Séamus Power’s Quest for PGA Tour Card Comes Up Short
Séamus Power has missed the opportunity to secure a full PGA Tour card for the 2026 season at the RSM Classic, held in Georgia. The golfer from Waterford finished tied for eighth place with a score of 18-under par. This result propelled him to 117th in the FedExCup Fall standings, falling short of the top 100 necessary for exemption next season.
Despite not obtaining full status, Power’s finish in the top 125 grants him conditional PGA Tour status. He has one final opportunity to earn a full card for the next year. The Q-School, where cards will be awarded to the top five finishers, will take place from December 11 to 14 at TPC Sawgrass’ Dye’s Valley Course and Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Séamus Power’s Performance at RSM Classic
During the final round, the 38-year-old Power shot a three-under par 67, which was not sufficient to reach the leaderboard’s top three spots he aimed for. He began the round at 15-under, tied for seventh and just two shots away from a second-place finish.
Power showcased a strong start, sinking a 10-foot putt for birdie on the first hole. On the par-5 seventh, a remarkable third shot led to an easy two-foot putt for another birdie. However, his momentum was halted with a bogey on the eighth due to a misdirected tee shot. He managed to sink birdies on the 12th and 17th holes but was unable to gain the traction he needed.
Tournament Highlights
The RSM Classic concluded with Sami Valimaki triumphing at 23-under, marking him as the first Finnish player to win on the PGA Tour. Noteworthy performances came from American players Lee Hodges and Ricky Castillo, who narrowly missed breaking into the top 100. Castillo finished third and moved up 33 spots to 102nd, while Hodges tied for fourth, ascending 21 places to 101st.
- Final Round Scores:
- Séamus Power: 67
- Sami Valimaki: 23-under (Tournament Winner)
- Ricky Castillo: 33-place jump to 102nd
- Lee Hodges: Tied for fourth, 21-place jump to 101st
In contrast, Leona Maguire concluded her performance at the CME Group Tour Championship in Florida, finishing 58th overall. She recorded a one-over par 73 on the final day, resulting in a total score of two-over for the tournament. Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul successfully defended her title, finishing at 26-under par and earning a four-shot victory over compatriot Pajaree Anannarukarn, along with a $4 million prize.
Next Steps for Séamus Power
Power is determined to capitalize on the upcoming Q-School for a chance at a full PGA Tour card. Players who can maintain focus and confidence will have the best opportunity to succeed during this critical event.
