Black Desert Championships
St. George, Utah (Oct. 18, 2023) – The award-winning Black Desert Resort is expanding its team of long-time industry professionals with the appointment of PGA TOUR Tournament Business Director Ericson Balcita as its director of professional tournaments. Bringing over two decades of experience in the role, Balcita will spearhead the production of the inaugural Black Desert Championship on both the PGA TOUR beginning in 2024 and on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) TOUR in 2025.
“Drawing upon my experience and leveraging the expertise of our local team, we are committed to making this a head-turning event,” said Ericson. “Our goal is to achieve a level of excellence in our first year that usually takes others several years to reach. We want to showcase what we are building and doing in St. George and how we are benefitting not only greater Zion but the golf community in Utah, as a whole.”
In his new role, Balcita will oversee the day-to-day management of all facets required to create a world-class PGA and LPGA TOUR event. His responsibilities also include organizing, slating and producing the resort’s other professional tournaments.
Since 2015, Balcita has played a pivotal role in successfully organizing nearly 400 FedExCup Season events on the PGA TOUR, accounting for nearly half of all FedExCup events in history. His wealth of tournament experience with the PGA is now being channeled into the Black Desert team.
“My passion has always been professional golf tournaments and helping them be as successful as possible,” said Ericson. “Whether they are small offshore affairs or larger tournaments, the satisfaction comes from knowing that I helped put together a product that everyone can be proud of.”
In collaboration with the Black Desert Resort team, Balcita is already gearing up for the highly anticipated Black Desert Championships, scheduled to debut in 2024 and 2025.
“This is a significant undertaking, organizing a world-class event within a year, but there’s no one better suited to lead our team,” said Patrick Manning, managing partner of Black Desert Resort. “His experience and values align with what we are doing here at Black Desert Resort. I have complete confidence in his ability to elevate this event to its fullest potential.”
For more information about Black Desert Resort, visit www.blackdesertresort.com.
About Black Desert Resort
Developed by Reef Capital Partners, Black Desert Resort is a premier destination offering an array of attractions, including over 3,000 hotel rooms and residences, an extensive trail network through ancient lava flows, a waterpark, a wellness spa, abundant retail and dining options. The resort features a remarkable 19-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf, a 36-hole illuminated putting course and a lakeside amphitheater. For more information, please visit www.blackdesertresort.com.
