Jay Don Blake, a legendary professional golfer, is set to compete in the inaugural Black Desert Championship this fall at the age of 66. This tournament holds special significance as it will be Blake’s 500th career Tour event and will take place in his hometown of St. George, Utah. The exemption given to Blake by Black Desert comes shortly after fellow golfer Russ Cochran, who is just three days younger than Blake, participated in his 600th career start at the Tour’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The Black Desert Managing Partner, Patrick Manning, surprised Blake and his wife Marcie with the exemption, creating a special moment for the golfer and his family.
Born and raised in St. George, Utah, Jay Don Blake has had a successful career in golf. He was inducted into Utah State University’s Hall of Fame in 1991 after winning the 1980 NCAA Golf Championship and being named the Collegiate Player of the Year in 1981. Blake earned his PGA Tour card 43 years ago and made his first Tour start in 1987. His best year came in 1991 when he won the Shearson Lehman Brothers Open and led the Tour in putting. Blake went on to win three times on the senior circuit and earned over $10 million in his career.
The Black Desert Championship will be part of the FedEx Cup Fall series and will mark the first PGA Tour event contested in Utah in more than 60 years. The Black Desert Golf Course, where the tournament will take place, was designed by Phil Smith and the late Tom Weiskopf, a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee. The course offers a stunning backdrop of southern Utah’s red rock mountains, providing a unique and picturesque setting for the tournament. Blake’s participation in this event is highly anticipated by the local community, eager to support their hometown hero.
Jay Don Blake’s career has been filled with accolades and achievements, making him a respected figure in the golfing world. With over 500 Tour events under his belt and a successful career on both the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, Blake has left a lasting impact on the sport. The Black Desert Championship provides an opportunity for fans to witness Blake’s talent once again and celebrate his contributions to the game of golf. As he prepares to compete in this milestone event, Blake’s legacy as a skilled and dedicated golfer continues to inspire both fans and fellow players alike.
