The Black Desert Championship presented by Greater Zion made its highly anticipated debut on the LPGA Tour, bringing professional women’s golf back to Utah for the first time in over 60 years. Hosted at the breathtaking Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah, the event drew top-tier talent and eager spectators eager to witness history unfold on one of golf’s newest premier courses.
With a $3 million purse, the Black Desert Championship quickly established itself as one of the most lucrative non-major events on the LPGA calendar. From its unique desert landscape to the world-class competition, this tournament was more than just another stop on the LPGA Tour—it was a defining moment for golf in Utah.
A Historic Return to Utah
Utah last hosted an LPGA Tour event in 1964 with the Riverside Ladies Open, making the Black Desert Championship an exciting revival of professional women’s golf in the state. The Black Desert Resort, a luxury golf destination, provided the ideal setting for this landmark event.
Designed by Tom Weiskopf, the par-72, 6,629-yard course blends seamlessly into the stunning natural landscape, featuring black lava rock formations, red rock mountains, and rolling fairways. The course’s firm greens and strategic bunkering add a layer of challenge, demanding precision and smart course management from competitors.
Players and analysts alike praised the layout for its fair but demanding design, which rewarded well-placed shots while punishing errant ones. Combined with strong desert winds, the tournament conditions created an exciting, unpredictable competition.
Haeran Ryu’s Commanding Victory
South Korea’s Haeran Ryu delivered an extraordinary performance, securing her third LPGA Tour title with a wire-to-wire victory. Ryu finished at 26-under par, five strokes ahead of her closest challengers, Ruoning Yin and Esther Henseleit, who tied for second place at 21-under par.
Ryu displayed remarkable consistency from the opening round, leading after each round and never faltering under pressure. Her ball-striking, short game, and clutch putting were nothing short of flawless, making her a formidable force throughout the event.
For Ryu, this victory carried special significance—it was the first time she successfully converted a 54-hole lead into a championship win. The triumph solidified her status among the LPGA’s elite and showcased her ability to handle the pressure of leading from start to finish.
Notable Performances and Key Moments
- While Ryu dominated the leaderboard, several other competitors made headlines with standout performances and memorable moments:
- Stephanie Kyriacou delivered one of the tournament’s most thrilling highlights by eagling the 72nd hole, securing a tie for sixth place with a final-round 67.
- Veteran Cristie Kerr, a 20-time LPGA Tour winner, made her second start of the season, adding a respected presence to the field.
- Sponsor exemptions Christine Wang and Ali Mulhall had the rare opportunity to compete. Mulhall, a promising junior golfer, represented St. George, Utah, giving the tournament a local connection.
With low scores, exciting finishes, and dramatic momentum shifts, the Black Desert Championship proved to be an engaging and entertaining tournament for spectators on-site and those watching from home.
The Future of the Black Desert Championship
With its successful debut, the Black Desert Championship has positioned itself as a cornerstone event on the LPGA Tour. The combination of a world-class venue, elite competition, and a substantial purse ensures that the championship will continue attracting top-tier talent for years.
Beyond the competition, the Black Desert Resort has become a must-visit destination for professional and recreational golfers. With its commitment to exceptional course design, luxury accommodations, and a growing reputation, the resort is set to become one of golf’s most sought-after locations.
In future editions of the Black Desert Championship, expectations will be high as the tournament continues to evolve. More LPGA stars will seek to claim victory on this spectacular course, and Utah’s passionate golf community will have an annual event to look forward to.
Wrap-Up
The 2025 Black Desert Championship presented by Greater Zion was a resounding success, delivering a thrilling week of golf, stunning landscapes, and an inspiring champion in Haeran Ryu. With its debut making waves on the LPGA Tour, the tournament has firmly established itself as an event to watch in the years ahead.
The combination of elite competition, an incredible setting, and a growing legacy ensures that the Black Desert Championship will remain a must-play tournament for the world’s best female golfers.
