Haeran Ryu Dominates at Black Desert Championship
May 4, 2025, 05:03 PM ET
IVINS, Utah — In a stunning display of skill and composure, Haeran Ryu clinched a remarkable victory at the inaugural Black Desert Championship. Her 8-foot eagle putt during a flawless back nine on Sunday secured an 8-under 64, giving her a commanding five-shot victory. This triumph marks the LPGA Tour’s return to Utah after a 61-year hiatus, and Ryu’s performance was nothing short of spectacular.
Ryu’s victory was not just another win; it was a testament to her consistency and prowess on the course. She became the second player to go wire-to-wire on the LPGA Tour this year, a feat that speaks volumes about her ability to maintain focus and deliver under pressure. This win also marks her second time triumphing in a new event, following her victory at the FM Championship at the TPC Boston last year.
Coming off a challenging finish at the Chevron Championship last week, where she shared the 54-hole lead at the first major of the year before closing with a 76, Ryu was determined to make a strong comeback. And she did just that, showcasing her resilience and determination.
While the final score might suggest a comfortable win, the reality was far more intense. Ryu was clinging to a one-shot lead over Esther Henseleit of Germany as they headed into the back nine. After missing a 6-foot birdie putt on the 10th, her third consecutive miss from short range, Ryu needed to regain her momentum.
And regain it she did. A 15-foot birdie putt at the 11th and an eagle at the 13th propelled her ahead by four shots, setting the stage for her eventual victory.
A wire-to-wire win for Haeran Ryu 💪🏆 pic.twitter.com/bIgKeOZj4n
— LPGA (@LPGA) May 4, 2025
“Incredible day,” said Ryu, reflecting on her performance. With this victory, she has now won in each of the past seven years, dating back to her first win as an 18-year-old on the Korea LPGA.
Henseleit, who started three shots behind, made a strong push with a 31 on the front nine, closing the gap to just one shot. However, she cooled off on the back nine, not making another birdie until the 18th hole, finishing with a 66. She tied for second with Ruoning Yin (67), who was the final challenge to Ryu.
“Started out great on the front nine and then couldn’t quite keep up on the back,” Henseleit admitted. “Haeran played amazing, and she really deserved to win it today.”
Yin, who had surged back into contention with a 62 on Saturday, was four shots behind at the turn. She made a valiant effort with four consecutive birdies starting at the 11th, all within 8 feet. Her last birdie brought her within three shots of Ryu.
However, Ryu responded with a precise approach into 3 feet on the 15th for a birdie, restoring her lead to four shots. Yin’s hopes were dashed with a double bogey from the bunker on the 16th.
“I play 70 good holes,” Yin reflected. “I made a triple on the first day and then a double on 16 today. But overall, I think my game is really solid.”
Meanwhile, Yan Liu closed with a 65 to finish alone in fourth place, showcasing her own impressive skills.
Adding to the excitement, Stephanie Kyriacou of Australia delivered the shot of the day. Her fairway metal on the par-5 18th rolled in for an albatross, giving her a 67 to tie for sixth.
Ryu’s victory makes her the 10th winner in 10 tournaments on the LPGA Tour this season, highlighting the competitive nature of the tour and the depth of talent among its players.
- Haeran Ryu’s wire-to-wire victory at Black Desert Championship
- Esther Henseleit and Ruoning Yin tie for second place
- Stephanie Kyriacou’s albatross on the 18th hole
- Ryu’s consistent performance over the past seven years
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
