Austin Smotherman secured his second consecutive PGA Tour victory by winning the Butterfield Bermuda Championship on Monday. He defeated Seamus Power in a sudden-death playoff after severe winds shortened the event to 54 holes, ending a 99-start winless drought.
The Playoff Finish
Severe weather forced the cancellation of Sunday’s final round, leaving the leaders tied at 16-under par. Smotherman and Power returned on Monday morning to play the 16th hole, matching pars on the first two extra holes before Smotherman claimed the trophy. Smotherman secured the win by two-putting from 14 feet after Power missed the green and failed to save par.
As reported by the Fulton Sun, Smotherman praised his caddie, Zak Williamson, for keeping them focused amid the disruptions. “We’re out here playing an incredible sport in a beautiful spot. Whatever things are going to be thrown at us, (caddie Zak Williamson) and I were going to be on top of our game,” Smotherman stated, adding that clear communication from the tour regarding schedule changes helped them prepare.
Seamus Power fell short in his pursuit of a third career title but maintained a positive outlook despite the difficult result. “Had a chance this morning, wasn’t able to do it, which is disappointing, but overall great week, can’t complain too much,” Power said, noting he hit strong shots in the playoff but misjudged the wind.
Equipment and Past Moments
Smotherman utilized Titleist equipment during the tournament, playing a Pro V1x ball to card rounds of 65, 66, and 66 alongside 17 birdies and an eagle. Golf Retailing noted that Titleist players claimed the top nine positions on the final leaderboard.
Before his recent success, Smotherman gained recognition for several viral video appearances within the golf community. These included a Golf Digest feature showing his wife covertly observing him at a 2019 Korn Ferry Tour event and a Korn Ferry Tour parody of the Seinfeld “Marine Biologist” scene, where Smotherman portrayed George.
The 32-year-old transitioned from going winless in his first 99 starts to collecting two victories in 101 career appearances. He will look to carry this momentum forward on the PGA Tour.
