Nick Jones granted exemption to APGA Tour

Nick Jones fulfilled his ambition of earning a spot on the Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour after being granted full exemption to compete at that level next season.

The local professional had an incredible opportunity after finishing tied for fifth place in his debut at the Butterfield Bermuda APGA Championship at Port Royal Golf Course this week.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and honored to represent Bermuda and myself in the upcoming APGA season,” Jones expressed to The Royal Gazette.

“I feel like I have a clear path ahead of me where I can focus my efforts and hold my own in a highly competitive environment.

“I witnessed firsthand the dedication and determination of the APGA players, both in their physical training and mental resilience. These are skills that I hope to learn and improve upon.

“The first event in February will most likely take place at the renowned TPC Sawgrass, featuring the iconic 17th hole island green. This just goes to show the level of competition I’ll be facing in the 2024 season.”

Jones started the tournament strong, sharing the lead heading into the final round of the 36-hole event (reduced to 27 holes due to adverse weather). However, he slightly fell behind the leaders during his stroll around the par-71 course.

“I played well, and I’m pleased with where my game is at. I’m looking forward to next year,” he added.

“I hit the ball really well on the back nine, but the wet conditions made it challenging to sink putts.”

While he eagerly anticipates this wonderful opportunity, the 33-year-old knows that securing funding for travel and expenses to compete in APGA events in the United States will be a significant challenge.

“The biggest obstacle I face now is raising the sponsorship I need to cover the costs of touring because the tour is based in California,” Jones explained.

“The travel will be long and demanding, but nothing will stand in the way of me playing this season.

“I plan on participating in every event, regardless of the cost, so I can live my dream of playing golf around the world and meeting golfers from different countries who share my passion.”

Jones qualified for the event after securing one of the three available spots up for grabs at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship local qualifier at Port Royal in November.

Also flying the island’s banner was Chaka DeSilva and Arriek Douglas, with DeSilva finishing thirteenth at eight over and Douglas nineteenth at 13 over among the field of 21 players.

Jones, who made his debut in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship last year, now brings the number of Bermudians showcasing their talents on the APGA Tour to two as compatriot Daniel Augustus also competes at that level.

Fellow professional Augustus has finished runner-up twice on the tour since taking up residence in the United States, where he has also achieved nine victories on the Moonlight Tour.

American Michael Herrera won this week’s APGA season ending Butterfield Bermuda APGA Championship by two shots with fellow compatriots Chase Johnson and Aaron Beverly finishing tied for second to round off the podium.

Californian Herrera secured the $15,000 winner’s purse and the sole spot up for grabs at next year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal.

“To be able to come out and shoot in the red, with the conditions we had, is a great test and I am very pleased with my two rounds,” Herrera said.

The APGA aims to bring greater diversity to the game of golf by staging tournaments, player development programmes and mentoring programmes.