Lava caused over 100 penalties at the Black Desert Championship 2024

The Inaugural Black Desert Championship: A Unique Challenge for PGA Tour Pros

The first-ever Black Desert Championship, held at the Black Desert Golf Course in Utah, provided a fresh and challenging experience for PGA Tour professionals. With breathtaking scenery as a backdrop, including the striking black lava rock formations, the course presented not only visual beauty but also significant obstacles that tested even the best golfers. The lava rock areas caused over 200 penalties during the tournament, turning what was already a difficult course into an even more treacherous challenge.

A Historic Return to Utah

The Black Desert Championship marked the first time in over 60 years that the PGA Tour returned to Utah, making this event highly anticipated. The tournament ran from Thursday, October 10, to Sunday, October 13, offering four days of intense competition. The course, with its scenic views and unique hazards, added a layer of complexity that kept players on their toes.

Matt McCarty, a PGA Tour rookie, made the most of his opportunity, emerging victorious with a remarkable 23-under score across four rounds. McCarty’s win was impressive, especially considering the level of difficulty the course presented. His opening round of 62 set the tone for his week, with all four rounds completed in the 60s. However, McCarty acknowledged that the course was anything but forgiving.

“Very uncomfortable golf course if you’re off the fairway,” McCarty said after the third round. “You could be reloading. It’s a tough place to have nerves on, and tomorrow will be no different for sure.”

The Challenge of Lava Rock and Penalties

The black lava rock surrounding many of the fairways became a formidable adversary for the players. According to reports, there were a staggering 203 penalties due to balls landing in the lava or being lost. In contrast, the 2024 Valero Texas Open saw only 60 combined penalties, highlighting the significant challenge posed by the Black Desert course.

Lucas Glover, another top performer, reflected on the challenge of keeping the ball in play. Glover shot a final-round 62, finishing tied for third at 19-under. Despite his excellent performance, he recognized the course’s unforgiving nature.

“The course gives you enough room off the tee,” Glover noted, “but you’ve got to hit the green. Other than that, you’re re-teeing most likely. It’s forgiving if you miss in certain spots, but miss badly, and it’s really tough.”

Glover added that while the course was difficult, it was also fun to play, praising the layout as a “typical Weiskopf design” with a great mix of par-3s, drivable holes, and challenging par-5s.

A Tournament of Low Scores and High Penalties

Despite the many penalties incurred, players managed to post impressive scores, with 32 rounds of 65 or better throughout the tournament. This combination of low scores and high penalties made for a fascinating contrast, as players had to navigate the risks of the course while taking advantage of scoring opportunities.

Payout for the Inaugural Black Desert Championship

The tournament also boasted a significant purse, with McCarty taking home $1,350,000 for his victory. Here’s a breakdown of the top finishers and their payouts:

1. Matt McCarty (-23): $1,350,000

2. Stephan Jaeger (-20): $817,500

T3. Lucas Glover (-19): $442,500

T3. Kevin Streelman (-19): $442,500

5. Matti Schmid (-18): $307,500

T6. Harris English (-17): $262,500

T6. Joe Highsmith (-17): $262,500

T8. Nick Hardy (-16): $219,375

T8. Lee Hodges (-16): $219,375

T8. Henrik Norlander (-16): $219,375

Several other players tied for 11th place, each receiving $137,625 for their efforts after finishing at 15-under. The substantial payouts were a fitting reward for those who successfully navigated the course’s hazards and took advantage of the scoring opportunities it presented.

A Memorable Start for the Black Desert Championship

The inaugural Black Desert Championship will be remembered not only for its scenic beauty but also for the unique challenge it posed to the field. With over 100 penalties due to the lava rock and some of the toughest playing conditions of the season, the tournament was a true test of skill, patience, and nerves. Matt McCarty’s win solidified his place on the PGA Tour, while the event itself made a strong case for becoming a regular stop on the tour in the years to come.