IVINS, Utah — Matt McCarty took a two-under lead in the final round in his second PGA Tour appearance, shooting a 7-under 64 on Saturday in the inaugural Black Desert Championship.
A three-time winner this season on the Korn Ferry Tour to earn immediate promotion to the PGA Tour, McCarty carded a 19-under 194 at Black Desert Resort in Utah’s first tour event in 61 years.
On a breezy, but low-key afternoon at Tom Weiskopf’s design carved out of the black ancient lava, the 26-year-old McCarty played the five-hole front nine at 6 under, highlighted by an eagle chip. -on the par-5 seventh.
“I think it’s a comfortable place to go back to the desert,” said McCarty, of Scottsdale, Arizona. “Like the ideas and just like it’s a cool place to be. A cool place to play well, too.”
On the back nine, McCarty hit the green and two-putted for birdie on the short par-4 14th. He hit a wedge to 6 inches on the par-4 16th, then birdied the par-5 18th.
“All things like this come on the other side of winning here, being exempt for a few years, getting into the Masters, things like that,” McCarty said. “It’s hard not to think about those things.”
McCarty, who carded a 63 last week in Mississippi in his PGA Tour debut, finished tied for third Saturday with a three-under 68 to leave him a shot behind leader Stephan Jaeger.
“Long day. A little tired,” McCarty said. “Watch whatever is left of football today and go to bed early.”
Jaeger shot a 68 to drop two strokes back with Joe Highsmith (62), Kevin Streelman (63) and Harris English (66).
Jaeger already has one victory this year, capturing his first PGA Tour title at the Houston Open in the second round over Scottie Scheffler. He is one of two players — Chris Kirk, who was tied for 36th at 9-under 70, is the other — to finish in the top 50 at the FedEx Cup and is guaranteed every $20 million signature event next year. .
Highsmith scored his lowest score of the tour.
“It was definitely one of the best rounds I’ve ever played in my entire golf life.” Highsmith said. “It was very difficult on the back 9 with some storms.”
Harry Hall was 15 years younger at 64. Kurt Kitayama (64) was 14 under with Chad Ramey (64) and Beau Hossler (66).
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