Matt McCarty surged into the lead at the Black Desert Championship, holding a two-stroke advantage heading into the final round of his second PGA Tour appearance. The 26-year-old golfer, who secured three victories on the Korn Ferry Tour this season to earn a swift promotion to the PGA Tour, displayed exceptional form with a scintillating 7-under 64 on Saturday.
McCarty's stellar performance saw him amass a total score of 19-under 194 at the Black Desert Resort, marking the PGA Tour's return to Utah after a hiatus of 61 years. The Arizona native attributed his success to the comfortable desert setting, expressing his admiration for the picturesque views and the overall ambiance of the course.
During a remarkable five-hole stretch on the front nine, McCarty carded an impressive 6-under, including a spectacular eagle chip-in on the par-5 seventh hole. His momentum continued on the back nine, where he executed key shots, such as driving the green on the short par-4 14th and a precise wedge shot on the par-4 16th.
Reflecting on his aspirations, McCarty acknowledged the significance of potential rewards that come with a victory, such as exemptions and coveted tournament invitations. Despite a tiring day that concluded with a 68 in the suspended third round, McCarty remained focused on his goals and looked forward to unwinding after the round.
Meanwhile, Stephan Jaeger, Joe Highsmith, Kevin Streelman, and Harris English are among the contenders trailing McCarty, with Jaeger sitting two strokes behind the leader after a solid 68. Highsmith, in particular, delivered an exceptional performance with a career-best round of 62, showcasing his skills amidst challenging conditions on the back nine.
As the competition intensifies, Harry Hall, Kurt Kitayama, Chad Ramey, and Beau Hossler remain in contention with strong showings, setting the stage for an exciting final round at the Black Desert Championship.
With the tournament reaching its climax, golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the thrilling conclusion as the top contenders vie for victory and valuable FedEx Cup points.
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