Get ready for the Bank of Utah Championship! In this video, we dive into the course preview and power rankings for this exciting tournament.
Fresh off a third-place finish in Japan, Michael Thorbjornsen heads to Utah, where the FedExCup Fall reaches its midpoint. Black Desert Resort Golf Course, a stunning venue in Ivins, Utah, is set to challenge golfers and provide an unforgettable experience.
Last year’s debut saw Adam Svensson open with a field-low 60, and Matt McCarty emerged as the champion. With expansive fairways and massive greens, Black Desert ranked among the easiest courses on the PGA TOUR. But don’t be fooled; this resort course has its challenges.
Tom Weiskopf’s masterpiece, built on a lava field, offers a unique test. The course averaged 69.061, making it the second-easiest par 71 on the 2024 schedule. However, the lack of trees and the expansive driving areas can tempt players to go for broke.
The greens at Black Desert are a true test, with surfaces capable of reaching 12 feet on the Stimpmeter. Last year, putting averages were inversely proportional to finding greens in regulation. It’s a delicate balance between hitting greens and sinking putts.
This year, Black Desert tips at 7,421 yards, an increase of 50 yards from last year. The finishing hole now stretches to 595 yards, and the weather conditions are expected to be cooler, with daytime highs in the mid-70s.
Join us as we analyze the power rankings, learn from last year’s inaugural edition, and explore the changes at Black Desert. Will the favorites prevail, or will a sleeper take the win? Find out in this comprehensive course preview for the Bank of Utah Championship.
Get ready for an exciting golf tournament as the Bank of Utah Championship takes center stage with Michael Thorbjornson riding high on his recent success in Japan. The stage is set for an intense battle, unveiling the secrets of Black Desert Resort Golf Course. As the FedEx Cup fall reaches its halfway mark, it’s time to explore a course that offers a unique challenge and an opportunity for golfers to find their form. The Bank of Utah Championship presents a perfect platform for PGA Tour members to showcase their skills. Black Desert Resort Golf Course, nestled in the breathtaking surroundings of Ivans, Utah, is a true gem. Its debut last year left a lasting impression. And now, with the course knowledge gained, golfers are ready to tackle this extreme landscape. The open skies and stunning backdrop will inspire and rejuvenate even the most fatigued games. But here’s where it gets intriguing. Black Desert, despite its majestic setting, is not designed to be an unforgiving test. It’s a resort course with a twist, offering a blend of beauty and challenge. In its first hosting of the Bank of Utah Championship, Black Desert averaged an impressive 69.061, making it the second easiest par 71 course on the 2024 tour. However, its unique features set it apart. With no trees in sight, Tom Wissop’s masterpiece in partnership with architect Phil Smith stands at top a lava field, creating a one-of-a-kind golfing experience. Last year’s tournament saw Adam Spencson shoot a field 060, and Matt Mccardi emerged victorious with a stunning 23 and a 261. The expansive fairways and generous greens allowed golfers to showcase their skills with absurd metrics placing Black Desert among the top six easiest courses in key stats. But the real challenge lies on the greens with putting averages inversely related to finding greens in regulation. Black Desert surfaces proved to be a true test. Its putts made percentage from 10 to 15 ft was the lowest among all courses measured in 2024. And this is the part most people miss. Black Desert is not just about hitting greens. It’s a comprehensive test of a golfer’s game. Take for instance the performance of Lucas Glover and Kevin Streelman last year. They tied for third. Yet their approaches couldn’t have been more different. Glover excelled in Green’s hit and proximity while Streman dominated in fairways hit and putting. This year, Black Desert stretches to 7,421 yds with a new tea at the finishing hole, adding an extra 24 yd. The course’s bent grass fairways and blueg grass rough will provide a true test of precision and strategy. The weather, too, will play a role. Unlike last year’s tournament, which was held in the scorching 90s, this week’s temperatures will be much cooler, providing a different dynamic to the game. So, who will emerge victorious at the Bank of Utah Championship? Will it be a battle of the veterans or a breakthrough for a rising star? Join the discussion and share your predictions. Remember, in golf, as in life, it’s not always about the destination. It’s the journey and the challenges along the way that make it memorable. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis from at Robb Bolton onx.
