When international golf fans tune in to watch the PGA TOUR’s 2024 FedExCup Fall tournament, the breathtaking views offered at Black Desert Resort—where the contest will be held—are sure to make an impact. Behind the scenes, Black Desert Managing Partner Patrick Manning is quietly having a similar effect on the Washington County community and the state of Utah.
Most locals know that Black Desert is home to a spectacular, 19-hole golf course, nestled amidst dramatic lava beds abutting the crimson cliffs of Ivins. Designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Weiskopf—the last he conceived of before passing away—the course offers those lucky enough to snag a tee-time the type of golfing experience typically reserved for pros.
In addition, Black Desert boasts upscale lodging, a luxurious spa, high-end dining as well as casual culinary options, and conference and meeting spaces equipped with the latest technology. Add in plans for a nature center, water park, concert venue-cum-sports arena, a bustling boardwalk featuring retail and dining destinations, miles of hiking trails and more, and it’s easy to understand why Governor Spencer Cox dubbed Black Desert “Utah’s resort.”
Even as Patrick oversees the eight-year construction project on the 600-acre site, with its estimated multi-billion-dollar price tag, he remains committed to giving back to the community that has enabled him to achieve his vision. His philanthropic efforts include numerous local educational, athletic and arts program sponsorships. To wit, upon discovering that young female golfers in Washington County were struggling to afford coaching, Patrick directed his staff to contact parents throughout the school district with an unprecedented offer.
“We have several golf pros, and they all want to give back,” Patrick notes. “So, we’re offering free golf clinics to every student in the district. We’re hearing great feedback from parents, who say ‘My kids love this!’ So that’s very gratifying.”
Patrick was also quick to respond to a request from former Utah Tech President Richard “Biff” Williams, who asked if the developer might be able to help the university’s golf team, which lacked practice space.
“That was an easy one,” Patrick says, laughing. “We gave them some property and built them a facility that’s now professional caliber. Since Biff had given the OK to add a hospitality program to Utah Tech—which we had requested, to train all the staff we’ll need when the resort opens, including our 25 restaurants—it was a no-brainer.”
Along with underwriting Tuacahn, the Southwest Symphony and similar organizations, Patrick hopes that Black Desert can become home to a coalition of the area’s many arts groups. He has hired Tony- and Grammy-nominated actress and operatic soprano Lisa Hopkins Seegmiller to take the lead.
“There’s so much room to support our arts community and to foster collaboration between all of the groups,” says Patrick, whose 13-year-old daughter—who performs as Lillian Breeze—recently was the youngest soprano ever to take the stage at Lincoln Center.
Patrick was sponsor and highest bidder at Utah Tech’s 2024 Fire and Ice Gala, signing a $50,000 check that funded a private Cox Auditorium concert featuring Lillian, Lisa, composer and keyboardist Kurt Bestor, and renowned violinist Jenny Oaks Baker. After nailing the winning bid, Patrick promptly handed the package off to the City of Ivins.
“Ivins has been so supportive from the beginning; I wanted to thank everyone there for making us feel so welcome,” he says.
Then, considering the impact that Black Desert has made, Patrick adds, “To most people, it’s a resort. To me, it’s a tool to be leveraged for the good of the community and the state.”
For more information, or to schedule a tour, visit blackdesertresort.com.
Marianne Hamilton is a veteran journalist and marketing writer whose work appears in regional and national publications.
"...Patrick ... remains committed to giving back to the community that has enabled him to achieve his vision."