We're now knee-deep in the FedEx Cup Fall with the 2026 Bank of Utah Championship teeing off on Thursday, Oct. 1, from Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah. Our Golfweek staffers have locked in their best picks to win this weekend. Here's who we expect to sit atop the leaderboard when play ends on Sunday.
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, golfer rankings and money list.Bank of Utah Championship outright winner
Nick Stavas: Eric Cole (+4000)
I might just end up riding with Eric Cole in every event this fall. I picked him to win the Biltmore Championship Asheville two weeks ago and he spent three days hovering around the lead before a disappointing 73 on Sunday took him out of contention. His game has been in great form all season, he just needs to put
four rounds together. I think he does that in Utah this week and breaks into the winner's circle at long last.
Cameron Jourdan: Ben James (+1600)
There has been so much talk about Jackson Koivun since turning pro that a lot of people have turned a blind eye to how well Ben James has done in the same span. He has been in contention numerous times the past four months, including at the Biltmore. This is the week he breaks through.
Adam Schupak: Ben James (+1600)
James has transitioned quickly to the PGA Tour and has plenty of firepower. His length and accuracy should be rewarded here. He's been knocking on the door, most recently runner-up in Asheville, and he's ready to take the next step in his career.
David Dusek: Michael Brennan (+1600)
Brennan won last year at Black Desert by four shots, so he has already shown he can handle this unique layout. He also won the Wyndham Championship in August by three and followed that with a T-10 at the BMW Championship.
Tim Schmitt: Doug Ghim (+2500)
Last time I picked Ghim was the John Deere Classic after he'd posted a number of top-30 finishes, and he was leading on the weekend before falling into a T-6. This time, I'm picking him off three straight top-20 finishes. I'm sticking with the same theory: this is a course that demands fairway driving accuracy (with the striking black lava rocks) and that's one of Ghim's strong suits.
Todd Kelly: Nick Taylor (+5500)
Matt McCarty won in Utah in 2024 in his second PGA Tour start. Michael Brennan won last year in his third. That trend gets flipped around this time when 38-year-old Nick Taylor wins in his 331st start. Canadians love the desert southwest and Taylor will prove it by claiming his sixth Tour win in Ivins, Utah.
Go to Golfweek.com for the latest news from the Bank of Utah Championship.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Who will win the 2026 Bank of Utah Championship? Our experts decide
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