Austin Smotherman holds one-shot lead in Utah and goes after his first PGA Tour title

Austin Smotherman took control of the Utah Championship on Saturday, posting a string of birdies and securing a one-hole lead over Doug Ghim going into the final round. Smotherman, who is making his 100th career start, had a 6-under 65 while Ghim had a 7-under 66. Both players had won titles on the PGA Tour, with Smotherman on his 100th start and Ghim on his 192nd.

Smotherman's lead was tested when he three-putted from just outside 30 feet on the par-4 10th, allowing Kevin Streelman to tie him for the lead. However, Smotherman then birdied three of the next four holes, putting himself back in contention. Ghim had his chance to take the lead, holing an 8-foot birdie on the par-3 17th and another birdie on the par-5 closing hole.

Both birdies gave him a share of the lead, but Smotherman was able to match them with birdies on the back nine. The final birdie from Smotherman at 12 feet gave him a two-shot lead, which he held onto to end the tournament with 23-under 190, matching the 72-hole record at Black Desert Resort. The tournament, hosted for the third year at Black Desert Resort, is part of the FedEx Cup Fall Series and offers a chance for the winner to secure a two-year exemption to the top-tier Championship Series starting in 2028.