IVINS, Utah – South Korea’s Haeran Ryu delivered a masterful final round on Sunday at the inaugural Black Desert Championship, shooting an 8-under 64 to secure a dominant five-stroke victory and mark the LPGA Tour’s return to Utah after more than six decades.
Ryu’s win was highlighted by a flawless performance on the back nine, including an 8-foot eagle on the par-5 13th that widened her lead and left the competition behind. It’s the second time Ryu has led from start to finish this season, having previously done so at the FM Championship at TPC Boston in 2023.
The 23-year-old rebounded strongly after a disappointing final round at last week’s Chevron Championship, where she held the 54-hole lead before finishing with a 76.
Despite the final margin, the tournament remained close through the first nine holes on Sunday. Germany’s Esther Henseleit made a front-nine charge, shooting a 31 to move within a stroke of Ryu. However, Ryu responded with a key birdie on the 11th and the pivotal eagle two holes later to build a comfortable lead.
“It was just an incredible round,” Ryu said after the win. “I stayed focused and played with confidence. I’m so proud of how I bounced back from last week.”
Henseleit finished with a 66, tying for second with China’s Ruoning Yin, who posted a 67. Yin had surged into contention with a blazing 62 on Saturday and kept the pressure on Sunday with four consecutive birdies beginning at the 11th hole. However, a double bogey on 16 from a greenside bunker halted her momentum.
“I felt like I played really solid overall,” Yin said. “Just a couple of mistakes cost me, but I’m happy with how I fought.”
Henseleit praised Ryu’s performance. “I had a great front nine but couldn’t keep it going,” she said. “Haeran really earned this win.”
Yan Liu shot a strong 65 to take fourth place, while Stephanie Kyriacou of Australia delivered the shot of the day — a rare albatross on the par-5 18th — and finished tied for sixth after a round of 67.
With her victory, Ryu becomes the 10th different winner in as many LPGA Tour events this season and continues her streak of winning every year since her debut victory as a teenager on the Korean LPGA.
