Seamus Power books PGA Championship spot

May 8, 2025

Seamus Power has qualified for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow this month after remaining inside the top 70 PGA Championship points list.

The West Waterford man missed the cut at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson last weekend but cemented a 65th position in the points list. That ensured he is one of five Irish golfers teeing up in the year’s second major alongside Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry and Tom McKibbin.

Ranked 122nd in the world, this will be Power’s third appearance at the PGA Championship. He tied for ninth at Southern Hills in 2022 but missed the cut at Oak Hill in 2023.

It is also Power’s first major appearance since last year’s US Open, where he missed the cut. McKibbin, who plays on the LIV Tour, was offered an exemption from PGA Championship officials this week.

The 22-year-old, ranked 122nd in the world, has found form this year, which has ensured a last-minute invitation.

McIlroy heads into the major as favourite following his Masters triumph. Having ended his 11-year wait for a fifth major, he can head to Quail Hollow without the internal pressure that has haunted him in the past.

He said: “I’m obviously going to feel more comfortable, and a lot less pressure and I’m also going back to a venue that I love.

“It’s nothing but positive vibes going in there next week with what happened a few weeks ago and then with my history there and how well I’ve played at Quail.

“I probably won’t be quite as on edge as I have been for the last few years when I’ve been at major championships.”

The 36-year-old enjoyed some time off following his Masters win and found time to visit his parents to celebrate his success. He added: “Look, it was amazing going home. I didn’t want any fanfare. I tried to keep it as private as possible.

“I just wanted to see my parents and the people that were closest to me, and we had a really nice two days.

“With my dad, like I never get that emotional with my dad. It was great. It was great to see him. Then, when I saw my mom, we were both a mess for a few minutes.”

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