PGA Tour Newcomer Matt McCarty Seizes the Lead in Utah
In a stunning display of golf, Matt McCarty has taken a two-stroke lead into the final round of the inaugural Black Desert Championship. This marks only his second PGA Tour start, and he’s already making waves with a 7-under 64 on Saturday.
A Comfortable Environment
The 26-year-old McCarty credits his comfort with the desert environment for his success. “I think it’s just very comfortable being back in the desert,” he said. “Just like the views and like it’s just a cool place to be. Cool place to play well, also.” His experience playing in the desert has clearly paid off, as he played a five-hole stretch on the front nine in 6 under.
Highlight Reel Moments
McCarty’s impressive play included an eagle chip-in on the par-5 seventh hole. On the back nine, he drove the green and two-putted for birdie on the short par-4 14th. He also hit a wedge to 6 inches on the par-4 16th and two-putted the par-5 18th for another birdie.
Pressure and Perks
As McCarty takes the lead, he can’t help but think about the perks that come with winning. “All the stuff that kind of comes on the other side of a win out here, of having the exemption for a couple years, getting in the Masters, stuff like that,” he said. “It’s hard not to think about those things.”
Tight Competition
Despite his lead, McCarty faces stiff competition from other talented golfers. Stephan Jaeger, who already has one victory this year, is two strokes back. Joe Highsmith, Kevin Streelman, and Harris English are also in close pursuit.
Rounding Out the Top Scores
Harry Hall is 15 under after a 64, while Kurt Kitayama (64) is 14 under with Chad Ramey (64) and Beau Hossler (66). With the final round approaching, the competition is heating up, and it’s anyone’s game.
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