Hideki Matsuyama may have clinched the Sony Open in dramatic fashion recently in Hawaii, but one other name also stood out at the tournament: Seamus Power. A tie with Kevin Kisner in third place helped the 34 year old from Waterford, in Ireland, to break into the top 50. Power has shown grit and determination, proving he has what it takes to carve out a promising future. Below is a greater look at Power, his performance and how far he could go.
The tournament came to a thrilling climax as Masters champion Matsuyama scored an eagle on the first hole in a playoff, finding his form when he needed it most, and defeated Russell Henley. Henley had moved ahead by five shots, but the champ forced a tie breaker with a final round of 63.
Power, meanwhile, hit five under par with 65 on the last day. He joined the American Kevin Kisner at 19 under par. The two tied in third place, following masterful birdies on the last two holes by Power, which would carry him into 49th in the world.
It’s been something of a dizzying 12 months for the Irishman. A year ago, Power was way down in the rankings at 434th in the world and since then has fought his way into the top 50.
A win at the Barbasol Championship, in Kentucky, last July catapulted Power up the rankings. It was a maiden win for Power, which he did by playing six extra holes in a playoff to secure victory over J.T. Poston. The American had been looking good throughout the tournament and appeared to be on his way to an easy win, but a wayward drive sent things gradually downhill for him. His par 15th – 5 shot was ruled out of bounds by inches and allowed Power to mount a comeback and push for a playoff.
The playoffs were tense, with both players responding well to the pressure and the holes and pushing each other to another playoff. The playoffs finally unravelled for Poston on the 18th hole, which was being played for a fourth time, when his tee shot hit the water and his approaching one missed the green. Power held his nerve and delivered on the sixth playoff hole to take the championship. It was an opportunity Poston will rue.
Power may consider himself extremely lucky, but this success from a man who would have probably become an accountant comes as the result of sheer grit, not to mention patience. He has had to play through the eGolf mini tour, the aim of mini tours being progression and development, and also through the Korn Ferry tour, which is for professionals who haven’t yet qualified to take part in the PGA Tour.
Then there are five years on the PGA with various statuses. Oh, and the small matter and dismay of contracting COVID-19 nine months ago. This misfortune forced him to miss vital starts and had him fearing for his future.
But he’s fought his way through it all. His perseverance has now earned him exemption on tour until the end of 2023, plus direct entry into the Players and the US PGA Championship next year. Unfortunately for Power, it’s not enough to secure him an exemption into the Masters, but he has forged himself a place in the limited field for next year’s entry into the Sentry Tournament, in Hawaii, which is confined to winners of the previous season only.
The jump from 210th to 113th that the Barbasol victory brought with it has also carried Power a little closer to the important rankings in which the top 50 at the end of the year and again in the week ahead of the tournament get cherished Masters tickets. He still has a journey ahead of him, but this potential new goal gives him everything to play for now.
The win has boosted him in the Fed Ex standings as well, bumping him up from 126th to 69th. Now he can look ahead to the playoffs, which offer not only the chance of a five-year PGA tour exemption for the championship winner, but also the opportunity to seriously fatten up his bank account for a good while if he’s unable to produce his form in other tournaments.
Power’s grit and determination could take him all the way. He has spirit, drive and the will to not let setbacks grind him down. He’s battled and battled since July, delivering a blistering run of form. In his first seven starts of the 2021/22 season, he’s finished in a top five position and is now just one spot behind fellow Irishman Shane Lowry.
There are times when it’s looked all over for Power in tournaments, but he’s proved you should never count him out. In fact, you might even wish to place a bet on him. Perhaps it’s on whether he’ll take the Masters. You might fancy him or other players to score a birdie or an eagle. You may even bet against him slightly and predict a bogey that takes him over par.
However you choose to bet, one thing is abundantly clear: Seamus Power has an amazing future still ahead of him in golf. His guts and determination have driven him to make that all-important breakthrough and let the top players know he’s out to mix it with the best of them and succeed. John Rahm, Dustin Johnson and the rest of the gang, be afraid… be very afraid. Seamus Power is coming for you.