Black Desert Championship Tournament History | Utah PGA Tour Debut in 2024 with Iconic Fall Scoring

Black Desert Championship Tournament History: The Black Desert Championship made its debut from October 10–13, 2024, at the newly opened Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah. As part of the PGA Tour’s Fall Series, it was the first regular PGA Tour event in Utah since 1963, marking a major geographic and historical milestone for the Tour.

Black Desert Championship Tournament History: A Bold Return of PGA Tour Golf to Utah

For over six decades, PGA Tour events bypassed Utah—until the Black Desert Championship brought elite golf back to the state’s dramatic red rock landscape. Nestled amid black lava formations and majestic red cliffs, the Black Desert Resort course offered serene natural beauty with championship-level challenge.

Memorable Inaugural Scoring

In the tournament’s first edition, Matt McCarty, a 26-year-old rookie with a recent Korn Ferry Tour promotion, claimed victory with a total score of 261 (−23), securing his maiden PGA Tour title by three strokes. His dominant performance included a final round of 67 and highlights like an eagle chip-in on the par-5 seventh. Stephan Jaeger followed at 20-under, while PGA veterans Lucas Glover and Kevin Streelman tied for third at 19-under.

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Competitive Stakes and Player Breakthroughs

As the third event on the FedExCup Fall schedule, the tournament awarded 500 FedExCup points, offering crucial status movement for players ranked 126–150. McCarty’s achievement was especially significant: he became only the second player to win on the PGA Tour in the same year as earning his card via the Korn Ferry “three-win promotion,” joining Jason Gore in 2005.

A Scenic, Strategic Venue by Tom Weiskopf and Phil Smith

Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Phil Smith, the Black Desert course opened in stages between 2022 and 2023. The par-71 layout features wide fairways and minimal water hazards and was the first course on Tour to use robotic fairway mowers. The natural lava bunkers and dramatic desert terrain offer both aesthetic appeal and strategic nuance.

Utah Connections Add Local Interest

Local flair topped off the field with Jay Don Blake, a Utah native and PGA Tour veteran, entering his 500th Tour start at age 65. Blake’s presence added homegrown charm to the event, enhancing its local cultural connection.

A New Fall Tradition in Golf

The Black Desert Championship’s impactful debut—blending Utah’s scenic landscapes, competitive drama, and breakthrough history—signals a promising addition to the PGA Tour schedule. With robust player interest and a stunning backdrop, it’s poised to become a recurring highlight in fall golf.

Join This Historic Fall Golf Event

The Black Desert Championship has ushered in a new era for Utah golf. Witness its growing legacy—seasoned by dramatic victories, local heroes, and striking scenery.

Explore tickets and mark your calendar for October 2025. Be part of this evolving tradition where championship golf meets natural splendor.

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