Frankie Capan III Shines Amid Adversity at the Bank of Utah Championship

IVINS, Utah — This week, all eyes should be on Frankie Capan III during the Bank of Utah Championship. The young golfer seems to excel when faced with challenges, even as he deals with an eye infection. His resilience shines as he competes at Black Desert Resort, showcasing both talent and determination.

Impressive Opening Round

In the opening round of the tournament, Capan carded a remarkable five-under-par 66. This performance has him just a stroke shy of the clubhouse leaders—Thorbjorn Olesen, David Lipsky, and Jesper Svensson. Despite battling a painful eye infection that required hospitalization, Capan demonstrated skill and tenacity, recording eight birdies against three bogeys during his first round, igniting excitement among fans and spectators alike.

Health Challenges

Capan’s journey to the championship began on a rough note. Shortly before the tournament, he developed an infection in his right eye, which led to a worrying visit to Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital. Initially dismissing his symptoms as simple pink eye, Capan sought treatment with eye drops. However, after attending his grandfather’s 90th birthday celebration, his condition worsened. A doctor subsequently diagnosed him with cellulitis and prescribed stronger medication, but the discomfort persisted.

Training Through Adversity

Unfazed by the challenges, Capan took an inventive approach to his practice sessions. He described a unique training tactic of practicing shots with his right eye closed due to his swollen eyelid. “I’m left-eye dominant, so I figured why not try it?” he recounted. This ability to adapt and innovate reflects his mental strength as he competes among the best.

Medical Intervention

Worried about the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament, Capan underwent several tests and a CT scan at the hospital. The diagnosis revealed a staph infection, prompting a more aggressive treatment plan that included Azithromycin and steroid eye drops to alleviate the painful symptoms. Yet Capan remained focused, determined to make the most of his opportunity at the championship.

Navigating the Course

Thursday’s round began at 9:23 a.m. mountain time, and Capan faced the challenge head-on, even donning sunglasses for the first time on the course. The glare from the sun posed additional obstacles, and on one hole, he had to use a 3-wood off the tee to avoid being blinded by his driver. However, he persevered and managed to remarkably birdie the hole after an impressive wedge shot from about 100 yards away.

Building Momentum

Capan’s determination bore fruit as he successfully navigated the challenges to finish strong on the difficult course. Coming off a solid performance at the Sanderson Farms Championship, where he secured his first individual top-10 finish, he felt confident despite his health struggles. “With how I was feeling, I figured I could get it around. Thankfully it was a good day,” he expressed, highlighting the optimism that drives him.

Impressive Statistical Performance

Throughout the round, Capan showcased his golfing finesse, hitting 15 greens in regulation and making nearly 115 feet worth of putts. This effort ranked him second among players in the morning wave, illustrating that he can perform exceptionally well even under physical duress. His proficiency on the green not only helped him score well but captivated fans and rekindled conversations about his potential to be a future star in golf.

Previous Triumphs Despite Challenges

Interestingly, Capan isn’t new to overcoming adversity in his sporting career. In the 2024 Veritex Bank Championship, he set a scoring record at the Korn Ferry Tour by shooting a first-round 13-under 58, all while facing vision problems. These remarkable feats indicate that Capan may thrive when confronted with odds stacked against him.

Resilience in the Face of Pain

Capan’s experience is not confined to just vision issues. He has competed with injuries in the past, including a hip condition that required a lengthy recovery period. With a background in football, he indicates that he is accustomed to dealing with pain, shrugging off his current challenges with impressive nonchalance. “I’ve played with all sorts of crap going on,” he shared, showcasing both his strength and his seasoned attitude towards competition.

Looking Ahead

As he continues the Bank of Utah Championship, Frankie Capan III’s resilience and adaptability may just open doors for future success in professional golf. With his impressive debut round and a calm demeanor in the face of adversity, there’s no telling how far this talented athlete can go. As spectators eagerly anticipate the next rounds, it’s clear that Capan is a player to watch, poised to make even bigger strides in his golf career.

Extolling the spirit of competition, Frankie Capan III serves as a reminder that perseverance and determination can lead to remarkable accomplishments, even under the most challenging circumstances. Will he continue to defy the odds and emerge victorious at this championship? Only time will tell, but one thing remains certain: Frankie Capan III is a name that will resonate in the world of golf for years to come.