Sponsor exempt golfer reaches rare PGA Tour milestone at the Black Desert Championship

PGA: Senior PGA Championship-Final Round - Source: Imagn
Jay Don Blake (Photo Source: Imagn)

Jay Don Blake joined the stellar field of the 2024 Black Desert Championship on a sponsor exemption, making his 500th start on the PGA Tour. The American golfer, who currently competes on the Champions Tour, was invited to this week's event in Utah. He teed it up in his hometown and became the fourth player this season to reach the milestone of playing 500 events on the PGA Tour.

Earlier this year, Ryan Palmer achieved the rare feat at the Cognizant Classic, Charley Hoffman at the Valero Texas Open, and Zach Johnson at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson.

It's a special week for Jay Don Blake, who was joined by his family for the Utah event. Blake got emotional after earning the exemption to play in the tournament.

"To be a part of the tournament. The first event for Saint George, a PGA Tour event. For me to be a part of that is... I mean that is a dream from a little kid," Blake said.
"This certificate of exemption is provided to the recipient honoring their 500th start on the PGA Tour hosted at the Black Desert Championship," he added.

Notably, Jay Don Blake has not played on any professional tour since the start of 2023. This one is pretty special for him as he is playing in his hometown.


A look into Jay Don Blake's performance at the 2024 Black Desert Championship

In his 500th start on the PGA Tour, Jay Don Blake had a rough outing as he struggled with his game, but playing on his home course was very special for the Utah native. He started his campaign on the 10th hole on Thursday, October 10, and shot three bogeys on the front nine. He made a birdie and two bogeys on the back nine, for a round of 2-over 73.

Blake struggled again in the second round of the tournament, shooting four bogeys on the front nine and adding two more on the back nine. He also carded a triple bogey on the par-4 13th and made only a single birdie on the 12th hole, settling for a score of 8-over 79. With a total of 10-over, Blake finished in 127th place.

However, play was suspended on Friday, October 11, due to darkness and will resume with round 2 on Saturday, October 12, at 10:15 a.m. ET. The tournament has a cutline after 36 holes, and only the players finishing above the cutline will tee off for the final two rounds over the weekend.

The projected cutline is 5-under, and Blake finishes 15 strokes behind that score, on the verge of missing the cut. The PGA Tour event will conclude on Sunday, October 13.

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh
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