Austin Smotherman Juggles Baby Due Date as He Shares Cognizant Classic Lead
His wife Jessica is due in late March, which could force travel and playing decisions during consecutive PGA Tour weeks.
Overview
- Smotherman heads into Sunday tied with Shane Lowry at the Cognizant Classic after a six-birdie surge in Saturday’s round.
- He said Jessica’s due date lands on the Monday of the Texas Children’s Houston Open, with tentative plans to route home from the Valspar and still try to compete.
- He noted a potential conflict with the Players Championship if the baby arrives earlier, saying he may face a difficult choice that week.
- After regaining his PGA Tour card with two wins in three weeks in June 2025, he opened 2026 with a T8 at The American Express and a career‑best 9‑under 62 at the Cognizant Classic.
- The couple, parents to daughters Penelope and Adeline, are expecting a third child in late March, and Jessica—a Dallas real estate agent—has spoken publicly about past infertility struggles.