The PGA Tour returns to the United States this week for the Bank of Utah Championship, staged at the spectacular Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah. With altitude, desert conditions, and a fresh layout in play, it promises to be an intriguing test for the field. In this preview, we’ll break down the course, highlight key angles, and put forward a few betting selections to consider.
Course
The Black Desert Resort Golf Course in Ivins, Utah, provides a striking setting for this week’s championship. At 7,421 yards (6,786 metres), the par-71 layout is long and demanding, though the altitude helps the ball fly further, taking a little sting out of the distance.
Only opened in 2023, the course is still relatively new on the professional schedule, but it has already earned a reputation for its dramatic desert scenery and bold design. Wide, generous fairways cut through black lava rock and red sandstone landscapes, while expansive greens encourage aggressive approaches, though putting will be a stern test.
Players who can combine length off the tee with sharp iron play should be well-placed to attack the course. The desert setting also means conditions could change quickly, with wind and firm turf adding to the challenge. Expect the big hitters to relish the chance to unleash their power at altitude, but accuracy and a hot putter will be just as important to contend here.
The Field
With a number of top PGA Tour stars taking the week off, the Bank of Utah Championship presents a great opportunity for players who are usually on the fringes of contention to step up. At the top of the betting markets, Michael Thorbjornsen leads the way as favourite at 15.00, joined by Kurt Kitayama also priced at 15.00. Close behind, Maverick McNealy and Alex Noren are both trading at 19.00, rounding out a competitive group of front-runners.
Past Winners
The tournament was played for the first time last year and so there has only been one previous winner.
2024 Matt McCarty (United States) -23 3 strokes
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Betting – Click here to bet
Micheal Thorbjornsen 15.00
Kurt Kitayama 17.00
Maverick McNealy 19.00
Alex Noren 19.00
Davis Thompson 21.00
Kevin Yu 23.00
SELECTIONS:
Alex Noren at 19.00
Noren arrives in red-hot form after a superb four-week stretch on the DP World Tour that included two victories (BMW PGA Championship and British Masters). In a field missing several headliners, his control off the tee and steady putter should translate into a strong showing.
Suggested bet: Alex Noren each way at 19.00.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout at 36.00
The South African brings back-to-back top-10s into this week—6th at the Sanderson Farms and 10th at the Baycurrent Classic—signalling a game trending the right way. With a softer field and a course that rewards tidy iron play and putting, Bezuidenhout looks a live contender.
Suggested bet: Christiaan Bezuidenhout each way at 36.00.
Michael Brennan at 67.00
An intriguing outsider stepping up after a blistering run on the Korn Ferry Tour, where his last four starts yielded two wins, plus 4th and 5th. If he carries that momentum onto the PGA Tour, this is the ideal week to make noise against a thinner lineup.
Suggested bet: Michael Brennan each way at 67.00.
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change