Black Desert Resort Golf Course in St. George, Utah, one the country’s more acclaimed new courses, has named Colby Cowan as its new general manager. Cowan will oversee club operations, including golf, agronomy, golf-related food and beverage, and marketing for the property set amid ancient black lava fields of Southern Utah. He will also play a key role in planning and executing the upcoming Black Desert Championship, a PGA TOUR event set for this fall, and an LPGA Tour tournament in 2025.
Cowan has 30-plus years of experience in the Utah golf industry and most of it has been in Southern Utah. He most recently served as director of golf operations for St. George City, a position he has held since 2012. Prior to working with St. George City, Cowan served as the head golf professional at Sand Hollow Golf Course in Hurricane. He has also served as the director of golf at The Ledges Golf Club in St. George, head golf professional at Coral Canyon in Washington, and as an assistant professional at Bloomington Country Club and Cedar Ridge.
Cowan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Southern Utah University in Cedar City and is a Class a member of the PGA of America. He is the former president of the Utah Section of the PGA and has been honored by Section numerous times, including the Horton Smith Award winner in 2004, Merchandiser of the Year in 2008, and the Section’s Professional of the Year in 2014. He is also a two-time winner of the Bill Strausbaugh Club Relations Award in 2013 and 2021. He enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with his family.
“Colby embodies excellence, vision, and a strong commitment to the Black Desert Resort and Troon brand,” said Bill O’Brien, senior vice president, Troon. “He has an impressive track record in the hospitality industry, and brings a wealth of care and a passion for delivering unparalleled, but very approachable, luxury and quality experiences. His leadership style is rooted in leading by example, managing by walking around, actively listening to others, and ensuring that every team member feels valued and heard.”
Surrounded by red rock mountains and carved amid ancient black lava fields, Black Desert opened for play in May of 2023 and is the last golf course designed by the great Tom Weiskopf prior to his passing away from pancreatic cancer in August of 2022. The course is characterized by the presence of ancient basalt rock formations seamlessly integrated into the landscape, creating a visually stunning contrast against the lush green fairways.
Photo Courtesy of Troon