The PGA Tour recently made its first stop in Utah since 1963 with the Black Desert Championship. Despite the absence of some big names, the course itself stole the spotlight with its stunning views of red rocks and black lava rock lined fairways. In 2025, the LPGA will also be coming to southern Utah, playing at the Black Desert Resort. The LPGA announced this event in May of 2023, shortly before the course officially opened.
Ricki Lasky, the LPGA’s Chief Tour Business and Operations Officer, expressed excitement about the partnership with Black Desert Resort as a tournament host and title sponsor. Although the tournament name and date have not been announced yet, fans of women’s golf can look forward to this event in 2025. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, Black Desert was completed in 2023 with his partner Phil Smith finishing the project after Weiskopf’s death from pancreatic cancer.
The course has quickly risen in rankings and is currently the top public-access course in Utah according to Golfweek’s Best list. It is also ranked 26th among all resort courses in the U.S. and 81st among modern courses nationwide. Black Desert Resort features a 148-room hotel, golf-centered condos, family-friendly accommodations, and a boardwalk promenade with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
In addition to hosting an upcoming PGA Tour event this fall, Black Desert Resort will also be the venue for an LPGA event next year. This follows an Epson Tour event in 2023 where players were treated to luxury amenities not typically seen on that tour. Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols and Jason Lusk were among those who contributed to the coverage of this exciting development in Utah golf.
Overall, the debut of the Black Desert Championship on the PGA Tour and the upcoming LPGA event at Black Desert Resort have generated significant buzz in the golfing community. With its breathtaking scenery and top-notch facilities, this Utah destination is poised to become a must-visit location for golfers of all levels. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting tournaments and the continued rise of Black Desert Resort in the world of golf.
