West Waterford hails hero Seamus Power

Irish golf Olympian Seamus Power was given a hero’s welcome at his home club West Waterford last night as his fellow members toasted his new status as PGA Tour member.

Power, 29, was the centre of attention in the clubhouse as memorabilia from his exploits was proudly on display, including an Olympic flag, referencing their star’s participation for Team Ireland in last month’s Rio Games, alongside three-time major winner Pádraig Harrington in the men’s strokeplay event, finishing tied for 15th, alongside seasoned pros including Martin Kaymer.

There is a bright future too, with Power having earned his card to the richest circuit in golf when he was on of top 25 money winners on its secondary Web.com Tour, finishing 10th thanks in large part to his May victory at United Leasing and Finance Championship.

All this made his homecoming a special occasion last night.

“This has been great, I’ve played here since I started playing golf and they’ve been unbelievable, the best,” Power said last night.

“You couldn’t imagine the support from everyone at the club, from the owners, the captains, all the members, everyone, it’s just been fantastic. Every time I come home there’s always such great support, whether I’m playing well or playing poorly, and that’s nice to have, knowing it’s unconditional.

“I can’t speak highly enough about the people here at the club.”

Power, who joined West Waterford as a 12-year-old and won three Irish Youth titles before taking up a scholarship at East Tennessee State University, is now based in Charlotte, North Carolina, from where he will plot his 2016-17 PGA Tour campaign. His first tournament is set to be the Safeway Open in Napa, California on October 13, the opening event of the new season and the choice of Tiger Woods for his comeback start after a year out with a back injury.

“As of right now, I think I’m playing five events in the Fall Series, so it’s a good opportunity to get off to a good start.

“I’m resetting my goals for next year. You obviously want to establish yourself in the top 125 (on the PGA Tour money list) in my first year but there’s no reason why I can’t produce my best golf next year and get very close to winning.”