Matt McCarty Was “One Swing Away From a 58”

Matt McCarty disappointed at missing out on scoring less than 60. Photo Illustration by Nina Glick/Dylan Ryu

Last Sunday, Oct. 12, the Baycurrent Classic concluded in Japan, drawing a world-class field to the fall PGA Tour event. Among the stars were Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Japan’s own Hideki Matsuyama.

After three disappointing rounds, Santa Clara University alumnus Matt McCarty ’21 entered the final day at 1-over-par, 13 shots behind co-leaders Xander Schauffele and Max Greyserman. With little chance of contending, McCarty delivered one of the most exhilarating performances of his career. 

Starting on the 10th hole, McCarty quickly found his rhythm, carding four birdies on his front nine, including back-to-back birdies on 16 and 17. He gained momentum on the back nine, where he strung together eight consecutive birdies, hitting pinpoint approach shots and sinking short putts with confidence. 

As he headed to his final hole, No. 9, McCarty stood at 12 under for the round, needing one more birdie to shoot a historic 58. Only Jim Furyk has ever recorded a 58 in a PGA Tour event, during the 2016 Travelers Championship.

However, McCarty’s tee shot hooked left out of bounds, forcing a penalty and a re-tee. Undeterred, he stuck his approach shot to seven feet and drained the bogey putt to finish with a remarkable 60.

 “I felt similar nerves to being in contention,” McCarty said in his post-round press conference. He previously shot 59 during the opening round of the 2021 Wyoming State Open, which he went on to win. Reflecting on Sunday’s round, he called having a look at 58 “fun.” With a final score of 10-under-par, he earned a top-15 finish on the leaderboard. 

Next up, the PGA Tour heads to Utah for the Black Desert Championship, where McCarty will defend his first PGA Tour title.