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American golfer Austin Smotherman claimed his second PGA Tour title following a Monday play-off victory against Ireland’s Seamus Power at the weather-hit Bermuda Championship. The 32-year-old secured the tournament win by parring the third extra hole, marking his second victory in as many starts following a breakthrough win in Utah earlier in the month.
Weather Disruption and Play-Off Decision
Organisers were forced to cancel Sunday’s scheduled final round due to inclement weather at the tournament. With additional bad weather forecast for Monday, officials decided to scrap the final round entirely and proceed directly with a sudden-death play-off between the players who shared the lead after 54 holes.
Smotherman reached 16 under par through three rounds after carding scores of 65, 66, and 66. Power, the 2022 champion, matched that 197 total by shooting rounds of 66, 64, and 67.
Decisive Extra Holes at Port Royal Golf Course
The play-off began on the par-three 16th hole at Port Royal Golf Course, where Power missed a 20-foot putt for what would have been his third PGA Tour victory. He successfully recovered from a bunker to force a third extra hole.
For the deciding hole, tournament officials changed the hole location. Smotherman secured the victory by two-putting from 15 feet after Power failed to get up and down for par from the rough.
“We’re out here playing an incredible sport in a beautiful spot,” said Smotherman, as reported by BBC Sport.
“Whatever things are going to be thrown at us, Zak [Williamson, caddie] and I were going to be on top of our game,” he added.
Smotherman also praised the organisation, noting that yesterday’s conditions were handled well and the tour communicated clearly about Monday’s schedule. “To come out on top is a cherry on top, so it’s pretty awesome,” he stated.
FedEx Cup Fall Impact for Power
Although Power missed out on winning the trophy, his runner-up finish effectively secures his PGA Tour card for 2027 after competing with conditional status throughout the current year. Entering the week positioned 103rd in the FedEx Cup Fall standings, the 39-year-old is projected to rise to 53rd, with the top 100 players earning full PGA Tour cards for the following season.
“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.
“Hit some good shots in the playoff, just didn’t quite judge the wind right, but that’s golf sometimes. I’ll move onwards,” he concluded.
