Balance of Nature Sponsors Local Jay Don Blake at Black Desert Championship
In a remarkable partnership of local pride and athletic achievement, Balance of Nature is proud to sponsor St. George native and professional golfer Jay Don Blake as he prepares to make his 500th career start at the Black Desert Championship. This milestone not only underscores Blake’s enduring commitment to the sport but also highlights the strong community ties that have been a cornerstone of his success. As a local company, Balance of Nature’s support for Blake is a testament to our shared values of resilience, excellence, and dedication.
Blake was born in 1958, and it didn’t take long for him to find interest in the game of golf. From the age of 8, Blake could often be found around various St. George landmarks practicing his swing. The public Dixie Red Hills Golf Course was a favorite location of his to improve his skills. He continued to play while attending Dixie High School before studying at Utah State University. When given the choice between playing golf or basketball, Blake followed his heart and continued with golf.
Attending Utah State University earned Blake the opportunity to win medalist honors at the 1980 NCAA championship and then become Player of the Year at the 1981 NCAA championship. Blake graduated from USU in 1981 and was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 1995.
Blake earned his spot on the PGA Tour just six years after turning professional in 1981. Among his many accomplishments are three dozen top-10 finishes in official PGA Tour events and an impressive streak of 15 consecutive seasons ranked in the top 125. With 499 events under his belt, the Black Desert Championship will be a fitting stage for Blake’s 500th career start, marking yet another milestone in his distinguished golfing career.
This year’s Black Desert Championship will take place from Wednesday, October 9, through Sunday, October 13, 2024 in Ivins, Utah. This is an especially exciting event for Southern Utah since it’s the first time the PGA Tour has returned to Utah since 1963. With Blake’s sponsor exemption, he’ll be able to ring in his 500th event near the place he calls home. Blake told KSL, “I grew up a little less than a mile down the road, and I’ve come out to play this golf course quite a few times. There are areas and peninsulas on these rock quarries and lava rock that I feel like I’ve stood here before—way before the golf course. To have this special moment three weeks from now to be able to play out here is going to be pretty unbelievable for me. I’m very much looking forward to it.”
Balance of Nature CEO Lex Howard says, “We are excited to be the official whole food supplement of the Black Desert Championship. We are constantly seeking ways to support our community and promote active lifestyles, and supporting this brand new PGA Tour event in our backyard is a perfect way to do that.”
Jay Don Blake’s active lifestyle aligns excellently with Balance of Nature’s values and purpose, and they are delighted to sponsor him during this local event.
As the Black Desert Championship approaches, the excitement surrounding Blake’s 500th career start continues to build. This moment highlights Blake’s remarkable journey. By sponsoring a local legend at an event of this magnitude, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting active lifestyles and fostering a spirit of excellence. With Blake’s legacy and the first PGA Tour event in Utah in over 60 years, this championship is set to be a truly historic occasion for Southern Utah.
