Master-ful McCarty takes major step with first PGA win

Matt McCarty started the year on the Korn Ferry Tour and now is headed to the Masters after winning his first US PGA Tour title.

The American claimed victory at the Black Desert Championship on Sunday (Monday AEDT) with a four-under 67 and one swing that all but sealed it.

McCarty won three times on the Korn Ferry Tour to earn an instant promotion in August. In his third start on the PGA Tour, he made winning look just as easy. With a two-shot lead going into the final round, he never trailed at Black Desert Resort and won by three shots.

Germany’s Stephan Jaeger closed within one shot with birdies on the 14th and 15th. McCarty effectively ended any threat with a three-wood on the 310-yard 14th that was close to perfect, bounding on to the green and settling three feet from the cup for an eagle.

The victory means the 26-year-old left-hander from Arizona is assured of being in three of the majors next year. He gets into the Masters and PGA Championship with his PGA Tour title, and had already earned a spot in the US Open by leading the Korn Ferry Tour points list.

McCarty becomes the first player since Jason Gore to win three times on the developmental tour to earn an instant promotion and then win on the PGA Tour in the same season. He finished at 23-under 261 and earned $US1.35 million ($A2 million).

“I don’t know how you can expect this,” McCarty said. “It’s just a lot of fun. I’ve been working really hard. This year was great for me. To get out here a little early, to get some experience was great and obviously this now.”

Lucas Glover shot 62 and tied for third with fellow American Kevin Streelman, who had a big opportunity even without having a serious chance to win. The FedEx Cup Fall is largely about players finishing in the top 125 to keep full PGA Tour cards for 2025.

Streelman came into the tournament at No.177, and every shot mattered. He angrily slapped his thigh when he missed a six-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole, then he watched his wedge hit the pin on the par-3 17th and bound off the green. He managed to save par, then birdied the 18th for a 69.

That moved him to No.138, getting him a little closer to 125th place with at least four more tournaments left.