After winning his first PGA TOUR title at the Black Desert Championship on Sunday with a 4-under 67 and a single stroke that virtually sealed it, Matt McCarty, who began the year on the Korn Ferry Tour, is now on his way to the Masters.
In August, McCarty received an immediate promotion after winning three times on the Korn Ferry Tour. He made winning appear as simple as ever in his second start as a member of the PGA TOUR. He won by three strokes at Black Desert Resort, where he had a two-shot lead heading into the final round and never trailed.
On the 14th and 15th, Stephan Jaeger made birdies to go within one stroke. On the 310-yard 14th, McCarty made an almost flawless 3-wood that bounded onto the green and settled 3 1/2 feet from the cup for an eagle, effectively ending any threat.
On the 14th and 15th, Stephan Jaeger made birdies to go within one stroke. On the 310-yard 14th, McCarty made an almost flawless 3-wood that bounded onto the green and settled 3 1/2 feet from the cup for an eagle, effectively ending any threat.
With the win, the 26-year-old Arizona left-hander will undoubtedly play in three major leagues the next season. With his PGA TOUR win, he gains entry into the Masters and PGA Championship, while McCarty’s top ranking on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List has already secured him a place in the U.S. Open.
With three wins on the developmental tour, McCarty becomes the only player since Jason Gore to receive an immediate promotion and go on to win on the PGA TOUR in the same season. His final score was 23-under 261, earning him $1.35 million.
“It’s just a lot of fun, and I’m not sure how you can expect this. I’ve been putting in a lot of work. I had a fantastic year. It was fantastic to arrive here a bit early and gain some experience, and this is clearly the case now.” McCarthy said.
For me, the past few months have just been hectic.
With the exception of that one fleeting instance when Jaeger made a late move, McCarty didn’t experience much stress, which he can credit to some exquisite lag putting.
For a large portion of the bright day in southern Utah, which was the Beehive State’s first time hosting a PGA TOUR event in 61 years, all of the possible opponents didn’t pose much threat.
On the first hole, Joe Highsmith, who was in the last group, made double bogey. Despite three birdies, Harris English was unable to make a move because of three bogeys on the front nine. Only one birdie was made on the front nine by Jaeger, who faced Scottie Scheffler head-to-head to win the Texas Children’s Houston Open in March.
McCarty drove forward, ahead by three, and didn’t let up until he made a three-putt from 55 feet below a ridge on the 12th hole. Then, when Jaeger drove the 14th green for a two-putt birdie to get within one, then nailed a 5-foot birdie putt on the 13th, McCarty responded.
With his 3-wood, he hit a draw, looked it down, and said, “Turn!” It turned, missing the green and slowing into the grain until it was almost at tap-in range. Jaeger, who was two groups ahead of him, burned the cup’s edge with three consecutive birdie putts.
Jaeger finished alone in second place with a 68 after making a birdie on the 18th par-5 hole.
“I tried it on myself. I didn’t drive it well enough to offer myself enough of chances to make a birdie with shorter clubs. However, you have that occasionally. I’m pleased with the excellent putts I made coming in.” Jaeger said.
Kevin Streelman, who had a significant opportunity while not having a real chance to win, was tied for third place with Lucas Glover after Glover shot 62. Players that place in the top 125 to retain full PGA TOUR cards for 2025 are the main focus of the FedExCup Fall.
Every shot counted when Streelman entered at No. 177. After missing a 6-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole, he smacked his thigh violently. On the 17th par-3, he watched his wedge hit the pin and bounce off the green. He birdied the 18th hole for a 69, saving par.
With at least four events remaining in the fall, that put him at No. 138, bringing him a little closer to 125th.
