Austin Smotherman ended a 99-start winless drought by winning the Butterfield Bermuda Championship on Monday. He defeated Seamus Power in a sudden-death playoff after high winds cut the tournament to 54 holes. This victory marks his second straight win on the PGA Tour, following his title at the Bank of Utah Championship just three weeks prior. The 32-year-old showed he can handle pressure when the course conditions turn ugly.
The Monday Morning Test
Weather forced the cancellation of the final round on Sunday, leaving the leaders tied at 16-under par. Smotherman and Power returned on Monday morning to decide the winner on the 16th hole. They matched pars on the first two extra holes before Smotherman secured the trophy. He two-putted from 14 feet while Power missed the green and could not save par.
Per the Fulton Sun, Smotherman handled the chaos well. “We’re out here playing an incredible sport in a beautiful spot. Whatever things are going to be thrown at us, (caddie Zak Williamson) and I were going to be on top of our game,” Smotherman said. He noted that the tour communicated clearly about the schedule changes, which helped them prepare. Achieving victory after such a disruption is the cherry on top, so pretty awesome.
Seamus Power faced a different outcome in his bid for a third career title. He admitted the loss was tough but stayed positive. “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. He noted he hit some good shots in the playoff but failed to judge the wind right. That is golf sometimes.
A History of Video Moments
Long before these latest victories, Smotherman was already a celebrated figure within the golf world. His video history is amazing and full of fun moments that fans love. Golf Digest featured a viral video showing his wife observing him covertly during a 2019 Korn Ferry Tour event. There is also a classic Korn Ferry Tour parody of the famous “Marine Biologist” scene from Seinfeld.
Austin played Harry Higg’s George as Jerry in that sketch. These videos show his personality and why he fits so well with the tour. He has been involved in fun promos, including a playoff video between him and Seamus Power. Now he has added a real victory to that growing list of memorable moments.
The win also highlights the success of Titleist equipment on tour. Smotherman used a Pro V1x ball to record rounds of 65, 66, and 66. He carded 17 birdies and an eagle during the event. Golf Retailing reported that Titleist players occupied the first nine spots on the final leaderboard.
Clutch Finishes Define the Year
This year has featured some incredible clutch performances across the tour. Sean Crocker delivered a miraculous back nine at the Genesis Championship to keep his DP World Tour card. He closed with a 29 that included four consecutive birdies. On the PGA Tour Champions, Rory Sabbatini also had a Sunday to remember. He finished five under par across the last four holes to secure the Stifel Charity Classic title.
He failed to win in 99 tries before this run. Now he has two victories in 101 career starts. That is a run that no one expected to happen so fast. The ability to win a second consecutive fall event proves his game is ready for the big stage.
The win in Bermuda solidifies his status as a player who can handle the pressure. He faced high winds and a shortened schedule but still found a way to win. His story is one of patience paying off after years of hard work. Golfers everywhere know how hard it is to get that first win, let alone two in a row. Smotherman is now the AUTUMN Smotherman for a reason.
