While most eyes would have been on Tiger Woods this week at the Safeway Open if he played, the tournament begins the next chapter in the career of Seamus Power.
The Waterford golfer, who earned his PGA Tour card last season, while playing on the Web.com Tour, makes his first start with the game's elite this week in California.
Power, who represented Ireland in the Olympic Games, alongside Padraig Harrington is playing for a $6million prize-fund, with the winner earning more that $1million. Last season, Power won $209,590 after finishing 12th on the Web.com money list.
In preparing for the event, Power aced the par-3 11th hole in his first ever practice round at a PGA Tour event. Surely that's a positive omen for the week ahead?
Hole in 1 during first ever PGA tour practice round on number 11. #luckoftheirish
A photo posted by Séamus Power (@seamyp) on
The 29-year-old tees off on Thursday with the American duo of Cody Gribble and Trey Mullinax at 4:50pm (Irish time). Power is the only Irish golfer in action, and one of only eight European golfers in the field that includes Phil Mickelson and Matt Kuchar.
It promises to be an exciting 12 months for the East Tennessee State graduate.
