Austin Smotherman edged out Seamus Power in a play-off to win the 2026 Butterfield Bermuda Championship today [October 26].
The American and Ireland’s Power were tied at 16 under after 54 holes at Port Royal Golf Course, following the cancellation of the final round because of adverse weather.
Play was delayed yesterday because of strong winds before organisers adjusted plans.
Smotherman and Power returned today to contest a play-off over the 178-yard, par-three 16th hole. Both made par on the first two extra holes before a change to the pin position for the third.
Power bogeyed the hole, allowing Smotherman to secure victory with a two-putt par.
The win followed Smotherman’s triumph at the Bank of Utah Championship this month.
“I’m sure everybody wished we had an outright leader overnight Saturday and unfortunately things didn’t pan out for yesterday’s 18 holes,” Smotherman said.
“Not complaining how things went down, but still getting to a play-off with Seamus, another two-time winner and he’s won in the play-off in the past.
“And getting to play this hole over and over and over again, you really don’t want to be on the tee box all day, but just enough times is what it took.”
Power was disappointed not to convert his opportunity but took encouragement from his performance throughout the tournament.
“Obviously the weather was kind of unfortunate yesterday,” he said.
“Had a chance this morning, wasn’t able to do it, which is disappointing, but overall great week, can’t complain too much.
“Hit some good shots in the play-off, just didn’t quite judge the wind right, but that’s golf sometimes. I’ll move onwards. A lot of positives from the week.”
