Lava caused over 100 penalties at the Black Desert Championship 2024

The inaugural Black Desert Championship in Utah was quite a new experience for PGA Tour professionals. Amid the stunning views all around, the black lava at the Black Desert Resort caused over 100 penalties this week.

The inaugural Black Desert Championship took place from Thursday, October 10, to Sunday at Black Desert Golf Course in Utah. This marked the first time in over six decades that the PGA Tour returned to the state. Rookie Matt McCarty emerged victorious after shooting 23-under in four rounds.

The inaugural Black Desert Championship witnessed 32 rounds of 65 or below. However, those who got stuck in the lava rock before the fairways had to face penalties.

According to Golf Digest, there were 203 penalties due to lava or lost balls this week. The closest comparison was the 2024 Valero Texas Open, where the combined penalties were just 60.

McCarty, who shot 62 in the opening round and had all four rounds in the 60s, described the golf course as uncomfortable.

"Very uncomfortable golf course if you're off the fairway," he said after the third round. "You could be reloading. It's a tough place to have nerves on, and tomorrow will be no different for sure."

Lucas Glover, who fired a low 62 in the final round to finish at T3 this week, said the course provided enough room on the tee, but one needed to hit the green.

"Other than that you're re-teeing most likely," he said after the final round. "It's forgiving. If you miss it's bad. Obviously. Really fun course to play. Ball goes forever and all the par-5s are gettable.

"Great mix of par-3s. Typical Weiskopf design, great mix of threes, fun, drivable hole on each side. Yeah, it's fun. Fun course," he added.

---

Payout explored for the Black Desert Championship

Here's a look at the payout for the inaugural Black Desert Championship:

• 1. Matt McCarty (-23): $1,350,000
• 2. Stephan Jaeger (-20): $817,500
• T3. Lucas Glover (-19): $442,500
• T3. Kevin Streelman (-19): $442,500
• 5. Matti Schmid (-18): $307,500
• T6. Harris English (-17): $262,500
• T6. Joe Highsmith (-17): $262,500
• T8. Nick Hardy (-16): $219,375
• T8. Lee Hodges (-16): $219,375
• T8. Henrik Norlander (-16): $219,375
• T11. Patrick Rodgers (-15): $137,625
• T11. Seamus Power (-15): $137,625
• T11. Tom Whitney (-15): $137,625
• T11. Greyson Sigg (-15): $137,625
• T11. Nico Echavarria (-15): $137,625
• T11. Ben Griffin (-15): $137,625
• T11. Carson Young (-15): $137,625
• T11. Max McGreevy (-15): $137,625
• T11. Carl Yuan (-15): $137,625
• T11. Beau Hossler (-15): $137,625