While last week’s field was top heavy with the game’s biggest stars it’s a different story in Bermuda where hardcore fans can get to know some of the game’s lesser lights.

As entertaining as weeks like the CJ Cup are, the storylines to be found at this week’s tournament are at least as compelling (for different reasons, obviously) for those with a deeper interest in the professional game.

Throw in some exotic locations and potentially difficult conditions and you have all the ingredients for some interesting golf.

DEFENDING CHAMPION: Australia’s own Lucas Herbert broke through for his first U.S. victory on the back of a gritty final round in brutal conditions in 2021.

So strong was the wind on Sunday that tee times were moved up and play was even stopped for a period during the final round.

The 16th hole at Port Royal is not for the feint of heart. PHOTO: Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images.

Starting the final round four shots off the pace set by Canada’s Taylor Pendrith, Herbert found himself with a share of the lead by the 8th hole and alone at the top after long birdie putts at 12 and 14.

The finish at the Port Royal course is considered difficult at the best of times but in the brutal conditions Herbert’s run of pars to close out a one shot victory was impressive to say the least.

COURSE: Port Royal is one of eight golf courses on Bermuda, a popular holiday spot for northern hemisphere lovers of the game.

While not long (Port Royal is the third shortest course the PGA Tour plays) it is far from easy as was proved in last year’s final round.

While it relies heavily on wind to make scoring difficult it is rare that assistance is readily available with the site so close to the Atlantic Ocean.

A public course designed by Robert Trent Jones and opened in 1970, the layout is primarily used by holidaymakers and locals.

Given the nature of the wind, the fairways are generous and the greens are particularly big to account for conditions.

Scoring is dictated almost entirely by the weather as the winning totals of the first three Butterfield Bermuda Championships attest.

John Daly makes a rare PGA Tour appearance this week via a sponsors exemption. PHOTO: David Berding/Getty Images.

Brendon Todd was 24-under-par in 2019 while Brian Gay and Lucas Herbert were both 15-under in their subsequent victories.

The standout hole at the course is the long par-3 16th, allegedly once described by Ernie Els as possibly “the toughest hole you’ll ever play in your life”.

At 210 metres the hole can be almost unplayable in the wrong wind given there is little in the way of dry land between tee and green.

During the closing stages of a tournament, it must be a terrifying prospect with any ball mis-hit or pulled slightly left likely to find a watery grave.

RELATED: So-called expert golf tips for this week

PRIZEMONEY: US$6,500,000

PLAYERS TO WATCH: As noted it’s a less than stellar field in terms of star power but at this level there is never a shortage of talent.

While John Daly has attracted headlines by being given an invite, there is a host of emerging stars teeing up including South African Garrick Higgo and Ireland’s Seamus Power.

Both are already Tour winners but events like this week can help cement both confidence and standing in the game as they move up the rankings.

Among the more interesting names in the field is the DP World Tour’s only Polish player, Adrian Meronk.

Already a winner in Europe, Meronk has been given an invitation to Bermuda and will be looking to make the most of the opportunity.

This is his first U.S. Tour event and the course and conditions should suit him which makes it a significant opportunity.

Also worth watching this week is Korn Ferry Tour player Akshay Bhatia who won on the secondary Tour – in Bermuda – at the start of the year.

The 20-year-old is one of the more exciting prospects in the game and should feel comfortable both in the conditions and the field.

72-HOLE RECORD: 260 (-24, Brendon Todd, 2019)

18-HOLE RECORD: 61 (-10, Taylor Pendrith, 2019) 

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: Lucas Herbert (2021)

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Aaron Baddeley, Greg Chalmers, Harrison Endycott and Cam Percy.

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Friday (Fox Sports 505 4.30am – 7.35am)
Round 2: Saturday (Fox Sports 505 4.30am – 7.35am)
Round 3: Sunday (Fox Sports 505 4.30am – 7.30am)
Round 4: Monday (Fox Sports 505 4.30am – 7.30am)
*AEDT, check local guides