McCarty clinches first PGA Tour win

Matt McCarty celebrates with the Trophy  

American Matt McCarty secured a place at next year’s Masters and PGA Championship by winning his first PGA Tour title at the inaugural Black Desert Championship in Utah.

The 26-year-old left-hander, in his rookie season on the tour, earned a two-year exemption thanks to his three-shot win over Germany’s Stephan Jaeger.

Having clinched his tour spot this year by winning three times on the development Korn Ferry Tour, McCarthy becomes the first player since Jason Gore in 2005 to win on both tours in the season they were promoted.

“It’s been unbelievable last few months,” said McCarty, who shot a four-under-par 67 to finish on 23 under. “It was a lot of fun [and a] pretty surreal moment.”

Going into the final round, McCarty held a two-stroke lead over Jaeger, Joe Highsmith, Kevin Steelman and Harris English, which had been reduced to one with five holes remaining.

But an eagle two on the par-four 14th effectively secured victory for McCarty, who carded two more birdies and a bogey before celebrating with his caddie and family.

Streelman and fellow American Lucas Glover tied for third on 19 under. 

(Agencies)