Austin Cook Leads at Utah Championship After Promising Start
Golfer Austin Cook got off to an excellent start at the Utah Championship, taking advantage of six birdies on Thursday to share the lead before darkness stopped the day at Black Desert. Cook, who avoided the qualifying phase, stood out on the field, showing a consistent and effective game. Other competitors, such as Thorbjorn Olesen, Jesper Svensson, and David Lipsky, also shone, registering a 6-under-par 65 on this unique course, characterized by red earth and black lava rocks. Cook was at 6-under-par and about to make a 20-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole when natural light ran out. The resumption of play for the 38 players who did not complete the round was scheduled for 8 a.m.Olesen, for his part, was surprisingly satisfied with his start, considering the travels and change of scenery he had recently experienced. Svensson and Lipsky also stood out, consolidating their position in the rankings. After this week, there are only three tournaments left for players to secure a spot in the top 100 in the FedEx Cup and maintain their full cards for the 2026 season. This year, the number of players who will keep their cards has been reduced to 100, compared to 125 the previous year. Paul Peterson, with a 66, was one stroke away, showing a remarkable recovery after a challenging start. Billy Horschel had a complicated day, with an irregular performance that included a quadruple bogey on the 11th hole, although he managed to recover at certain moments. Max Homa also experienced ups and downs, with a double bogey on the 13th hole that slowed his progress. Alex Noren, for his part, finished his round with a 67-under-par 4. Noren, who has recovered from a leg injury, seeks to move up in the FedEx Cup standings.On Saturday I became the first substitute. I felt like I was going to enter, so I helped take everyone home on Sunday and flew on Monday, and on the plane I received a text message.
Austin Cook
