Austin Smotherman finished with a three-birdie burst to card a 9-under-par 62 and take a one-stroke lead halfway through the Bank of Utah Championship on Friday in Ivins, Utah.
Smotherman beat his Thursday score by one shot to get to 17-under 125, one ahead of Kevin Roy (63) after two rounds at Black Desert Resort.
He already had seven birdies and a bogey on his card when he reached the par-4 16th, where he converted a 9-foot birdie putt. Smotherman stayed hot with the flat stick and made a 20-footer for birdie at the par-3 17th before his two-putt birdie at the par-5 18th.
The 32-year-old is seeking his first PGA Tour victory, along with access to the first two signature events of 2027. Players who finish the tour’s FedEx Cup Fall series Nos. 51-60 in the standings will qualify, and only the top 100 will keep their cards for next year.
Kevin Streelman, who shot a 64, needs a strong fall as he entered this week just 151st in the points race. He’s now tied for third at 15 under with Doug Ghim, who shot the other 62 of the day.
Germany’s Stephan Jaeger (65) was fifth at 14 under.
Some notable names in line to miss the projected cut of 6 under par included Australian Cam Davis, Maverick McNealy, Lucas Glover, and Max Greyserman at 5 under; Tony Finau at 4 under; and Zach Johnson at 1 over.
Star rookie Jackson Koivun, fresh off his appearance on the victorious U.S. Presidents Cup team, holed a 6-foot birdie putt at No. 18 to shoot 67 and reach 6 under for the event, likely making the cut on the number.