In Ivins, Utah, Austin Cook got off to an excellent start at the Bank of Utah Championship. Having bypassed a qualifier, he capitalized on his opportunity by sinking six birdies on Thursday, placing him in a tie for the lead before play was suspended due to darkness on the challenging Black Desert course.
Thorbjorn Olesen, Jesper Svensson, and David Lipsky also completed their rounds, each carding a 6-under 65 on the distinctive course, characterized by its striking red dirt and black lava rock landscape.
Cook, also at 6-under par, was preparing for a 20-foot birdie putt on the reachable par-4 14th when visibility became too poor to proceed. Earlier, afternoon tee times had been delayed by 15 minutes. The 38 golfers unable to complete their rounds are scheduled to recommence play at 8 a.m. the following day.
Cook`s Unexpected Opportunity
Cook expressed satisfaction with his position. A former PGA Tour champion, this event marks only his eighth appearance this season. He had been low on the alternate list and was vacationing with his family at the beach, intending to participate in the Monday qualifier.
Cook recounted, “By Saturday, I moved up to the first alternate spot. I had a strong feeling I`d get in, so I drove everyone home Sunday, flew out Monday, and received a text while on the plane.” He joined the field as a replacement for the withdrawn Erik van Rooyen.
Olesen`s Journey and Low Expectations
Olesen, too, was unexpectedly pleased with his performance, especially given his recent travel schedule. He had flown from the Sanderson Farms Championship in Mississippi to Europe for the Spanish Open, then home to Dubai, before finally arriving in Utah, accumulating considerable air travel time.
“My expectations were quite low this morning,” Olesen admitted, “but I focused on recovery over the past few days, trying to prepare my body for today`s round.”
Currently, Olesen ranks 116th in the FedEx Cup standings, precariously close to the cut-off. Svensson is just ahead at 115th, and Lipsky holds the 99th position.
With only three tournaments left after this one, players are vying to secure a spot in the top 100 of the FedEx Cup to retain their full playing cards for the 2026 season, a reduction from the 125 spots available last year.
Dramatic Turnarounds and Course Challenges
Paul Peterson, part of the group one stroke back with a 66, made a remarkable comeback. He was 2-over par after eight holes but dramatically improved his score by carding six birdies and an eagle.
The Black Desert course offers numerous birdie opportunities but also significant hazards. Billy Horschel, returning after a five-month absence due to hip surgery, was 1-under par until the back nine, where he started with a bogey followed by a quadruple-bogey 8 on the 11th.
Attempting to recover from the desert, Horschel`s ball ended up in the black lava. After taking a penalty drop, he played from the red dirt, navigating around rocks. His subsequent shot landed left of the green, and he then three-putted from within 20 feet.
Despite the setback, Horschel rebounded impressively, driving the 14th green within 20 feet for an eagle putt, and then sinking a 12-foot birdie on the par-3 15th, ultimately salvaging a round of 72.
Max Homa had been gaining on the leaders, reaching 3-under, until a double bogey on the 13th after driving into the water. He recovered with a birdie on the 14th but then dropped shots with a bogey on the 16th and a missed par save from a bunker on the par-3 17th. He finished the day at even par, facing a 27-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole when play resumes Friday.
Alex Noren concluded his round with a 4-under 67. The Swedish golfer, sidelined until May due to a leg injury, is now focused on climbing back into the FedEx Cup`s top 100. Noren is a celebrated figure, having won the BMW PGA Championship in England, a premier European Tour event, and served as a vice-captain for Europe`s triumphant Ryder Cup team.
Jasper Carew 
Rupert Hollis