GreenlitBETA
Ivins, Utah

Black Desert Resort

Tom Weiskopf's final masterpiece carved through ancient lava fields with PGA and LPGA prestige.

About the Course

Black Desert Resort is a stunning championship golf experience carved through Utah's most dramatic desert landscape. The course winds through jet-black lava fields framed by vermillion cliffs and red rock mountains, creating a visual spectacle that few American courses can match. Opened in 2023, this 7,500-yard, 19-hole design by legendary Tom Weiskopf (completed by longtime partner Phil Smith after Weiskopf's passing) features generous fairways with forgiving landing areas despite the treacherous lava rock lining nearly every hole. What makes Black Desert truly special for group trips is the all-inclusive nature of the experience: every green fee includes your GPS-equipped cart, a forecaddie assigned to your group, unlimited food and beverages during your round at two on-course restaurants, access to world-class practice facilities with a 36-hole putting course, and a commemorative keepsake. The course's 19th hole—a 75-yard par-3 over water designed for settling bets—has become legendary among groups.

The on-site resort offers nearly 800 luxury accommodations ranging from elegant suites to spacious villas, all featuring modern amenities and many with private balconies overlooking the golf course and surrounding desert. Beyond golf, guests enjoy a 15,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, five restaurants with diverse culinary options, two outdoor pools, and year-round outdoor recreation including hiking and biking. The setting is extraordinary: Black Desert sits at the convergence of the Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert, and Great Basin, placing it just minutes from Snow Canyon State Park and roughly an hour from Zion National Park.

In just one year of existence, Black Desert earned the distinction of hosting the first PGA Tour event in Utah in 60 years (the Black Desert Championship in 2024) and the LPGA Black Desert Championship in 2025—achievements that typically take decades for new courses to accomplish. The course immediately ranked #1 in Utah by Golfweek and #34 nationally on their "Top 100 Best Courses You Can Play" list. This is a destination-quality experience where every detail of the day—from course conditioning to pace of play with 15-minute tee intervals—reflects five-star resort standards.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • ✦Hosting major professional tours: Black Desert is one of only three courses in America to host both PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events (alongside Pebble Beach and Tiburon), making it a rare opportunity to play championship-caliber golf in a public-access setting.
  • ✦All-inclusive green fee model: Your fee covers cart, forecaddie, unlimited food and beverages during the round, practice facilities, and a keepsake—eliminating hidden costs and creating exceptional value despite the premium price point.
  • ✦Unparalleled scenic setting: The course is carved entirely through black lava fields with 360-degree views of red rock mountains and vermillion cliffs, creating a visual experience that stops golfers mid-swing and becomes the story of the trip.
  • ✦On-property luxury resort amenities: With 800 rooms on-site, a world-class spa, multiple restaurants, and proximity to Zion and Snow Canyon, your group can extend the experience far beyond 18 holes without leaving the property.
  • ✦Perfect for mixed-ability groups: Weiskopf designed generous fairways and strategic landing areas (70-100 yards) that make the course playable from forward tees (~5,600 yards) while maintaining championship challenge from the back tees, ensuring every skill level has fun together.
Courses on Property
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Black Desert Championship Course19 holes · Par 72

A 7,500-yard Tom Weiskopf masterpiece carved through ancient lava fields with 18 regulation holes plus a unique 19th hole designed for bet-settling, featuring drivable par-4s, water hazards, and 360-degree red rock views.

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Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$275–$350/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Yes
🎒
Caddies Available
Yes
📅
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer ideal conditions with mild temperatures perfect for comfortable rounds and outdoor exploration. Summers are extremely hot (often exceeding 100°F), making golf unpleasant during midday rounds. Winter can be pleasant for golf, with rare snow and mild temps ideal for walking and spa time. Avoid peak summer (June-August) unless you have early morning tee times. Note that tee times book 30 days in advance for public play, though resort guests get extended booking windows.
DesertParklandMountainBucket ListCart RequiredCaddies AvailableResortChampionshipMajor VenueWaterfrontPGA TourHidden Gem
Stay on Property
Black Desert Resort offers nearly 800 luxury accommodations including elegant suites, spacious villas, and condominiums featuring modern amenities, premium bedding, private balconies or patios, free WiFi, and in some cases full kitchens. Rooms range from standard units to multi-bedroom presidential suites. All guests enjoy access to the 15,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, two outdoor pools with hot tubs, a 24-hour fitness center, and multiple on-site dining venues. The resort is still expanding, with additional amenities and residential units under development.

Black Desert Resort offers nearly 800 luxury accommodations including elegant suites, spacious villas, and condominiums featuring modern amenities, premium bedding, private balconies or patios, free WiFi, and in some cases full kitchens. Rooms range from standard units to multi-bedroom presidential suites. All guests enjoy access to the 15,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, two outdoor pools with hot tubs, a 24-hour fitness center, and multiple on-site dining venues. The resort is still expanding, with additional amenities and residential units under development.

Nearby Lodging