Despite flashes of his renowned short game brilliance, Seamus Power struggled during the opening round of the Valspar Championship, recording a one-over 72 at the demanding Copperhead course at Innisbrook.
The 39-year-old from West Waterford initially demonstrated resilience, executing four critical up-and-downs for par within his first seven holes, keeping him just one-over par. He then found a strong rhythm, carding three consecutive birdies from the 17th (his eighth hole), a run that notably included holing out from a greenside bunker on the 18th. However, his momentum waned over the final eight holes, which he played in three-over, ultimately finishing eight strokes behind the leader, Sungjae Im.
Power’s primary objective this season is to secure a spot within the top 100 of the FedExCup standings to maintain his tour exemption for the following season. His difficulty hitting greens in regulation—only eight in his opening round—underscores the challenge he faces to make the cut. A sequence of three bogeys starting from the second hole pushed him above par, and despite a birdie on the par-five fifth, another bogey on the seventh meant he needed a six-foot putt on his final hole to salvage par.
Im’s Stellar Performance at Copperhead
In stark contrast, Sungjae Im delivered a masterful performance, carding a superb seven-under 64 that featured two eagles and six birdies. This exceptional round gives him a one-shot lead over the seasoned 45-year-old veteran, Brandt Snedeker.
Irish Golfers Shine in India; Global Tour Updates
It was a more favorable day for Irish golfers at the HotelPlanner Tour’s DP World PGTI Open near New Delhi. Conor Purcell impressed with a bogey-free 67, placing him tied for fourth, just one stroke off the lead. Gary Hurley also began strongly with a 68, sharing eighth place, while another player named Power recorded a 69 to sit joint 17th.
On the DP World Tour, American Jordan Gumberg shot an eight-under 64 to claim a one-shot lead at the Hainan Classic over Spain’s Jorge Campillo.
Meanwhile, the Southern Guards lived up to their billing as local favorites at LIV Golf South Africa, dominating the team leaderboard after the opening round at The Club at Steyn City. Bryson DeChambeau and Charles Howell III both fired exceptional eight-under 63s to lead the individual competition by a stroke over Sergio Garcia and local hero Branden Grace. With strong performances from Charl Schwartzel (66), Dean Burmester (67), and Louis Oosthuizen (69) complementing Grace’s 64, the Southern Guards topped the team standings. Fellow Irishman Tom McKibbin posted a 68, sharing 29th place, with his team, Legion XIII, trailing the leaders by just three shots.
LPGA Fortinet Founders Cup: Maguire and Walsh’s Opening Rounds
At the LPGA’s Fortinet Founders Cup in California, Leona Maguire faced a challenging start, carding a quadruple bogey eight on the second hole at Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club, leading to an opening two-over 74. Despite later mixing five birdies with three bogeys, she finds herself 11 strokes behind Korea’s Jin Hee Im, who delivered a remarkable 63. Lauren Walsh also finished with a 74, leaving both Irish players tied for 89th.
