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The PGA Tour returns to Utah after more than 60 years, making history with the inaugural Black Desert Championship at the stunning Black Desert Resort in Ivins. As the Tour’s latest fall event, this championship offers golfers a critical opportunity to secure their spot for the 2025 season. With significant stakes, breathtaking views, and an air of anticipation, the Black Desert Championship is quickly becoming a focal point for players looking to extend their careers or make a name for themselves on the biggest stage.
Unlike the more familiar summer majors, the fall series carries a distinct weight, as it determines who retains their full PGA Tour status and who gains entry into next year’s signature events. This week’s field may lack the star power of the world’s top-10 players, but the event is packed with storylines as seasoned pros and hungry newcomers battle it out for their 2025 playing privileges.
Black Desert Championship details
- Location: Ivins, Utah (Oct. 10-13, 2024)
- Course: Black Desert Resort (Par 71, 7,371 Yards)
- Purse: $7.5M (Winner: $1.368M)
- Defending Champion: Inaugural Event
- 2024 FedEx Cup Champion: Scottie Scheffler
The Black Desert Resort course, set amidst a breathtaking lava field, offers a unique mix of beauty and challenge. Its jagged bunkers, rolling fairways, and undulating greens will test even the most seasoned professionals, demanding precision and creativity. The course also has a bright future, as it’s slated to host an LPGA Tour event next year, adding to its quickly rising profile on the global golf scene.
Storylines to watch
The local connection
One of the most heartwarming stories of the week is the return of Utah native Jay Don Blake, who makes his 500th career PGA Tour start. The 65-year-old former PGA winner received a sponsor’s exemption for the event, marking his first start on Tour since 2018. Blake, who resides in nearby St. George, will have a strong local fan base cheering him on, making this a special moment for the tournament and the Utah golf community.
FedEx Cup fall drama
As the third event in the FedEx Cup Fall series, the Black Desert Championship plays a pivotal role in finalizing the top 125 players who will retain full Tour status for 2025. Players ranked 126-150 will have conditional status, while those ranked outside the top 70 are fighting to secure their place. This adds an intense, cutthroat atmosphere as players compete for more than just prize money—they’re playing for their PGA futures.
Emerging stars vs. seasoned veterans
The field features a mix of veteran players hoping to solidify their status and rising stars looking for a breakthrough win. Patrick Fishburn, a native of Ogden, Utah, enters the week on the back of four top-15 finishes in his last six starts. Meanwhile, players like Seamus Power, fresh off a T11 finish last week, are poised to take advantage of the relatively thin field and capitalize on this key opportunity.
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Prop picks
Seamus Power to beat Kurt Kitayama (-115 at DraftKings)
Seamus Power is coming into the Black Desert Championship with form on his side. After a strong T11 finish last week and a solid performance at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Power looks ready to capitalize on his current momentum. On the other hand, Kitayama has struggled to find consistency, with only one top-25 finish since March. Given Power’s upward trajectory, this matchup offers strong value.
Erik van Rooyen top 30 finish (+110 at BetRivers)
Erik van Rooyen is a dependable pick in fields like this. With a solid record of making cuts and a few standout performances this season—like his T6 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and T12 at the Irish Open—van Rooyen is a solid choice for a top-30 finish in this modestly competitive field.
Adam Svensson top Canadian finisher (+135 at DraftKings)
Among the Canadians in the field, Adam Svensson stands out. With three top-10 finishes this season, Svensson has shown an ability to compete at a high level. Despite a missed cut at the Sanderson Farms Championship, his recent form puts him ahead of compatriots Nick Taylor, Roger Sloan, and Mike Weir, making him a strong pick for top Canadian finisher.
2024 Prop Picks Record: 46-53-1
Best bets
Keith Mitchell (+1800 at DraftKings)
Keith Mitchell’s consistent fall form makes him a serious contender this week. He posted a solo 12th finish and a T3 in his first two fall events, showcasing sharp ball-striking and reliable putting. Mitchell has proven to be a player who thrives in fall tournaments, and this week could be his breakthrough.
Seamus Power (+2500)
With two career wins on Tour and a T11 finish last week, Seamus Power is trending in the right direction. He’s a strong competitor in fall events and is well-positioned to compete for the top spot at Black Desert Resort.
Chris Kirk (+3000)
Chris Kirk is the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 41. Having won earlier this year at The Sentry, Kirk knows how to perform under pressure. He’ll be looking to leverage his experience against a weaker field to grab another win in 2024.
Patrick Fishburn (+3000)
Fishburn, a Utah native, will benefit from local knowledge and a hometown crowd. His four top-15 finishes in the past six starts suggest he’s peaking at the right time, making him a sleeper pick for this week’s event.
Beau Hossler (+3000)
After posting a solo second at the Sanderson Farms Championship, Beau Hossler is riding a wave of momentum. With four rounds of 68 or better last week, Hossler is poised to challenge for the title again this week.
Course insights and conditions
The Black Desert Resort course, with its rugged beauty and challenging layout, is expected to play firm and fast this week. Players will need to be precise off the tee, as the rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers will punish errant shots. The greens, designed to be undulating and deceptive, will challenge even the best putters in the field.
Wind is also expected to be a factor, especially in the afternoons, adding another layer of difficulty to this desert course. Those who can control their ball flight and avoid the deep bunkers will have the best chance of contending this weekend.
Player spotlight: Patrick Fishburn
Hailing from Ogden, Utah, Patrick Fishburn is one of the more intriguing players in the field this week. Not only does he bring local knowledge and a deep familiarity with the desert conditions, but Fishburn has been in great form of late. He’s recorded four top-15 finishes in his last six starts and has the confidence to push for a maiden victory on the PGA Tour.
Fishburn’s ability to play well under pressure, coupled with the support of the local crowd, makes him a strong contender. His distance off the tee will be a major asset on the long par 71 course, and if his putter cooperates, he could surprise many with a deep run this week.
Final thoughts
The 2024 Black Desert Championship is poised to be an exciting, drama-filled event as players battle for more than just prize money. With tour status, career opportunities, and spots in signature events on the line, this tournament will provide plenty of action and excitement. Whether it’s local heroes, veterans trying to revive their careers, or rising stars looking for a breakthrough, the inaugural Black Desert Championship promises to deliver memorable moments.
Expect thrilling play, challenging course conditions, and a few surprises as the PGA Tour makes its historic return to Utah.