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Zach Bauchou opened the 2026 Bank of Utah Championship with a career-best 9-under 62 and a one-shot lead after Thursday’s first round. He finished with consecutive birdies at Black Desert Golf Course in Ivins, including a two-putt birdie on the 18th after reaching the par 5 in two.
How Bauchou built his first-round lead
Bauchou’s 62 put him one stroke ahead of a group at 8-under 63. It was his first 18-hole lead on the PGA TOUR, according to the Associated Press report hosted by Golf Channel.
Birdies on the final two holes
At the par-3 17th, Bauchou made a birdie putt from 12 feet. He followed it at the 602-yard 18th by reaching the green in two and making a two-putt birdie from 25 feet. Those closing birdies secured his one-shot advantage.
Who was close behind?
Sudarshan Yellamaraju was the first of nine players to post 63, one behind Bauchou. The first-round scoring average was around 68, making the group of low scores stand out on an otherwise less aggressive scoring day.
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Nick Taylor joined Christiaan Bezuidenhout and defending champion Michael Brennan among the players at 64. Taylor finished with an eagle putt from 50 feet.
Other notable first-round moments
Jordan Smith made an albatross
Jordan Smith shot 63 after holing his second shot from 238 yards on the par-5 ninth for an albatross. “It’s the first time I’ve ever done it, so it was pretty special, and to end a round like that is even more special,” he said, as quoted by the Associated Press.
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Koivun rallied after early bogeys
Jackson Koivun, 21, made three consecutive bogeys and was two over before making four birdies in his final five holes. He finished with a 69 after an unbeaten Presidents Cup debut the previous week.
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At the time of the first-round report, Bauchou was No. 86 in the FedExCup standings. The report noted that the top 100 at the end of the FedExCup Fall in November would retain full PGA TOUR cards for 2027. That was a dated standings snapshot, not a current ranking.
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“I felt like I spent some time the last couple weeks reflecting on the season. Felt like I played pretty solid most of the year, just didn’t have that many high finishes,” Bauchou said, according to the Associated Press. “Just try to improve when I’m home and know that I am actually playing probably better than what my results are.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Tournament and leaderboard context
The Bank of Utah Championship was scheduled for October 1–4, 2026, at Black Desert Golf Course in Ivins. The PGA TOUR event page displayed the first-round scores, including Bauchou’s 62 and the group at 63. Because the leaderboard is dynamic, those figures describe the opening round rather than the tournament’s later or final standings.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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