St. George, Utah (Oct. 3, 2023) – Black Desert Resort, home to the award-winning Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, is partnering with Utah Tech University (UT), a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) member within the NCAA Division I, to serve as the home course for the university’s golf programs.
“This is a significant milestone for our golf programs—it’s a dream come true,” said Brad Sutterfield, UT men’s golf coach. “Being able to call Black Desert our home course is an honor for our teams! We are extremely grateful to Jared Lucero, Patrick Manning, Phil Smith and the entire Black Desert team for their vision, expertise and generosity for making this happen.”
Black Desert Resort’s practice area, accessible exclusively to UT, will provide both the men’s and women’s teams with the resources needed to strengthen player development and bolster the team’s competitive edge. UT Athletic Director Ken Beazer said he believes the partnership, coupled with access to the resort’s 19-hole course, will yield noticeable improvements in the university’s golf program within the next six months.
“The privilege of designating Black Desert Resort as our home course not only enhances the credibility of our program but also elevates our entire athletic department, setting a new standard for all of our sports programs,” said Beazer. “It is a remarkable partnership. We anticipate a bright future for both parties.”
Among the exclusive amenities offered to UT golf athletes at Black Desert Resort are a driving range, a 1.5-acre putting green and a halfway house on the course for lunch and breakfast. Plans are underway for additional facilities like offices, locker rooms, a dedicated UT gym and a cafeteria, currently in the fundraising stage with hopes to commence construction in the coming year.
“We are fortunate to partner with Utah Tech and offer a hand in advancing their golf facilities and programs,” said Patrick Manning, managing partner of Black Desert Resort. “Black Desert Resort is not only committed to being a reliable community partner, but also a resource to make the impossible within reach for our local students, athletes, residents, and so much more.”
UT women’s golf team will make its next appearance at the Eastern Washington Eagle Invitational in Spokane, Washington on Oct. 9, followed by the men’s team at the Oregon State Invitational in Corvallis, Oregon on Oct. 10. For more information about Black Desert Resort, visit www.blackdesertresort.com. To learn more about Utah Tech University and its golf programs, visit https://utahtech.edu/.
About Black Desert Resort
Reef Capital Partners is developing Black Desert Resort. Upon buildout, the property will offer 3000+ hotel rooms and residences; a concert venue; miles of trails through ancient lava flows; a waterpark; a wellness spa; and more than 250,000 square feet of retail and restaurants. In addition to the 19-hole, Weiskopf-designed golf course, guests of Black Desert will enjoy a 36-hole illuminated putting course for day or night play. The resort’s 19th Hole, an amphitheater-style lakeside-gathering place terraced into the black lava, will be the ultimate venue for winding down after a day of golf. To learn more about Black Desert Resort, visit www.blackdesertresort.com.
About Utah Tech University Golf
Utah Tech University’s (UT) golf program is a prominent Western Athletic Conference (WAC) member within the NCAA Division I. It is in its fourth year competing at this prestigious level. Under the guidance of experienced coaches Brad Sutterfield and Lindsey Stucki, the program has exhibited rapid growth and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Brad Sutterfield brings over a decade of coaching experience to his current role as the head coach for the UT men’s golf program. Lindsey Stucki has been heading the Trailblazer women’s golf program for eight seasons. To learn more about Utah Tech University golf, visit https://utahtechtrailblazers.com/.
