Unlucky Power still hoping to head for Hills

SEAMUS POWER went through 24 hours of qualifying agony but still holds out hope he can make a return to the US Open at Shinnecock Hills next week. The West Waterford star (31) was one of 117 hopefuls to tee it up in Sectional Qualifier for just 11 spots in Memphis, Tennessee and had to settle for second alternate status after a final-hole bogey cost him automatic qualification and he then lost out in an 11-man play-off for three spots.

“The odds are against me but I’ve an outside shot to get in,” said Power, who had to return to the course with four others at 7am to battle it out for two reserve spots.

It took over 24 hours for him to caress qualification, blow it with a bogey on the final hole, then get another chance in the play-off only to see a rival hole out from the rough for an eagle two to deny him.

After opening with a one-under 71 at Colonial Country Club, he looked poised to qualify when he eagled his 16th hole at Ridgeway Country Club in the afternoon to move into the top eight.

But he bogeyed the par-three ninth, his 18th, carding a 65 to end up in a play-off for just three places on seven-under. Aaron Wise and Matt Jones made birdies before Eric Axley knocked everyone else out by holing out from the rough for an eagle two.

Power (above) had to play on for an alternate spot and was one of five left battling for alternate status when play was suspended by darkness until yesterday.