Austin Smotherman in a Dilemma as Baby’s Due Date Could Force Him to Make a “Hard Choice”
SILVIS, IL - JULY 06: Golfer Austin Smotherman tees off on the 2 hole during the third round of the John Deere Golf PGA, Golf Herren Classic on July 06, 2024, at TPC Deere Run in Silvis IL. Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire GOLF: JUL 06 PGA John Deere Classic EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon24070630
SILVIS, IL - JULY 06: Golfer Austin Smotherman tees off on the 2 hole during the third round of the John Deere Golf PGA, Golf Herren Classic on July 06, 2024, at TPC Deere Run in Silvis IL. Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire GOLF: JUL 06 PGA John Deere Classic EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon24070630
Austin Smotherman is leading the Cognizant Classic. But his biggest challenge isn't on the course. A looming family milestone could force him to make the hardest choice of his career.
That's because Smotherman and his wife, Jessie, await the arrival of their third child in March, the timing now places him in a position where golf and family could collide in the same week.
"There's so many what-if scenarios that we've discussed over the last two weeks. Her due date is Monday of Houston, so hopefully I'm flying from Valspar through Dallas to go meet a new child, or who knows what, or have a baby that week and then hopefully still play. That's kind of our goal. We know this is a crazy time, crazy year, where I kind of need to play everything."
GREENSBORO, NC - AUGUST 04: Austin Smotherman watches his ball on the 16th tee box during the second round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Aug. 4, 2023. Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire GOLF: AUG 04 PGA, Golf Herren - Wyndham Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230804044
GREENSBORO, NC - AUGUST 04: Austin Smotherman watches his ball on the 16th tee box during the second round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Aug. 4, 2023. Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire GOLF: AUG 04 PGA, Golf Herren - Wyndham Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230804044
We've seen this chaos before. Remember last year, when Xander Schauffele wasn't at the Procore Championship with his Ryder Cup teammates? His wife Maya had just given birth to their son Victor. And for Smotherman, we might see something similar. If Smotherman wins the Cognizant Classic, he will be in contention for a spot at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, but whether he actually plays at the event remains to be seen.
There's even a bigger tournament concern. As the schedule edges toward PLAYERS week, the overlap he has been thinking about could become more than just a “what-if.”
“I’m hoping the baby doesn’t come, PLAYERS week, and I’ve got to make a really hard choice there,” said the 31-year-old on Thursday during the press conference at the 2026 Cognizant Classic.
According to the PGA Tour schedule, THE PLAYERS Championship will take place from March 12–15, 2026, at TPC Sawgrass. And for Smotherman, strong finishes will be crucial. After being relegated in 2024, he earned his return to the PGA Tour for 2026 by finishing No. 1 on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Points List. This is his chance to prove himself. And based on the Cognizant Classic, he's doing a fine job.
Austin Smotherman Makes Strong Showing at the Cognizant Classic
As of February 27, 2026, Smotherman holds the lead after the opening round of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, completing round 1 without a bogey and recording six consecutive birdies during his run.
His putting played a central role in the round, with 132 feet of putts made in Round 1, which he linked to a change in routine, choosing not to use a line on the ball for alignment.
He begins Friday in first place at nine under par and is set for an afternoon tee time in the second round.
Even as he sits atop the leaderboard, he has made it clear that this stretch of events carries added importance.
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Written by
Aditi Singh