IVINS, Utah — Matt McCarty took a significant step in the inaugural Black Desert Championship, entering the final round with a two-stroke lead after recording a remarkable 7-under 64 on Saturday. This competition marked McCarty’s second appearance on the PGA Tour, where he tallied a total score of 19-under 194 at the Black Desert Resort, which is hosting the PGA Tour’s first event in Utah in over six decades.
The day featured pleasant yet breezy conditions, set against the stunning backdrop of a golf course thoughtfully designed by Tom Weiskopf on an ancient black lava field. McCarty, a 26-year-old golfer from Scottsdale, Arizona, dazzled the audience with an impressive five-hole stretch on the front nine, scoring 6 under par. This included an exciting eagle chip-in on the par-5 seventh hole.
McCarty expressed his comfort and enjoyment playing in the desert environment, stating, “I think it’s just a very comfortable environment being back in the desert. Just like the views and it’s just a cool place to be. Cool place to play well, also.”On the back nine, he continued to showcase his skills by driving the green on the short par-4 14th hole and securing a birdie with a two-putt. On the par-4 16th, McCarty placed a wedge just 6 inches from the hole, subsequently adding another birdie on the par-5 18th.
Reflecting on the potential rewards of winning, including exemptions and invitations to prestigious tournaments like the Masters, McCarty remarked, “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. It’s hard not to think about those things.” After tying for 63rd in Mississippi last week during his PGA Tour debut, McCarty completed the suspended third round Saturday morning with three pars for a score of 68 to position himself just two shots behind the leader, Stephan Jaeger.
“I had a long day. A little tired,” McCarty commented. “I’ll watch whatever is left of the football today and just go to bed early.” Jaeger, who shot a 68, is now two strokes behind, accompanied by players Joe Highsmith (62), Kevin Streelman (63), and Harris English (66). Jaeger boasts one victory this season, having claimed his first PGA Tour title at the Houston Open after a thrilling match against Scottie Scheffler. He joins Chris Kirk in finishing within the top 50 of the FedEx Cup, ensuring participation in all $20 million signature events next year.
Highsmith also made headlines, achieving his best score on the tour. “It was certainly probably one of the best rounds I’ve ever played in my entire life golfing,” Highsmith noted, acknowledging the increasing difficulty posed by the winds on the back nine. Meanwhile, Harry Hall stood at 15 under after a score of 64, while Kurt Kitayama also shot a 64, leaving him at 14 under. Chad Ramey (64) and Beau Hossler (66) completed the group of top competitors.