Blasting the field in Springfield, Missouri two weeks ago, David Kocher posted 28-under to set the tournament scoring record and claim his second career Korn Ferry Tour victory.

But.

(There's always a "but".)

Even with 31 birdies, tying a Korn Ferry Tour record and a win this late in the season, Kocher is still on the outside The 25 looking in. The victory at the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper provided his fifth consecutive payday but his first inside T37. The first-place points (500) move him to No. 30 on the list with 663 so there's still work to be done with two events left.

Another familiar face greets the Korn Ferry Tour this week as the Utah Championship presented by Zions Bank hosts again. This event has been on the original schedule since 1990 and has hosted an event every year with the exceptions of 1997 and 1998. Oakridge Country Club has been the host since 2017 and will host the 31st event in Utah. Designed in the mid 1950s, the par-71 stretches to just 7,045 yards so it's hardly surprising that the winning score has been 20-under or lower in four of the five editions. For the second straight season, Utah will host in August.

On the line is a purse of $750,000, with the winner enjoying $135,000 plus 500 Korn Ferry Tour points.

Oakridge CC

POWER RANKINGS

Sitting at 4,300 feet above sea level, the 7,045 yards will be ample target practice for those who can control the golf ball tee-to-green. Some of the smallest greens on the Korn Ferry Tour provide defense but these wedge masters will rack up plenty of birdies and eagles attacking with lofted clubs.

In four of the five years, 60-plus players who have made the cut have posted 10-under or better. Speaking of the cut, it has been 5 under or better in four of the five editions.

The 2019 was the exception as even par was the line after 36 holes and 14-under was the winning score.

The rule is simple: Rounds of 70 or worse need not apply this week. In three of the five editions, 61 has been posted, tying the course record. West Coasters should have a bit of an advantage this week with the Poa annua.

Birdie festivals always open the door to all comers. Most of these guys thrive when they know there are 16 or 17 chances per round to put a circle on the card. Kocher picked a heck of a time to circle 31 birdies and claim his first top 10 of the season!

August in Utah for the second year in a row means the opposite of having tons of rain. The arid climate will keep firm and fast on the menu again this week. Temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s will accompany the four days of golf.

Last Week - Price Cutter Charity Championship

No. 10 - Sam Stevens - T37
No. 9 - Justin Suh - 7th
No. 8 - Nelson Ledesma - MC
No. 7 - Nicolas Echavarria - T63
No. 6 - Pierceson Coody - MC
No. 5 - Davis Thompson - MC
No. 4 - Austin Eckroat - T8
No. 3 - Paul Haley II - T31
No. 2 - Augusto Nunez - T2
No. 1 - Michael Kim - T13

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out through Twitter or email me at mikeglasscott@gmail.com.