Seamus Power has a golden opportunity to rack up a big finish in the Barracuda Championship and boost his hopes of making the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

The West Waterford star (33) picked up 10 points in a six-birdie round in the third round at Tahoe Mountain Club’s Old Greenwood track in California to go into the final round in solo seventh place with 25 points, seven adrift of leader Troy Merritt.

Ranked 182nd in the FedEx Cup standings with only the top 125 making the Playoffs, a win would secure a priceless two-year exemption and a place in next week’s PGA Championship, though not a place in the Masters this year or next as it's not a full-field event.

Scores

But he also knows a top-10 would guarantee his presence in the final regular-season event, the Wyndham Championship in a fortnight.

He's already fourth reserve for the Greensboro event and making that field would give him a fighting chance of making the top 125 who contest the Playoffs and are guaranteed starts in all the big events next season

Power is playing with a conditional card in the 126-150 category this year and while the COVID-19 crisis means he's guaranteed the same status for 2020-21, he's determined to improve his lot.

The modified stableford format suits his game and after making six birdies in 10 holes yesterday, he will be hoping he doesn't rue bogeys at the 14th and 15th in an otherwise superb third round

As an added incentive, the leading two non-exempt players finishing in the top 10 will be awarded spots in September’s US Open at Winged Foot.

Leader Merritt made eight birdies and two bogeys in a 14 point round at elevated layout, high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains to lead with 33 points, four ahead of Emiliano Grillo and Maverick McNealy.

However, South African Branden Grace withdrew before the third round after testing positive for COVID-19. 

 “I felt great all week,” said Grace, who was tied for second at halfway. “Last night, I was tired and thought it had to do with the altitude. This morning, I notified the PGA TOUR about my symptoms before going to the golf course.

”I wanted to get tested out of respect for my peers and everyone involved with the tournament. While it is unfortunate given my position on the leaderboard, the most important thing is our health.” 

The PGA TOUR has implemented its response plan in consultation with medical experts, including working with those who may have had close contact with Grace.

Grace’s caddie tested negative for COVID-19, but in accordance with CDC guidelines and TOUR health and safety protocols, he will quarantine for a period of 14 days. After conducting necessary contact tracing, the TOUR’s medical advisors are not recommending any additional testing at this time.

Grace will have the PGA TOUR’s full support throughout his self-isolation period of 10 days per CDC guidelines and TOUR health and safety protocols.