ST. GEORGE — Black Desert Resort, home to the award-winning Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, is partnering with Utah Tech University to serve as the home course for the university’s golf programs.
“This is a significant milestone for our golf programs — it’s a dream come true,” Brad Sutterfield, Trailblazer men’s golf coach, said in a news release. “Being able to call Black Desert our home course is an honor for our teams. We are extremely grateful to Jared Lucero, Patrick Manning, Phil Smith and the entire Black Desert team for their vision, expertise and generosity for making this happen.”
According to the resort website:
“[Black Desert Resort] is nestled within Southern Utah’s breathtaking, storied landscape of jet-black lava beds and towering cliffs, a new resort destination and championship Tom Weiskopf 19-hole golf course beckons you to experience Greater Zion. A welcoming community of kindred spirits that celebrates the rare, natural grandeur of Utah’s desert with awe-inspiring amenities and a full spectrum of experiences, Black Desert Resort, puts remarkable within reach.”
Both the LPGA and PGA tours and Black Desert Resort have partnered up to bring major professional golf tournaments to the resort, possibly as early as fall 2024. These events are expected to generate millions in revenue for Southern Utah.
“Washington County better get ready for a lot of tourists,” Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson told St. George News at the May 30 event announcing the partnership between the PGA tour and the resort. “I think we’re going to be inundated and we’re really excited about it.”
In the meantime, Utah Tech golfers will be afforded exclusive accessibility to Black Desert Resort’s practice area, which will provide the men’s and women’s teams with the resources to strengthen player development and bolster the team’s competitive edge. The Trailblazers compete in the Western Athletic Conference in NCAA Division I.
Utah Tech Athletic Director Ken Beazer said he believes the partnership, coupled with access to the resort’s 19-hole course, will yield noticeable improvements in the university’s golf program within the next six months.
“The privilege of designating Black Desert Resort as our home course not only enhances the credibility of our program but also elevates our entire athletic department, setting a new standard for all of our sports programs,” Beazer said in a news release. “It is a remarkable partnership. We anticipate a bright future for both parties.”
Among the exclusive amenities offered to Trailblazer golf athletes at Black Desert Resort are a driving range, a 1.5-acre putting green and a halfway house on the course for lunch and breakfast. Plans are underway for additional facilities like offices, locker rooms a dedicated Utah Tech gym and a cafeteria, currently in the fundraising stage with hopes to commence construction in the coming year.
“We are fortunate to partner with Utah Tech and offer a hand in advancing their golf facilities and programs,” said Patrick Manning, managing partner of Black Desert Resort, in a news release. “Black Desert Resort is not only committed to being a reliable community partner but also a resource to make the impossible within reach for our local students, athletes, residents, and so much more.”
The Trailblazer women’s golf team competed at the Eastern Washington Eagle Invitational in Spokane, Washington, on Oct. 9, and the men’s team played at the Oregon State Invitational in Corvallis, Oregon, on Oct. 10.
Click here for more information about Black Desert Resort.