Lower Makes Statement with 3rd Place Finish on PGA TOUR
When all was said and done at the PGA TOUR’s 2025 Bank of Utah Championship, Justin Lower walked off the scenic Black Desert Resort with more than just a share of third place — he left with momentum, confidence, and renewed visibility on the tour.
The Big Picture
Lower finished tied for third at –16 through the week, joining a high-quality group just behind champion Michael Brennan (-22) and runner-up Rico Hoey (-18). His final-round 67 (4 under-par) sealed the deal. The tournament was contested over 7,421 yards, par 71, at the Black Desert layout in Ivins, Utah.
What He Did Well
- Strong start: Lower opened with a 66 in round one (-5) and followed with a 67 (-4) in round two, positioning himself firmly in contention.
- Steady finish: His closing 68 (-3) in round three kept him among the leaders.
- Cooling off the field’s pressure: With many of his peers under intense scrutiny, Lower’s composed performance allowed him to rise with relative consistency rather than a late-explosion approach.
- Seasonal uptick: Given his statistics coming into the week, the PGA Tour result signals a meaningful upward trajectory as Lower looks to finish his season strong. He had Top 5 finishes last year at the upcoming events in Mexico and Bermuda.
The Bigger Picture for Lower
Lower’s game has had flashes of brilliance, but this week suggests he’s stepping into a more consistently competitive phase. A tie for third at a meaningful event like this does more than add a good result to the ledger; it sets a tone. The question now: can he build on this and convert more frequent contention into victories?
What He’ll Be Watching
- Approach-shot refinement: His approach play has been a weaker suit historically. If that improves, another level opens.
- Putting under pressure: As fields tighten, clutch putting makes a difference — Lower will want to keep that steady.
- Swing sustainability: Was this week just a peak, or a new baseline? Maintaining this form will be key.
- Mental consistency & momentum carry: This result can become a catalyst—but only if he leverages it.
Final Take
Justin Lower’s T-3 finish at the Bank of Utah Championship doesn’t just belong in the “good week” folder. It belongs in the “turning-point” folder. He backed up strong opening rounds with poise down the stretch, signalled readiness to compete at a higher level, and opened the door to what could be a season of further advancement on the PGA Tour.
