Seamus Power erased a string of missed cuts at PGA National by delivering a confident second-round 68 at the Cognizant Classic, positioning himself well for the weekend. After failing to make the cut here in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2025, Power climbed 39 spots to 13th place at four under par, trailing leader Austin Smotherman by seven shots.
Shane Lowry, another notable Irish player from West Waterford, shot a matching 68 and holds sixth place, just one stroke ahead of Power. Despite ranking 84th in strokes gained off the tee and 90th in approach shots, Power’s short game has been the significant factor, as he recorded five birdies over 13 holes while struggling slightly at the challenging Bear Trap’s 17th hole.
Power Credits Short Game for Improved Performance
Although Power’s overall play hasn’t been flawless, his putting and scrambling have kept him competitive on this tough course. He emphasized how the course’s difficulty lies in its unrelenting conditions and unpredictable winds, noting that even the seemingly easier holes become challenging under pressure.
“This place has been funny to me because I actually got through Q-school here back in 2014 and I loved it, and slightly different time of year, it plays a little different and grasses feel a little different, and it hasn’t been great to me. It’s nice to see,”
said Power, who currently sits at world number 151 with conditional PGA Tour status this year.
“Honestly, I’m not actually playing brilliant, but the short game has been excellent, scrambling, really hanging in there well, making some putts. If I can get something figured out over the weekend — But it’s a tough golf course. It doesn’t let you get comfortable really at any stage, and I think that’s unique about this place. It’s just, even holes that just don’t seem that tough on the scorecard, but if you’ve got a crosswind and you’ve got this and you’ve got that and you just miss it, it’s very, very tricky. It’s a really good layout for that. It’s going to test everyone for the next two and a half days. But it’s nice to be in under par, and two more good rounds over the weekend needed, but obviously it’s nice to be in there.”
Seasonal Strengths and Putting Improvements Bolster Confidence
Power, a two-time PGA Tour winner, has historically excelled during the summer and autumn parts of the season but has begun to show positive momentum earlier in the year. His recent 11th-place finish at Torrey Pines marked a breakthrough after struggling to make cuts at that venue previously. He attributes his enhanced putting skill as a key element in gaining better outcomes in tournaments where he had earlier experienced difficulty.
He explained how regaining confidence on the greens has been a game changer after a period of colder putting performance over recent years. While his ball striking remains a work in progress, knowing the ball’s trajectory lets him better manage risks and minimize costly errors during rounds.
“But obviously making a few putts is huge. It was nice to get under par like on the first, and then even getting that one on the eighth. This golf course is — I know it’s an obvious thing to say, but it’s easier to play from under par and it’s easier to be conservative when you need to be. All in all, a lot of good stuff. Some things to tidy up, but overall a good spot after two days.”
Challenging Florida and West Coast Courses Present Ongoing Tests
Power acknowledged that golf conditions in Florida and the West Coast remain unfamiliar and demanding for a player from Ireland. Despite some success at the Valspar Championship in Florida, these swings have not traditionally brought him consistent results. This year, with fewer tournament starts, Power believes his intensified focus and refreshed outlook have contributed to steady progress.
“No, because Florida golf, for someone coming from Ireland, is always tougher. I’ve never quite — I’ve played well at Valspar, and that’s basically the only success I’ve had in Florida.
“The West Coast on the kikuyu grass is a little weird, as well. I’ve always played a lot of my best golf in the summer and fall, so it’s nice to get a few points on the board and game trending in the right direction even this time of year. As I said, I know I’m not going to have all the starts this year, so maybe just being a little bit more focused on the ones I do have, and maybe that’s part of it. It obviously doesn’t seem like that, but maybe that’s an aspect. But overall, I think I feel like I’m in a very good spot mentally.”
Positive Mindset Boosted by Strong Short Game
Maintaining a constructive attitude has been vital for Power amid the challenges of limited playing opportunities and tough courses. He credits his improved short game for helping him stay competitive and confident, allowing him to salvage shots and maintain momentum through demanding stretches.
“Like someone told me the other day, a good attitude is helped a lot by a good short game, and that’s the way it’s been so far the last couple days. Been able to hang in there, get some up-and-downs, and just keep it going.”
