Haeran Ryu won the inaugural Black Desert Championship Sunday, posting a final-round 8-under 64 to secure a five-shot victory at the LPGA Tour event. The tournament marked the tour's return to Utah after a 61-year absence.
Ryu finished the event at 26-under par. This was Ryu's third career win and the second time she has won a new event on the LPGA Tour, following her victory at the FM Championship last year. She became the second player this year to win wire-to-wire.
The 24-year-old South Korean held a one-shot lead entering the back nine before pulling away. She made a 15-foot birdie putt on the 11th hole and an 8-foot eagle putt on the 13th to extend her advantage.
Esther Henseleit of Germany and Ruoning Yin tied for second place at 21-under par. Henseleit started the day three shots behind and closed within one shot after shooting 31 on the front nine but cooled on the back.
Yin made a charge on the back nine, recording four straight birdies starting at the 11th to get within three shots. However, she made a double bogey on the 16th hole after finding a bunker.
Yan Liu finished alone in fourth place after a final-round 65. Stephanie Kyriacou of Australia finished tied for sixth, highlighted by an albatross on the par-5 18th hole when her fairway metal rolled into the cup.
The event was held at the Black Desert course, which hosted its second major tournament since opening a year ago. Like every other golfer on the LPGA Tour, players noted the views at the southern Utah course.
Tournament organizers provided players with amenities such as charter flights to southern Utah, as well as private lodging and dining options. Patrick Manning, the resort’s managing partner, stated the intent was to ensure the women golfers had an elevated experience.
"Incredible day," Ryu said after her round.
