Kevin Streelman Chased Lead at Bank of Utah Championship

The veteran golfer secured a spot in the final group for the third round after posting impressive early scores.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Golf

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a golfer in mid-swing on a vast fairway against a backdrop of distant rugged mountains. — Kevin Streelman sits two strokes behind Austin Smotherman heading into the third round of the Bank of Utah Championship after impressive opening play. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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At 47 years old, Kevin Streelman entered the third round of the Bank of Utah Championship trailing tournament leader Austin Smotherman by two shots. Streelman, who replaced Lanto Griffin in the field, surged into contention with opening rounds of 63 and 64.

Why it matters

A high finish at this tournament could help Streelman improve his 151st FedEx Cup ranking, potentially moving him into the top 100. This performance marks a significant turn for the veteran after a 2025 season hampered by injuries.

Streelman opened with back-to-back rounds of 63 and 64 to stay within two shots of the lead. The 47-year-old is currently looking to climb from 151st in the FedEx Cup standings.

The players

Kevin Streelman

He is a 47-year-old professional golfer who has maintained a PGA Tour career for 19 consecutive seasons.

Austin Smotherman

He is a professional golfer currently leading the Bank of Utah Championship field.

Lanto Griffin

He is a professional golfer who withdrew from the tournament, allowing Streelman to enter the field.

The details

Streelman is currently playing his 19th consecutive season on the PGA Tour despite a limited 2025 schedule that saw him make only 10 starts due to injury. He is closing in on a career milestone, requiring just 11 more appearances to reach 500 total tour starts.

2014 was the year of Streelman's last PGA Tour victory.
2025 saw Streelman limited to 10 tour starts due to injury.
Friday, October 2, 2026, marked the day Streelman discussed his weekend position.
Saturday, October 3, 2026, was the day Streelman played in the final group.

Season Trajectory

Streelman is fighting to salvage his season and climb out of the 151st position in the FedEx Cup standings. This performance is vital for his ability to maintain tour eligibility given his injury-shortened 2025 campaign.

Streelman needs a strong finish at this event to potentially crack the top 100 in the FedEx Cup. Fantasy players should note his momentum, as he now requires only 11 more tournament appearances to hit the 500-start milestone.

The takeaway

Streelman has demonstrated that he remains a competitive force on the tour despite his recent injury setbacks and age. His pursuit of 500 career starts highlights the longevity required to sustain a professional golf career at the highest level.