Power Rankings: Bank of Utah Championship

FedExCup Fall resumes this week with the Bank of Utah Championship. The third edition of the tournament is the second leg of eight in the series.

The Black Desert Resort, outside St. George, Utah, in Ivins, has been the only host since the grand opening. It is unlike any other course used by the PGA Tour, but it is by far the best known of the three newest courses that have hosted competitions organized by the Tour. That alone is valuable to returning participants in the 120 field as they pursue their late-season goals, but it’s not the only variable contributing to high expectations.

An explanation of this, how Black Desert sets up (which basically comes as a spoiler alert), Mother Nature’s promise of cooperation and much more are detailed below those projected to challenge for the title.

Few geographic confluences like the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, and Colorado Plateau in this region are as rewarding for extended views in all directions, because the terrain and its elevation limit the growth of flora and allow viewers to enjoy the experience as far as the eye can see. Literally.

The focus on the horizon overlooks – literally – the lava rock on which

Tom Weiskopf and Phil Smith designed and built the golf course. To this end, the green color is in the minority in the macro of these regions, its contrast with the environment therefore allows Black Desert to stand out.

Visual stimulation seamlessly transitions into feedback for scoring. In its first two years of existence, Black Desert ranked among the easiest par 71s on the program. This is to be expected given his full-time role is that of a station. Last year’s score average was 69.811. Vast fairways and 7,000 square foot greens, each component entirely made of bentgrass, welcome everyone to have a good time. The guys who found 11½ (of 14) fairways and 13 greens in regulation per round last year were pushing down the field averages in both cases, which were even higher in 2024.

There is rough bluegrass up to 3½ inches, but its acreage pales in comparison to the black rock and the potential for unplayable lies across the property, so keeping it easy to find is an acceptable compromise. The same goes for recognizing that Black Desert is a second-shot track that leads into the classic 1-2 punch of hitting greens and sinking putts in a shootout.

This is where the main challenge lies. With a high percentage of fairways found freely, hitting them up close is the premium. The fact that Black Desert is approximately 3,000 feet above sea level helps with the base calculation, so adjustments to the desired distance will be constant. And necessary. The course peaks at 7,421 meters, but it will be shorter at altitude.

The rate statistics for putting are presumably stingy given the size of the greens and the proliferation of chances accrued to beat par, but the putting surfaces themselves have proven resilient over most measured distances. Yes, the quality of the course and its learning curve are included in the equation, but consider that Black Desert ranked fourth among all courses in conversion percentage from 4 to 8 feet in its first two years. He is also in the top 10 for all putts within 10 feet and in the top five from 10 to 15 feet in both editions.

Greens are expected to hit 12½ feet when using the Stimpmeter, and they will have every chance of meeting that expectation. It might just take an extra day or two. A good amount of rain from two eastern Pacific Ocean tropical systems will headline the weather at least through Tuesday. Once the skies clear, skies will be clear for the duration of the tournament, for which only sunshine will allow daytime temperatures to flirt with 90 degrees. Winds should be light everywhere.

Rob Bolton of PGATour.com presents and recaps each tournament. See the schedule of his contributions below. He is also active as @RobBoltonGolf on X where you can connect with him.

MONDAY: Power Rankings
TUESDAY: Sleepers*
SUNDAY: Points and payments; Qualifications

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