Austin Smotherman wins first PGA Tour title in 100th start

Austin Smotherman won the Bank of Utah Championship by two strokes Sunday, finishing at 26-under 258 for his first PGA Tour title in his 100th career start. He closed with a 3-under 68 at Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah, overcoming a late double bogey to claim the victory. Smotherman began the final round with a one-shot lead over Doug Ghim and quickly extended it with birdies, including a 35-foot putt on the fifth hole. He held a three-shot advantage before trouble at the par-4 13th: his approach plugged near a bunker’s lip, and he made double bogey after failing to save par. His lead narrowed to one as Trace Crowe, playing ahead, made an eagle. Smotherman answered on the 14th, reaching the area near the green with his tee shot and making birdie to restore a two-shot cushion. He added another birdie on the 16th. A bogey on the 17th and birdie on the 18th completed his round and left him two shots clear of Ghim. Crowe and David Ford tied for third.