The LPGA Tour stars will participate in the first-ever Black Desert Championship this week! The Black Desert Resort will host the inaugural event presented by Greater Zion in 2025. Coming from a tough battle at The Woodlands, everyone would be eager to become the first champions of the tournament. However, there are some who have chosen not to participate in the LPGA Tour event despite failing to win the 2025 Chevron Championship.
So, who are the big names missing from the field in Ivins, Utah? Let’s take a look at the entry list of the 2025 Black Desert Championship to find out.
Nelly Korda
The world No. 1 shocked everyone with her abysmal show in the first round of the 2025 Chevron Championship. After 18 holes, she was 12 strokes away from the top of the leaderboard at +5. Nelly Korda somehow managed to recover in the second round to make the cut. Unfortunately, that was not enough for her to retain the major title. That has been the story of Korda for the entire season. She has struggled throughout the season. Apart from a runner-up finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, the 2024 Rolex Player of the Year has failed to impress throughout the year. It comes as a shock that she has decided to skip the 2025 Black Desert Championship, according to the LPGA Tour entry list for the event. Especially when she is eager to get back to her winning ways on the LPGA Tour. However, it’s worth noting that Nelly Korda has played in all of the last four events of the Tour. And as she has already confessed, “my body cannot do four events in a row.” This means that she has already pushed herself with her visit to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.
Lydia Ko
Before the first major of the season had teed off, there were reports that Lydia Ko was suffering from an injury. As confirmed by Yahoo Sports, she had neck spasms and a tingling sensation in her right arm. The same reflected in her performance in the 2025 Chevron Championship, where the New Zealander struggled to keep up with the field. Despite making the cut, Ko managed a 5-over 293 to finish at T52 on the leaderboard. The 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship is taking a much-needed break and rehabilitating from its health issues. Her next big goal will be the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open presented by Ally at the end of May. There is no question that Lydia Ko will be focused on recovering and preparing for the next major. Especially since this is one of the tournaments that will get her one step closer to her dream of becoming a Grand Slam champion.
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – FEBRUARY 27: Lydia Ko of New Zealand tees off on the second hole during Day One of the HSBC Women’s World Championship 2025 at Sentosa Golf Club on February 27, 2025, in Singapore. (Credits: Getty Images)
Rose Zhang
Rose Zhang has been suffering from health issues of her own. The 21-year-old sprang back to action after completing her Winter classes at Stanford University. Eager for a win, Zhang pushed herself in the T-Mobile Match Play presented by MGM Rewards 2025. Unfortunately, she pushed too hard and had to withdraw midway through the second round with a neck injury. Since then, the American pro has been missing in action. Zhang didn’t even make the field for the 2025 Chevron Championship. Chances are, she might miss a couple more tournaments before getting ready for the U.S. Women’s Open.
Lexi Thompson
The partly retired beloved LPGA Tour golfer has gone off the radar again. At least from the golf course. Lexi Thompson has taken another big break after participating in last week’s major. She showcased some impressive strokeplay for the first 54 holes of the 2025 Chevron Championship. However, a 4-over-par 76 on Sunday pushed her out of contention. To think, Thompson only needed a -1 in the last round to enter the playoffs of the major event. A -2 would have guaranteed her the second Chevron Championship of her career. With the U.S. Women’s Open coming up at the end of May, Thompson might make another appearance before that to find her feet before taking on another major challenge this season. The Black Desert Championship is just too soon for that.
Jeeno Thitikul
Just like Nelly Korda, Jeeno Thitikul has also competed in the last four LPGA Tour events. But unlike the world No. 1, the second-best golfer according to Rolex has had an absolutely outstanding season. In seven appearances, Thitikul has finished in the top 10 five times. She was also close to stealing the 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship from the world no. 3, Lydia Ko. But the Thai golfer is undoubtedly in the form of her life. Despite her great run recently, even a player of Thitikul’s calibre needs a break, which she has chosen to take it in the same week of the $3 million event. Considering the packed LPGA Tour schedule for May 2025, there is no question fans might see her play again before the upcoming U.S. Women’s Open challenge.
Are there any other stars you wish had played in the inaugural editions of the Black Desert Championship? Let us know in the comments section.
The post 2025 Black Desert Championship: 5 Biggest Names Missing from the LPGA Event appeared first on EssentiallySports.
