Matt McCarty has made a remarkable transition from the Korn Ferry Tour to winning his first PGA Tour title at the 2024 Black Desert Championship. Starting the year on the Korn Ferry Tour, McCarty quickly showcased his talent, securing three victories in a single season which propelled him to the top ranking on that tour. His success earned him spots in major tournaments like The Players Championship and the U.S. Open, setting the stage for his PGA Tour debut.
In Utah, at the Black Desert Championship, McCarty’s performance was nothing short of stellar. He delivered a final round 4-under 67, concluding the tournament at 23-under-par, clinching a three-stroke victory over Stephan Jaeger. This win not only marked his first PGA Tour title in just his second official start but also secured his tour playing privileges through the 2026 season.
The victory brings significant opportunities for McCarty, including invitations to prestigious events such as The Sentry, the Masters, and the PGA Championship. Despite beginning the week ranked outside the top 230 in the FedEx Cup standings, his win catapulted him to No. 95, opening the door to potentially participate in the Aon Next 10 and other high-profile tournaments next season like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Genesis Invitational.
The final day was tense for McCarty, starting with a slim two-stroke lead. Early challenges from Harris English and Kevin Streelman saw his lead diminish, yet McCarty remained resilient, maintaining his position at the top of the leaderboard throughout the day. A pivotal moment came on the par-4 14th, where McCarty’s incredible tee shot landed just four feet from the hole, setting up an eagle that substantially extended his lead and effectively secured his victory.
Matt McCarty’s journey from the Korn Ferry Tour to a PGA Tour champion in such a short period highlights his exceptional skill and determination, signaling a promising future in the golfing world.