Matt McCarty evidently knows how to make himself feel at home.
Making just his third career start on the PGA Tour – only his second start since earning his full tour privileges via the Korn Ferry Tour earlier this year – the 26-year-old left-hander won the inaugural Black Desert Championship in Ivins, Utah, to continue his dramatic ascent in the game.
In less than three months, the former Santa Clara University star has won four times – his three victories on the Korn Ferry Tour automatically qualifying him for the PGA Tour – while putting his name near the top of a unique list.
Jim Benepe, who won the 1988 Beatrice Western Open, is the only player to win his first official PGA Tour start. Russell Henley won the 2013 Sony Open in his first PGA Tour start as a pro after competing in two U.S. Opens as an amateur. McCarty joined Garrick Higgo, who won the 2021 Palmetto Championship at Congaree, as the only players to win in their second start as a tour member.
McCarty missed the cut in the 2022 U.S. Open as a Korn Ferry Tour member and tied for 63rd in the Sanderson Farms Championship before winning at Black Desert Resort, where he finished at 23-under-par 261, three ahead of Stephan Jaeger.
“I knew if I played well this week, I would have a chance, but to do it like this, I don’t know how you could expect this, to be honest,” McCarty said. “I’ve been working really hard. To get out here a little early and get some experience, it’s just been a crazy last few months for me.”
McCarty, who finished first on the Korn Ferry Tour points list, was the 13th player to earn automatic status on the PGA Tour by winning three times in one season. He picked up those victories in a six-tournament run and parlayed that success into his victory in southern Utah.
Holding a one-stroke lead midway through the back nine on Sunday, McCarty made the day’s most critical swing at the drivable par-4 14th hole where his 297-yard tee shot settled 3½ feet from the hole, setting up an eagle that boosted his advantage to three strokes coming down the stretch.
“I was able to hang around and have a lot of stress-free pars which is nice, and to make a few birdies when they came. It’s a pretty surreal moment,” said McCarty, who earned $1.35 million from the $7.5 million purse.
The Black Desert Championship marked the PGA Tour’s first visit to the state in 61 years and featured the dramatic setting of the late Tom Weiskopf’s final course design.
“It’s forgiving. If you miss, it’s bad, obviously. Really fun course to play. Ball goes forever, and all the par-5s are gettable. Great mix of par-3s. Typical Weiskopf design: great mix of 3s; fun, drivable hole on each side. Fun course,” said Lucas Glover, who closed with a 9-under par 62 to finish tied for third with Kevin Streelman.
The week also included the 500th career start for home state star Jay Don Blake.
“Great accomplishment. I’m pretty proud of it. The situation of the scenario of being born and raised in St. George [Utah] and having the opportunity to get that milestone of 500 PGA Tour starts is a dream kind of story. You can’t make it up, can’t script it,” Blake said.
Ron Green Jr.