The former First Tee – Greater Sacramento participant won the Bank of Utah Championship at Black Desert Resort
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2026) – First Tee congratulates Austin Smotherman on his first PGA Tour victory at the Bank of Utah Championship, held October 1-4 at Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah. Smotherman finished 26-under, claiming the title by two strokes in his 100th career Tour start.
Smotherman’s road to the winner’s circle traces back to First Tee – Greater Sacramento, where he spent 10 years as a participant, beginning at age 7. The lessons in resilience and character he developed through the program have remained part of his approach to the game and to competition.
“[First Tee – Greater Sacramento] gave me everything, all the belief from such an early age, just that you’re going to be a good person, good human, and go use this game for a lot more than just cashing a check every week playing professionally,” Smotherman said in a post-tournament news conference.
Since signing on as First Tee’s inaugural Brand Ambassador in 2022, he’s led clinics, represented First Tee in interviews and displayed the nonprofit’s logo on his golf bag. This summer, Smotherman hosted a clinic for participants at the Game Changers Academy at the 3M Open, sharing his experience with the next generation of junior golfers.
“On behalf of everyone at First Tee, I extend my warmest congratulations to Austin for his victory at the Bank of Utah Championship,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “His story reflects exactly what First Tee strives to instill in young people. Over the last decade, he has demonstrated perseverance, patience and character on and off the course.”
Smotherman’s win secures him a two-year PGA Tour exemption and moves him to No. 51 in the FedExCup Fall Standings.
First Tee Ambassadors include Smotherman, professional golfer Alex Smalley, First Tee – Miami alumna and actor Kathryn Newton and actor Michael Pena.
