ST. GEORGE (Utah) — The Black Desert Resort Golf Course is set to open Saturday, May 27, with 18 holes designed by Tom Weiskopf and carved into the lava fields of black rock where Ivins meets Santa Clara.
According to promotional material shared by the course operators, Tee times can be reserved online.
Construction continues on the adjacent resort development. This massive complex is planned to include over 1,000 residences as well as a 150-room spa and hotel. Single-family houses and commercial lots are also being built around the resort.
Its unique location, with its expansive lava fields and dramatic surroundings — the towering Red Rocks of Snow Canyon State Park is less than one mile away — may make this course a favorite destination for serious golfers. The course should be accessible for casual golfers, too, thanks to wide fairways, and a design that was “made with playability” in mind, according to the designers.
Weiskopf died in August of pancreatic carcinoma. He was a golfing star who went on to become one of the most well-known course designers in the United States. He narrated the hole-by-hole course flyover before his death. The video can be found on Black Desert’s Youtube page.
Weiskopf is credited with designing TPC Scottsdale (home of the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open) and Torrey Pines North, which hosts the Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open. He is credited for bringing back the drivable-par-4.
“I remember the first time I played St. Andrews.” It was probably 1970 when I hit the ball at the 9, 12, 12 and 18 greens. I never did this on the same day, because they were in different directions. I believe it should be the same as a par 5 that is reachable. I told Jay Morrish that I wanted to have a par 4 reachable on all our golf courses. Weiskopf remembered that he said it was an excellent idea. “I have at least two in all 73 of the golf courses that I have done. It works best on the 16th or17th hole. It’s not always easy to pull off. Three-fourths are between 300 and 330 yards. When I was playing St. Andrews, it just struck me. It seems like it’s the rage these days. It’s hard to get it right and make it interesting.
Weiskopf, who had experienced sharp stomach pains during the reopening of Troon country club in Scottsdale Arizona in December 2020, was diagnosed with pancreatic carcinoma. A CT scan was performed in Montana immediately after his return, which revealed that he had a pancreatic lesion. His doctor advised him to fight until the end.
St. George already has a dozen golf courses. The Black Desert, however, is the first new course in many years.
Adam Schupak, Golfweek’s Adam Schupak, contributed to this report.
