Black Desert Championship Tournament History | Utah’s Landmark PGA Tour Comeback in Autumn Splendor

Black Desert Championship Tournament History: In October 2024, the Black Desert Championship made a powerful entrance onto the PGA Tour calendar. Hosted at the stunning Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah, the event marked the Tour’s first return to the state in over 60 years. As part of the FedExCup Fall Series, it signified more than just another tournament—it symbolized Utah’s long-awaited reintroduction to elite-level golf, set against a backdrop of lava rock landscapes and crimson cliffs.

Black Desert Championship Tournament History: Utah Welcomes Back the PGA Tour

Since 1963, Utah had not hosted a regular PGA Tour event—until now. The Black Desert Championship brought that void to an end with a setting as dramatic as the moment itself. Surrounded by natural lava formations and red desert ridges, the course at Black Desert Resort delivered both scenic grandeur and competitive challenge, reinvigorating Utah’s place in the golfing world.

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An Unforgettable Opening Act

The inaugural edition was headlined by a breakout performance from rookie Matt McCarty. Fresh off his Korn Ferry Tour promotion, McCarty clinched his first PGA Tour title with a 23-under-par total of 261. His win was punctuated by a brilliant eagle on the par-5 seventh and a final round 67 that cemented his three-shot victory over Stephan Jaeger. PGA Tour veterans Lucas Glover and Kevin Streelman finished just behind, underscoring the field’s depth and the event’s competitive tone.

Milestones and Career Defining Moments

As only the third stop in the Fall Series, the tournament offered valuable FedExCup points and the chance for players to solidify their standing. McCarty’s win was not only historic for Utah but also placed him alongside an exclusive list—he became just the second player to capture a PGA Tour title in the same year as earning his card through the Korn Ferry three-win promotion, a feat last accomplished by Jason Gore in 2005.

A Course That Marries Beauty and Strategy

The Tom Weiskopf and Phil Smith-designed course opened in phases between 2022 and 2023. Featuring a par-71 layout with generous fairways and lava-rock-lined bunkers, it combined visual drama with smart design. The use of robotic mowers marked a first for the PGA Tour, adding a layer of modern innovation to the tournament’s desert charm.

Celebrating Utah’s Local Legends

Adding a personal touch to the championship’s debut, Utah’s own Jay Don Blake teed it up for his 500th career PGA Tour start at the age of 65. His presence added emotional resonance to the competition and celebrated the deep ties between the event and the local golfing community.

The Start of a New Fall Classic

With its thrilling debut, the Black Desert Championship has all the makings of a new seasonal favorite on the PGA Tour. The combination of groundbreaking performances, awe-inspiring terrain, and a fresh storyline has quickly established it as a signature fall tradition.

Be Part of the Legacy

This isn’t just another stop on the PGA Tour—it’s a new chapter in Utah’s golfing legacy. The Black Desert Championship blends professional excellence with natural beauty, creating an event that’s as memorable for the setting as it is for the sport.

Secure your place at the 2025 edition and witness this evolving tradition firsthand. Reserve your tickets now and experience golf history where the desert meets the drama.

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