Austin Smotherman turned a weather-delayed weekend into a historic two-peat on the PGA Tour. The American golfer defeated Seamus Power on the third playoff hole Monday morning to win the rain-shortened Butterfield Bermuda Championship. This victory marks Smotherman’s second straight title, following his breakthrough win at the Bank of Utah Championship just three weeks prior. The win at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda, secures Smotherman a spot in next year’s events at Pebble Beach and Riviera, a major milestone for the 32-year-old.
The final round scheduled for Sunday never happened due to dangerous conditions. Irish Golf Desk reported that wind gusts exceeding 40mph at Port Royal made play impossible. With more bad weather forecast, officials canceled the final round and moved to a sudden-death playoff between the two leaders, who were tied at 16-under par. The playoff began Monday at 9 a.m. local time, with both players needing a par to extend the match.
According to Yahoo, the first two playoff holes on the par-3 16th ended in pars. Power missed a 20-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole but saved par from a bunker. The second extra hole also resulted in pars for both men. On the third extra hole, the pin location moved to the front of the green. Smotherman hit an 8-iron to the front section, leaving a 15-foot birdie putt. Power’s shot landed in deep rough left of the green. He chipped out but failed to get up and down for par, missing the 15-foot putt to hand the trophy to Smotherman.
Smotherman credited his caddie, Zak Williamson, for their composure during the chaotic finish. “We’re out here playing an incredible sport in a beautiful spot,” said Smotherman. He noted that the communication from the tour helped them prepare for the abrupt schedule change. “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 felt their handling of the situation was key. “Once we got that news, it was nice to know what’s going on. To come out on top is a cherry on top, so it’s pretty awesome,” he stated.
Seamus Power, the 39-year-old Irishman, enters the 2027 season with his PGA Tour card secured thanks to the runner-up finish. He entered the week ranked 103rd in the FedEx Cup Fall standings. Newsday reported that this second-place finish projects him to climb to 68th, well inside the top 100 required to retain status. In 2022, Power claimed the Bermuda Championship title before seeking to be the event’s first repeat victor. He acknowledged the disappointment of missing the win but remained positive about his week.
“Had a chance this morning, wasn’t able to do it, which is disappointing, but overall great week, can’t complain too much,” said Power. He had felt good about his chances heading into the playoff, noting his history on the hole. According to Irish Golf Desk, Power recalled making three birdies on the 16th en route to his 2022 victory. “It’s a weird feeling to just — I’ve had a playoff before but obviously not overnight kind of thing,” he said. He viewed the situation as a unique challenge. “It’s an unbelievable opportunity. Looking for win No. 3 and you’ve got a one-on-one battle for it,” Power remarked.
Two Wins, One Big Payoff
Smotherman’s back-to-back victories are a rare feat in the modern tour landscape, especially in the FedEx Cup Fall events. This win moves him to No. 51 in the FedEx Cup standings. Securing that ranking ensures his spot in next year’s signature tournaments at Pebble Beach and Riviera, each offering $20 million. His first win came in his 100th career start at the Bank of Utah Championship. Now, he has proven he can close out tournaments under pressure and in adverse weather conditions.
The ability to adapt to the changing weather was the defining factor for Smotherman. The PGA Tour announced the playoff decision early Monday due to the forecast. Smotherman handled the uncertainty better than Power. While Power had the experience of winning this event before, Smotherman’s fresh momentum carried him through the extra holes. The 16th hole at Port Royal is known for its wind and ocean views, making it a difficult test for both players.
Power’s finish ensures his card for 2027, relieving any pressure he faced playing with conditional status this year. His climb from 103rd to 68th in the standings is a significant jump. The runner-up prize money and FedEx Cup points will further solidify his financial standing for the upcoming season. Power’s performance showed he can compete at the highest level, even if the trophy didn’t go his way this time.
Smotherman’s win changes his trajectory for the rest of the 2026-2027 season. The victory also boosts his confidence heading into the regular season. He now has two wins in three starts, a hot streak that few players can match. His partnership with caddie Williamson appears to be a key component of this success.
For Power, the focus shifts to building on this strong finish. He has a full card for next year and no longer faces the uncertainty of conditional status. The experience of a Monday playoff, even in defeat, provides valuable lessons for the upcoming season. His ability to stay competitive in the Bermuda Championship shows he remains a threat on the tour. The 39-year-old will look to translate this form into more wins in 2027.
The PGA Tour’s decision to shorten the event and move to a playoff was necessary given the weather. Golf Channel broadcast the playoff live, allowing fans to see the conclusion. The tournament regulations allowed for the 54-hole finish, ensuring the event could be completed safely. This approach prioritized player safety while still determining a champion.
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship concludes with Smotherman as the champion.
