In the picturesque setting of southern Utah, Matt McCarty, a three-time winner on the Korn Ferry Tour, is vying for his first PGA Tour title. After a stellar performance with a 7-under 64 on Saturday, the 26-year-old from Scottsdale leads the Black Desert Championship at Black Desert Resort in Ivins, UT with a score of 19-under par. Going into the final round, he holds a two-shot advantage over four players tied for second place, including Joe Highsmith, Kevin Streelman, Harris English, and Stephen Jaeger.
The Black Desert Championship marks the first PGA Tour event to be held in Utah since 1963, adding to the significance of the competition. As a local touch, 65-year-old Tour veteran Jay Don Blake, a St. George native, notched his 500th tour start on a sponsor’s exemption. However, Blake missed the cut, leaving Zac Blair as the sole representative from Utah in contention for the title. Blair heads into the final round tied for 59th place with a score of 6-under.
The winner of the Black Desert Championship will walk away with a handsome first-place check of $1.35 million from the total $7.5 million purse. The prize money is distributed throughout the top 80 finishers, with the second-place finisher earning $817,500 and the third-place finisher taking home $517,500. The payout decreases incrementally from there down to the 80th position, where the prize is $13,875.
As a golf, food, and travel writer, Josh Sens has been a longstanding contributor to GOLF Magazine since 2004. His work has been featured in The Best American Sportswriting and spans across various platforms on GOLF. Additionally, he is the co-author of “Are We Having Any Fun Yet: the Cooking and Partying Handbook” with Sammy Hagar. Sens brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the golf community, making him a respected voice in the industry.
McCarty’s journey to secure his first PGA Tour title has been marked by perseverance and skill, evident in his performance at the Black Desert Championship. With a commanding lead heading into the final round, he has the opportunity to solidify his status as a rising star in the world of professional golf. The pressure of competing against seasoned players like Streelman and English adds an element of excitement to the event, showcasing the competitive spirit of the sport.
The significance of the Black Desert Championship extends beyond the monetary rewards, as it represents a historic moment for golf in Utah. The return of a PGA Tour event to the state after nearly six decades speaks to the growing popularity and appeal of the sport in the region. The presence of local talent like Blake and Blair highlights the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the participants, adding a personal touch to the competition.
As McCarty tees off for the final round, all eyes are on him as he aims to clinch his first PGA Tour victory. With the support of fans and fellow competitors, he faces the ultimate test of skill and mental fortitude on the challenging course at Black Desert Resort. The outcome of the championship will not only impact his career but also leave a lasting impression on the golfing community, shaping the narrative of the tournament and setting the stage for future events in Utah.
