Séamus Power boosted his chances of earning two signature event starts early next season after a sensational weekend performance earned him a top-10 finish at the World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico.
The West Waterford man (39) made the cut on the mark and followed a third-round 65 with a six-under 66 to finish tied for eighth ($169,500) on 18-under, five shots behind teenager Blades Brown.
The Tennessee talent (19) came from seven shots behind 54-hole leader Ben James, rattling in ten birdies in a nine-under 63 to set the target at 23-under.
James (23) then spectacularly eagled the 598-yard 18th from 20 feet to force a play-off.
But after both youngsters two-putted the finishing hole for birdies the first time around, only Brown could get up and down from just off the green for birdie at the second tie hole, rolling in a five-footer to become the youngest PGA Tour winner since 1931.
At 19 years, 5 months, and 18 days, he's the fourth-youngest winner in PGA Tour history, overtaking John McDermott, who was 19 years, 10 months, and 14 days when he won the 1911 US Open.
In the modern era, he's also the youngest to win on the PGA Tour since Jordan Spieth won the 2013 John Deere Classic just two weeks before his 20th birthday.
"It's crazy," Brown said before thanking his family, his sponsors and his Co Down-born coach Justin Parsons.
"I mean, there are so many people that believe in me, and to finally get my first one under my belt is pretty special."
He clearly impressed playing partner Michael Kim, who described him as "an unbelievable talent."
"The way his club makes contact with the ball, that's kind of only those that are true, true talents of the game can kind of make that contact," Kim said. "I was very, very impressed with him."
As for Power, he made three eagles and eight birdies over the final 36 holes, with his lone bogey coming on his opening hole at El Cardonal at Diamante last night.
His fifth top-10 finish this season — he's won $1,823,063 — also helped him jump from 70th to 65th in the FedEx Cup Fall standings with just two events remaining.
He's already regained his full card after his close call in the Butterfield Bermuda, where he lost in a play-off.
He's still chasing a win that would make him exempt until the end of 2028.
But with players finishing between 51st and 60th in the final standings earning starts in the first two signature events, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Genesis Championship at Riviera, a lot is still at stake.
Power will have another chance to win or move up the standings at this week's Austin Championship, presented by Compliance Solutions, in Texas before heading to Sea Island Golf Club for the season-ending RSM Classic.
Article Link: Top 10 for resurgent Power as Blades Brown makes history in Mexico - News - Irish Golf Desk