McCarty was one of the big winners of the fall, notching his first Tour title at the Black Desert Championship in just his second start after his promotion from the Korn Ferry Tour. He missed the cut in Las Vegas and failed to make the weekend at the RSM Classic too, shooting 71-75. He struggled on Friday at the easier Plantation Course.

PGA Tour rookie Patrick Fishburn played bogey-free for an 8-under 64 for his first lead after any round. Joel Dahmen was 10 shots behind and had a bigger cause for celebration Friday in the RSM Classic.