Black Desert Resort near St. George, Utah, is home to the last 18-hole golf course designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Weiskopf. His widow, Laurie Weiskopf, was emotional when she visited the resort and saw the finished project, which features stunning red rocks and black lava flows. The layout has received rave reviews and currently ranks No. 1 in Utah on Golfweek’s Best list of public-access courses, No. 26 among all resort courses in the U.S., and No. 81 among all modern courses in the country.
Since opening in 2023, Black Desert has become a popular destination for golfers, with many praising the course’s design and challenging layout. Tom Weiskopf’s partner, Phil Smith, completed the project after Weiskopf’s death from pancreatic cancer. Laurie Weiskopf recalled how her husband was passionate about his work and refused to slow down even as he became ill. Despite falling into black lava rocks at Black Desert during the project, Weiskopf continued to work tirelessly on the course.
In 2024, Black Desert hosted its first PGA Tour event, surprising many, including Laurie Weiskopf. Tom Weiskopf had initially thought the idea of a PGA Tour event at the course was “super aggressive thinking”. The success of the course and the positive reception from players and fans alike would have thrilled Weiskopf. He had over 70 courses to his name, each showing his dedication and love for the game.
While Laurie was pleased to see her husband’s legacy honored at the Black Desert Championship, she expressed disappointment that he was posthumously inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. She believed he should have received this recognition while he was still alive, rather than after his passing. Despite this bittersweet moment, Laurie continues to advocate for her husband’s legacy and the impact he had on the golfing world.
The induction ceremony, which took place in June at Pinehurst, included other golfing greats such as Padraig Harrington, Sandra Palmer, Johnny Farrell, and Beverly Hanson. Laurie remains frustrated by what she perceives as a popularity contest in the Hall of Fame selection process. She believes that individuals should be recognized based on their achievements and contributions to the sport, rather than personal biases.
As Black Desert continues to gain recognition and acclaim, Laurie Weiskopf is proud to see her husband’s vision come to life. The stunning course has become a must-visit destination for golfers seeking a challenging and memorable experience. Tom Weiskopf’s legacy lives on through the course he designed, showcasing his talent and passion for the game. Fans and players alike continue to praise Black Desert for its beauty and design, cementing its status as a top golfing destination in the U.S.
