After firing off six consecutive birdies during Saturday’s round at the Cognizant Classic, Austin Smotherman will head into Sunday play tied for the lead with Irishman Shane Lowry.
At 31 years old, Smotherman makes a serious return to the PGA Tour. Previously, he competed from 2021 to 2024, before unfortunately losing his card. Now, his 2026 season has been a mix of highs and lows for the professional. Despite missing three cuts in four starts, Smotherman also recorded an impressive eighth-place finish at The American Express, highlighting potential for the player, despite his struggles.
By his side through all of it has been his family. While Smotherman tends to keep things relatively private, he often provides updates about his support system. Recently, he and his wife Jessie shared another glimpse into their personal life.
Austin Smotherman’s Wife Jessie Opens Up
Smotherman and Jessie are already parents to their two daughters, Penelope and Adeline. Fourteen weeks ago, Jessie announced on Instagram that the couple is expecting their third child, due in March.
Alongside the announcement, she opened up about the couple’s fertility struggles, writing:
“BABY SMOTHERMAN # 3” She titled the post.
“We’re overjoyed to share that baby number 3 is on its way! Joining our family in March! We are so grateful for this blessing.” In the photo, Jessie tagged Smotherman’s instagram account.
In addition to sharing the news, Jessie offered a more personal glimpse into the couple’s fertility journey, writing:
“Experiencing infertility is lonely, frustrating and unfair. For all my girls still in the waiting, I am so sorry that you are living in that reality right now. We lived that reality for a long time.
You are seen, loved, and this is not your end. It’s really frustrating sometimes and hard to hear, but you have no idea what God is working on behind the scenes to make it happen at the perfect time for you.”
Jessie’s Upcoming Due Date
While the couple is celebrating the upcoming addition, the timing could present some challenges. According to the PGA Tour, Smotherman said that Jessie’s due date lands on the Monday of an important week.
“There’s so many what-if scenarios that we’ve discussed over the last two weeks,” Smotherman said on Thursday at the Cognizant Classic. “Her due date is Monday of the (Texas Children’s Houston Open) so hopefully I’m flying from the (Valspar Championship) 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. I’m hoping the baby doesn’t come PLAYERS week and I’ve got to make a really hard choice there. But mind is free. I just want to go play golf, and the baby is going to come when babies come, I guess.”
With Smotherman pushing for his first PGA Tour victory and trying to solidify his standing, the weeks ahead are sure to be eventful, both professionally and personally.
Austin Smotherman’s Support System
Family is a central part of Smotherman’s journey. Though he keeps much of his home life out of the spotlight, he has spoken about how important Jessie and their daughters are to his career.
The couple have been together since their college days and have navigated the uncertainty of professional golf together. Including Smotherman earning his Tour card, losing it, and now working to maintain his status. Through missed cuts, strong finishes, and now a potential breakthrough at the Cognizant Classic, Smotherman continues to lean on his support system.
With a third child on the way and a chance at a win, this season could mark a turning point in more ways than one for Smotherman and his family.
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