The Black Desert LPGA Championship 2025 is officially underway at the stunning Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah. Running from May 1 to May 4, this inaugural event is already making waves with some of the top names in women’s golf set to compete.  Nelly Korda is back, and she’s joined by a star-studded lineup that includes world number one Lydia Ko, rising talent Leona Maguire, and seasoned veterans like Brooke Henderson.

If you’re tuning in for the action, be prepared for a unique test of skill. The Black Desert Resort’s signature course is not just another golf venue—this is lava rock terrain, and it packs a punch. The natural formations and rugged landscape offer stunning views, but are unforgiving to players who miss their mark. With tricky tee shots, elevated greens, and strategically placed lava rock hazards, the layout is a true test of accuracy, strategy, and mental toughness. Let’s dive into the five toughest holes at Black Desert Resort, where players will need their A-game to survive the challenges of this jaw-dropping venue.

Hole 7: The lava island test

Starting with one of the most daunting holes on the course: Hole 7. This near-600-yard par-5 has all the ingredients for disaster. The fairway is dotted with lava islands, which means any errant drive is likely to find an obstacle. Add to that a dogleg that forces players to navigate around strategic bunkers and sharp turns, and you’ve got a hole that demands laser-sharp accuracy.

What makes it especially tough is the forced lay-up strategy most players must employ to avoid the hazard in the fairway. While some might try to muscle their way through, it’s wiser to play it safe and leave a manageable second shot. But even then, the approach can be tricky, with the green tucked behind yet another lava ridge. Getting up and down from there is no walk in the park, especially with the unforgiving terrain that could leave you with a nightmare bunker shot.

Hole 5: The risk-reward par-4

Hole 5 is short by par-4 standards, but don’t let its length fool you—this is one of the most exhilarating holes in the course, and it’s a total risk-reward challenge. Measuring only 320 yards, it’s drivable for many players, but the gamble comes with the well-placed greenside bunker and a lava formation behind the green.

Sure, you can go for it, but if your ball misses the green, you’ll be scrambling to avoid the bunker and the lava at the back. It’s not just about power here; precision is key. Even if you reach the green, you’ll have to deal with its slope and potential tricky pin placements that can turn a birdie chance into a bogey quickly. It’s a hole that will test not just your driving distance, but your short game and course management as well.

Hole 13: A pebble beach-inspired par-5

Inspired by the iconic 14th hole at Pebble Beach, Hole 13 is a par-5 that combines both beauty and challenge in equal measure. At just over 500 yards, it’s not the longest hole in the course, but its elevated green surrounded by lava rock mounds will have even the most seasoned players second-guessing their approach.

The challenge here is holding the green. The small surface area, combined with the mounds surrounding it, means that any errant approach will likely roll off into tough, rough or into one of the hazards. The green’s elevation requires precision and control, as the chance of getting up and down if you miss the green is slim. The pressure is on to avoid those pesky mounds and ensure your approach doesn’t leave you with a long, challenging putt.

Hole 18: The dogleg par-5 with a false front

Hole 18 is a monster par-5 that measures a daunting 570 yards. This dogleg right presents a huge challenge off the tee with a bunker to the left and a lava ridge along the right side. The tee shot is not for the faint of heart, as the player needs to navigate through these obstacles while keeping an eye on the sharp bend in the fairway.

What makes this hole especially difficult is the deceptive green. With a false front and challenging contours, players may find themselves dealing with tricky lies and uneven surfaces, especially when trying to hold the green. Players who are too aggressive may end up with an awkward downhill chip or even in a deep bunker, making par feel like a distant dream. Those who can execute a controlled, strategic second shot have a much higher chance of finishing strong on this hole.

Hole 3: The par-4 bunker trap

One of the more subtly tough holes, Hole 3 is a long par-4 that requires a bit of everything: length, accuracy, and touch. The fairway is wide enough to give players some room off the tee, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of dangers. The placement of bunkers on both sides of the fairway demands that players hit precise drives to avoid those hazards.

The real difficulty comes with the second shot. The green is well-protected by deep bunkers, and the contours make it hard to stick your approach. The tricky part? Missing this green means you’re in for a tough up-and-down, especially with the lava rocks surrounding the green area. Getting a birdie here is a true test of skill, and par can feel like a small victory.

The Black Desert LPGA Championship 2025 is poised to be one of the most exciting tournaments of the season, and the course at Black Desert Resort is certainly making sure of it. With stunning views, dramatic elevation changes, and an unforgiving lava rock terrain, the players are in for a grueling yet thrilling test. From the risk-reward par-4 at Hole 5 to the tough dogleg at Hole 18, these five holes will challenge even the most experienced golfers. As the event unfolds, keep an eye on the leaderboard because this course promises to bring out the best (and the worst) in the world’s top female players.