Am in their honour - in the spirit of the power of belief, perseverance and in the potential of all - I envisage us hosting the LPGA Tour Pros in Bermuda someday. Golf has been my life’s passion, not just as a sport but as a means to create opportunities for all people and to showcase Bermuda’s beauty and culture to the world.”
Wayne Caines, Chairman of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, praised Swan’s enduring influence:
"Kim Swan has been a trailblazer in every sense, from his pioneering golf career to his dedication to making golf more inclusive. His vision and commitment have elevated both Bermuda and the region on the world stage. And his work inspires a legacy that will resonate for generations to come."
Tracy Berkeley, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, highlighted how this recognition aligns with Bermuda’s National Tourism Plan:
"Kim Swan’s life’s work perfectly embodies the principles of Bermuda’s National Tourism Plan. His contributions reflect the importance of connecting our cultural and sporting heritage with opportunities for community growth and inclusivity. We are proud to honour him during this extraordinary championship."
Kim Swan’s career has been marked by a commitment to breaking barriers—first as a golfer competing internationally and then as a leader dedicated to preserving Bermuda’s golfing history and expanding its accessibility. His influence continues to inspire young Bermudians, particularly those from underserved communities, to see the sport as a pathway to opportunity and growth.
Rafael Campos’ victory in the Championship is a groundbreaking moment for the region. The 2024 Butterfield Bermuda PGA Tour Championship’s grand finale marked the first time a Caribbean player won the Bermuda Triangle Trophy and only the second time a Puerto Rican—following the legendary Chi Chi Rodriguez—claimed a PGA Tour title. This achievement underscores the tournament’s growing significance as a platform for celebrating regional and global golf excellence.
Wayne Caines, JP, MP, Chairman of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, official presentation remarks attached.
About the Bermuda Tourism Authority:
The Bermuda Tourism Authority is an independent, dynamic organisation dedicated to growing Bermuda’s tourism economy while fostering opportunities for Bermudians. Guided by the National Tourism Plan, the BTA celebrates the island’s unique culture and history, ensuring Bermuda continues to thrive as a premier destination.
Tags: 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Champion, Kim Swan
Rafael Campos, Wayne Caines, Bermuda Tourism Authority