Matt McCarty wins first PGA title

Matt McCarty celebrated a remarkable milestone over the weekend by clinching his first PGA Tour title at the Black Desert Championship in Ivins, Utah. Starting the year on the Korn Ferry Tour, McCarty quickly transitioned to the PGA Tour after securing three victories on the developmental circuit, earning him an instant promotion in August.

McCarty entered the final round with a two-stroke lead and maintained control throughout, finishing with a score of 23-under 67, three shots ahead of runner-up Stephan Jaeger. His final round included a pivotal eagle on the par-4 14th hole, where he expertly drove his 3-wood close to the hole, solidifying his lead at a crucial moment. Lucas Glover and Kevin Steelman finished tied in third place at 19 under. 

The victory not only marks a significant achievement for the 26-year-old left-hander but also guarantees him entry into prestigious tournaments such as the Masters and PGA Championship next year. Additionally, McCarty’s performance has earned him playing privileges on the PGA Tour through the 2026 season. 

McCarty’s journey to this point has been impressive; he finished atop the Korn Ferry Tour points list earlier this year and has now secured four professional wins in his last ten starts. His consistent performance has propelled him from outside the top 230 in the FedEx Cup standings to No. 95 after this victory. 

As he prepares for future competitions, including major championships, McCarty’s recent success positions him as a player to watch out for in the coming years, especially as he has now earned a ticket to two important events. His ability to remain calm and composed was evident throughout the tournament, particularly as competitors like Harris English and Kevin Streelman attempted to close the gap.

With this win, he joins an elite group of players who have transitioned from the Korn Ferry Tour to immediate success on the PGA Tour within the same season.