The Green Post Ireland
Irish golfer Seamus Power narrowly missed out on a third PGA Tour title after losing to American Austin Smotherman on the third hole of a sudden-death play-off at the 2026 Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
Power, who previously won the tournament in 2022, finished tied with Smotherman at 16-under-par before the American secured victory at Port Royal Golf Course on Monday, October 26.
The result denied the Waterford golfer a second Bermuda Championship title but secured his full PGA Tour playing privileges for the 2027 season.
Severe Weather Forces Bermuda Championship Play-Off
The tournament was reduced to 54 holes after severe weather forced the cancellation of Sunday’s final round.
With further unfavourable conditions forecast for Monday, PGA Tour officials decided that the title would be determined by a sudden-death play-off between Power and Smotherman.
Both players had completed three rounds at 16-under-par.
The play-off took place on the 16th hole, a challenging par-three overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, where strong winds made conditions particularly difficult.
Power and Smotherman Battle Through Three Play-Off Holes
Power appeared to have an early advantage after finding the green on the first play-off hole.
However, Smotherman recovered impressively from the rough, leaving himself a short par putt.
Power missed a 25-foot birdie attempt, sending the contest back to the tee.
Both players made par on their second attempt, with Power producing an excellent bunker recovery to keep his title hopes alive.
For the third play-off hole, officials moved the pin towards the front of the green.
Smotherman hit a strong approach, while Power’s tee shot finished in heavy rough to the left.
Smotherman Holds His Nerve to Secure Victory
Power struggled to recover from his difficult lie, managing to advance the ball onto the green but leaving himself a lengthy par putt.
The Irishman’s attempt missed, allowing Smotherman the opportunity to win with two putts.
Although the American’s first putt ran beyond the hole, he successfully converted the return attempt for par.
Power made his bogey putt, but Smotherman’s par was enough to secure the championship.
Second PGA Tour Win in Three Weeks for Smotherman
The victory marked Smotherman’s second PGA Tour title of October 2026.
He had claimed his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Bank of Utah Championship three weeks earlier.
His latest success in Bermuda continued an impressive run of form and added another title to his growing professional record.
Seamus Power Secures 2027 PGA Tour Card
Despite the disappointment, Power’s runner-up finish provided an important boost to his PGA Tour status.
The result secured him a full tour card for the 2027 season, although victory would have provided a longer exemption extending into 2028.
Power was seeking his third PGA Tour title, having previously won the 2021 Barbasol Championship and the 2022 Bermuda Championship.
His first tour victory also came after a dramatic sudden-death contest, when he defeated JT Poston on the sixth extra hole.
