Arizona-born lefty Matt McCarty took the golf world by storm in 2024, becoming the first player since Jason Gore (2005) to earn a three-win Korn Ferry Tour promotion and claim a PGA Tour victory in the same season. With a Masters debut on the horizon and a sponsorship deal fresh off his first Tour win, the 27-year-old is poised to join golf’s elite.
Here’s everything you need to know about the rising star.
Matt McCarty’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Matt McCarty |
| Nickname | “King of Grocery Store Championships” (from KFT wins) |
| Born | December 11, 1997 (Scottsdale, Arizona) |
| Age | 27 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’0” (1.83 m) |
| College | Santa Clara University (Finance & Marketing) |
| Turned Pro | 2021 |
| Net Worth | ~$1.5 million (career earnings + endorsements) |
| Relationship Status | Dating (girlfriend’s name not publicly disclosed) |
| @mattmccartygolf |
McCarty grew up idolizing Tiger Woods, attending the 2008 U.S. Open and 2009 Masters with his father. A Phoenix resident, he honed his skills at Dobson Ranch Golf Course and remains a die-hard Seattle Seahawks fan.
Early Career
McCarty’s dominance began in junior golf, winning the 2014 Arizona Junior Match Play Championship. At Desert Mountain High School, he tied for first at the 2015 State Championship while volunteering for a homeless charity.
His collegiate career at Santa Clara University (2016–2021) saw three All-West Coast Conference honors and a scoring average of 71.00 as a fifth-year senior. He reached the 2019 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball quarterfinals with teammate Derek Ackerman, foreshadowing his clutch gene.
Professional Career
After turning pro in 2021, McCarty grinded on the Forme Tour (T5 finish) and won the 2021 Wyoming State Open. His 2022 Korn Ferry Tour debut included a T5 at the Chitimacha Louisiana Open, but inconsistency left him 55th in standings. The 2023 season brought heartbreak: a double-bogey at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship dropped him to 35th, one spot shy of a PGA Tour card.
Everything changed in 2024. McCarty won three Korn Ferry events in six weeks (Price Cutter Charity Championship, Pinnacle Bank Championship, Albertsons Boise Open), securing a PGA Tour promotion. He then stunned the golf world by winning the Black Desert Championship in just his third PGA Tour start, firing a 23-under 261 for a three-stroke victory.
The win earned him exemptions into the 2025 Masters, PGA Championship, and Sentry, plus a two-year sponsorship with Black Desert Resort.
Wife
McCarty is dating a longtime girlfriend who he credits as a key supporter. While her name remains private, she attended the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship and frequently travels with him. The couple has no children.
Matt McCarty’s Net Worth Details
Matt McCarty’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $25,000 (Forme Tour, Wyoming Open) |
| 2022 | $55,000 (Korn Ferry Tour) |
| 2023 | $35,000 (Korn Ferry Tour) |
| 2024 | $1,446,340 ($1,366,340 PGA Tour + $80,000 Korn Ferry Tour) |
| 2025 | $69,944 (PGA Tour, as of February) |
Endorsements
Matt McCarty’s breakout 2024 season landed him a two-year sleeve sponsorship with Black Desert Resort, which he signed in January 2025. The deal, tied to his maiden PGA Tour win at their Utah course, includes logo placement on his right sleeve and perks like resort stays.
McCarty called the partnership a “no-brainer,” praising the “sick” desert layout and the resort’s family-like support. He also reps PING gear, playing a lefty G430 LST driver (tuned to 8.5°), Blueprint S irons, and a custom PLD Tyne C putter—equipment he’s stuck with since his Korn Ferry days. While his ball choice (TaylorMade TP5) isn’t sponsored, his club loyalty reflects PING’s tailored support for left-handed pros.
Career Stats
| Category | Stat |
| PGA Tour Wins | 1 (2024 Black Desert) |
| Korn Ferry Tour Wins | 3 (2024) |
| Career Earnings | $1,436,284 |
| World Ranking (Peak) | 47th (2024) |
| FedExCup Rank (2025) | 95th |
FAQs
1. When and where was Matt McCarty born?
Matt McCarty was born on December 11, 1997, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He grew up in the Phoenix area and attended Desert Mountain High School, where he began honing his golf skills. He currently resides in Phoenix.
2. How did Matt McCarty earn his PGA Tour card?
McCarty earned his PGA Tour card in 2024 through a three-win promotion on the Korn Ferry Tour, becoming the 13th player to achieve this feat. He won three tournaments in six weeks, securing exemptions into the 2025 Players Championship and U.S. Open.
3. What college did Matt McCarty attend?
He attended Santa Clara University from 2016 to 2021, earning a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s in marketing. During his college career, he earned three All-West Coast Conference honors and set a course record with a 10-under 61 in 2018.
4. What is Matt McCarty’s career highlight on the PGA Tour?
McCarty won his first PGA Tour event at the 2024 Black Desert Championship, finishing 23-under par and securing a three-shot victory. This marked his third career PGA Tour start and second as a full-time member.
5. What equipment does Matt McCarty use?
McCarty uses PING clubs, including a G430 LST driver, G410 3-wood, G430 Max 7-wood, Blueprint S irons, Glide Forged Pro wedges, and a PLD Custom Tyne C putter. His left-handed setup features Fujikura shafts and Lamkin Crossline Cord grips.
6. How many professional wins does Matt McCarty have?
He has five professional wins: the 2021 Wyoming State Open, three 2024 Korn Ferry Tour events (Price Cutter, Pinnacle Bank, Albertsons Boise Open), and the 2024 PGA Tour’s Black Desert Championship.
7. What records has Matt McCarty set in golf?
McCarty is the second player (after Jason Gore in 2005) to earn a three-win Korn Ferry Tour promotion and a PGA Tour victory in the same season. He also tied for third in fewest starts (three) to secure a PGA Tour win.
8. What are Matt McCarty’s hobbies outside golf?
Outside golf, McCarty enjoys skiing, watching movies, and competing in mini-golf with his caddie, Das. He also volunteered for a homeless charity during high school and frequently plays casual rounds at courses like Pine Valley and TPC Sawgrass.
9. Which majors will Matt McCarty play in 2025?
As a PGA Tour winner, McCarty qualified for the 2025 Masters, PGA Championship, and Sentry Tournament of Champions. His Korn Ferry Tour points list finish also earned him spots in the 2025 U.S. Open and Players Championship.
10. What distinguishes Matt McCarty’s playing style?
A left-handed player, McCarty is known for strategic use of a 7-wood, ranking 9th in Korn Ferry Tour par-5 scoring (4.47 average). His adaptability and aggressive approach on long holes have been key to his success, including a career-high world ranking of 47th.
