The Black Desert Championship has come a long way in just a couple of years. Back in 2023, when this event was still finding its footing on the Epson Tour, a 20-year-old Russian talent named Nataliya Guseva put on an absolute clinic. Three straight rounds in the 60s—66-67-65—gave her an impressive 18-under total and a two-stroke victory over a tight pack of challengers. It was Guseva’s breakout moment, securing her first professional win with a flawless final-round performance that left competitors Mariel Galdiano and Jenny Coleman watching from the runner-up position.

In 2025, the stakes are sky-high as the LPGA returns to Utah for the first time in 60 years. Now a full Tour event with a $3 million purse—eight times bigger than its Epson Tour days—33 of the world’s top 50 are set to battle at Black Desert Resort (May 1–4). Who’ll follow in Guseva’s footsteps? Let’s find out.

Haeran Ryu: The major championship contender

Haeran Ryu enters the Black Desert Championship riding a wave of confidence following her impressive showing at the Chevron Championship. The South Korean star held a share of the 54-hole lead at the year’s first major, posting rounds of 65-74-68 before a final-round 76 dropped her to a still-respectable T6 finish. Her opening 65 was particularly remarkable—a bogey-free masterclass that showcased her elite ball-striking.

Her under-pressure game is strong. Despite a missed cut at the JM Eagle LA Championship, she’s been remarkably consistent in 2025, with four top-20 finishes in six starts. Her current form, particularly her ability to bounce back from adversity (as demonstrated by her Chevron recovery after a second-round 74), makes her the bookmakers’ favorite at 14/1. Ryu’s combination of technical precision and mental toughness could prove the perfect formula for conquering the Black Desert Resort.

Minjee Lee: The resurgent former major champion

An equipment change has sparked a career renaissance for Minjee Lee in 2025. The Australian star’s switch to a broomstick putter has led to a runner-up finish at the Blue Bay LPGA—her best result in 18 months. “I’ve just been feeling really good about where my game is,” Lee said after a blistering final-round 67 at Blue Bay. Her revitalized confidence on the greens has complemented her always-solid ball-striking, creating a complete package.

The two-time major champion has displayed remarkable consistency this season, missing no cuts while collecting an impressive array of results: T4 at the Tournament of Champions, T11 at HSBC, 2nd at Blue Bay, T7 at LA, and T13 at the Chevron Championship. Lee stands at 16/1 odds heading into Black Desert. Her methodical approach and championship pedigree make her a serious threat to capture the inaugural LPGA Black Desert title.

Ayaka Furue: The model of consistency

When it comes to reliability on the LPGA Tour in 2025, few can match Ayaka Furue. The Japanese star has made every cut this season while recording two podium finishes—3rd at Blue Bay and T2 at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. Furue’s consistency shines.

She ranks among tour leaders in greens in regulation and has fired multiple rounds in the 60s. A final-round 68 at HSBC nearly earned her a second LPGA title. While still winless in 2025, her steady form and 20/1 odds make her a strong breakout candidate at Black Desert Resort.

Lilia Vu: The comeback queen

The reigning champion is back in contention. After battling through injury setbacks for much of 2024, Lilia Vu has rediscovered her championship form at just the right time. The world No. 4 served notice at the Ford Championship in March with a sterling runner-up finish—her first LPGA top-10 since August 2024. Her scorching bogey-free 64 in the second round to take the 36-hole lead showed that her major-winning talents remain fully intact, even if she narrowly missed out in the playoff.

With two major wins in 2023, she’s proven clutch under pressure. In 2025, she’s made all cuts in three starts, earned over $230,000, and climbed to 18th in the CME Points standings—driven by resilience through injury recovery. At 40/1 odds, Vu represents tremendous value given her championship pedigree. Don’t be fooled by her outsider status. Few players possess her combination of mental toughness and technical brilliance.

Charley Hull: The feast-or-famine talent

Few players on the LPGA Tour offer the explosive scoring potential of Charley Hull. The English star’s aggressive style has yielded strong results in 2025, highlighted by her T4 finish at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. While her recent missed cut at the Chevron Championship shows the volatility in her game, Hull’s ceiling remains among the highest in women’s golf.

Hull’s ability to go low and string together multiple birdies makes her particularly dangerous in a field where scoring opportunities will be plentiful. Her confident approach off the tee gives her an advantage on the expansive fairways of Black Desert Resort, and when her putter cooperates, few can match her scoring bursts. Hull stands at 22/1 odds heading into the event—the quintessential risk-reward betting option—capable of dominating or disappointing, but never dull. A win at Black Desert would perfectly align with her reputation for thriving in high-profile events.

The inaugural LPGA Black Desert Championship promises to deliver exceptional golf from a stacked field of stars. While our top five contenders enter with strong credentials, the unpredictable nature of tournament golf means that surprises are always lurking. Will one of these favorites claim the historic first title, or might we see a breakthrough from a dark horse? The action kicks off May 1st at the stunning Black Desert Resort in Utah. Who’s your pick to win? Let us know in the comments section below!