Rafael Campos fulfilled his dream Sunday in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. It has been a long time coming. It was one of those Sundays that perfectly captured the bonds that tie golf and family together. A tear-filled, champagne-soaked celebration on the 18th hole at Port Royal Golf Course triggered a deep sentiment that he couldn’t wait to call home.
Home looks a little different these days for Campos, 36, whose wife had her labour induced Monday so that Campos, who entered the week ranked No. 147 in the FedExCup Fall standings after missing 13 of his last 14 PGA TOUR cuts, could compete in Bermuda. He did not want to be here. He admitted that it was his own fault. But, given the nature of the game on this TOUR, every stroke and result is important.
It can be really important at times.
With with two events remaining in 2024, Campos appeared unlikely to maintain his full TOUR card. But after shooting a 9-under 62 on Saturday, 1 shot shy of tying the course record, he was solidly in contention for his first TOUR win. He delivered on Sunday, shooting a 3-under 68 to win by 3 shots over Andrew Novak at 19-under 265. He advanced to No. 80 in the FedExCup Fall standings. And the triumph means a lot more in terms of job security, special invitations, and a large family celebration soon.
There were certainly difficult moments on Sunday. No first-time PGA TOUR winner is immune to it. Although Campos birdied six and seven on his front nine, he also made two bogeys. He made back-to-back birdies on Nos. 10 and 11 after turning, but missed a short knee-knocker on the 14th par-4, giving the chasers a chance.
However, Novak recorded two bogeys in his final eight holes, while Justin Lower bogeyed three of his last five. Novak finished second, with Mark Hubbard and Adrien Dumont de Chassart sharing third place.
Campos, 36, who won on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2019 to earn his first TOUR card but has since hopped between circuits, said he was most excited about the possibility to choose a schedule for the next several seasons. That, he claimed, has been worrying him the most during the last 6 months, especially with a baby on the way. Perhaps, he suggested, it was weighing on him too heavily. This week, he put a lot of trust in his faith, and there were indicators, including the birth of his daughter on Monday. He stated there were a few reminders that God was with him during the competition, just like when he won The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club five years ago.
“When I won in Abaco in 2019, I remember feeling really tranquil, and there were a couple of sun rays that I would stare at, thinking it was strange, but I knew He was there. I had a few thoughts during the round. One was that years ago, I would always pray for or write down certain things. Ironically, about 12 years later, I discovered the note, and everything I want came true, but it took 12 years. You don’t have to pray until things like this happen; paradoxically, all of those things have happened.” Campos said.
Campos’ triumph was memorable for several reasons. A touring veteran who gave birth six days earlier wins his first TOUR championship on a windswept island reminiscent of his home country. But, speaking of his homeland, Puerto Rico, this victory occurred just 3 months after the death of Chi Chi Rodriguez, the most productive and inspirational Puerto Rican golfer in history. Rodriguez’s impact continues to permeate Campos, and he now hopes to be just as influential for the next generation at home.
“Obviously, Chi Chi was an inspiration to us. I only got to hang out with him a few times, but I know for a fact that back home they are partying like crazy right now, and I can’t wait to go back home in a week and a half to sit down with family and friends and enjoy what just transpired this week. I aspire to be a role model to the junior golfers back home. I know for a certainty that this will definitely benefit them, because they will realise, “Hey, man, he did it, he went through everything, he went through all the stages, and he was able to get a trophy on the PGA TOUR.” Campos said.
Campos lifted the trophy on Sunday evening, but he already felt like a winner this week. How could he not have? With a giggle, Campos revealed that he has long followed the PGA TOUR and seen guys who have only had babies start winning. Scottie Scheffler is the perfect example.
“I’m like, when my wife became pregnant, it’s either they already had the baby or they just won and my wife is pregnant and won. I’m like, God, honey, we need to start doing something.” Campos said with a smile.
That was quick.
“Now, it appears that such things come true. I can’t believe I’m sitting here with you, able to claim I’m a PGA TOUR champion.” Campos said.
