Seamus Power’s wretched start to his season continued when he missed the third round cut in the 60th anniversary Desert Classic at La Quinta.
Power did produce his lowest round of a 71 over the three days but with earlier scores of 74 and 73 the affable West Waterford golfer was always struggling to be assured of contesting all four rounds.
It is the sixth event from seven this 2018/19 wraparound season where Power has missed the cut including being ‘cut’ in his last five events.
Power had moved to four-under par through 16 holes on the ‘easier’ Nicklaus West Course but then was handed the bitter disappointment of bogeying his 17th hole and then doubling the last.
There had been the bitter-sweet scenario for Power last August when, after missing the cut in the regular season-ending Wyndham Championship, the Irishman found himself securing the very last Tour card into the new season.
However, he is not currently enjoying his first season with full Tour status and is projected to drop 13 places to 170th on the FedEx Cup standings at the end of the Desert Classic.
No such concerns though for Phil Michelson who added a 66 and moved to 22-under par enjoying a two-shot lead heading to the final round of the $5.9m event.
Mickelson is now seeking a third Desert Classic title and, if successful, would secure a 49th PGA Tour triumph.
“I just love being in contention, having a chance to win, being in the final group, feeling the nerves, feeling that excitement, the opportunity,” Mickelson said.. “It’s really fun.”
Leave a comment