Orem’s Zac Blair showcased a strong performance during the third round of the Bank of Utah Black Deseret PGA Tour event in Ivins on Saturday, recording eight birdies in a remarkable display of skill. Blair birdied holes 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 13, 14, and 18, finishing the day at 4-under par and accumulating a total score of 9-under for the tournament with a round of 67.
However, Blair’s progress was slightly dampened as he encountered challenges with bogeys on holes 16 and 17, leading to a total of four bogeys for the round. Despite these setbacks, he managed to maintain a competitive score, thanks to his consistent birdie-making ability, tallying 18 birdies and an eagle over the three-day event. Blair expressed his hope that reducing his bogeys would enhance his chances in the tournament, noting, “I think if I make four bogeys or less, I feel it’s going to be a good week.”
Blair’s score puts him eight strokes behind the leader, Michael Brennan, who delivered an exceptional performance with a 7-under par day, extending his lead to two shots heading into the final round. Blair, a former BYU star and multiple-time UGA player of the year, reflected on the quirks of the game, mentioning unusual situations that led to his bogeys. “I hit a couple of bad shots today on 16 and 17, but I hit a great 7-wood on No. 2, and it goes through the fairway… then I make a bogey on 6 after a great drive and great second shot that plugs in the lip of the bunker.”
Connor Howe from Ogden was the only other local competitor still in the tournament, finishing the day at 3-over par and dropping to a total of 5-under for the event. As the final round approaches, both players will look to capitalize on their experience and compete fiercely for favorable outcomes. The energy and determination exhibited by Blair and Howe present an inspiring narrative as the tournament culminates.