Séamus Power has all but guaranteed a place in the field at The Masters this year after victory over Patrick Cantlay in The WGC Dell Matchplay Championship.
The man from Waterford defeated the world number five Cantlay by a score of 5&4. Power assumed control early on in the match and had the American defeated on the 14th green.
“I didn’t make too many mistakes and obviously I caught Patrick on a day when he didn’t play his best, so I was able to take advantage,” said Power, who didn't have to be at his best to beat Cantlay, scoring only one birdie for the 14 holes that were played.
Power has yet to reach the 15th hole of the Austin Country Club this week, having also defeated Sungjae Im 5&4 on the 14th hole in his first match.
Power needs just half a point against Keith Mitchell on Friday to top his group. As a result of his performances so far this week, Power is set to rise to Number 44 in the world. This guarantees him an invitation to The Masters, with the Worlds Top 50 players qualifying for the historic event.
The Déise man started 2022 ranked 72nd in the world. He has been in sensational form since the turn of the year, finishing in the Top 10 in tournaments on three occasions.
It has been a meteoric rise for Power over the past year. Since securing his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Barbasol Championship last year, Power has risen from 113th in the world and in danger of losing his tour card, to being on the cusp of featuring in golfs most iconic tournament.
Elsewhere, Shane Lowry currently leads Erik Van Rooyan. The man from Offaly is 3 up having played 15 holes.
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