The Ivins community reacts to the second day of the PGA Tour in southern Utah

EVINS, Utah — It was day two at the PGA Tour’s Black Desert Championship in Ivins, and both those from here and out of town said the same thing.

For Utahns, it’s the first opportunity in 61 years to see the best men’s golf pros in the Beehive State.

For those from other parts of the country and the world, this was an opportunity to see a sport known for its beautiful locations in Red Rock County.

For Arizona native Steve Shafer, it was the venue for his bachelor party, bringing along his father, Jeff. But what about the partner he will marry next month?

“My fiancé loves to play, but definitely not as much as I do,” Schaefer said. “We get to watch golf, play golf and spend time with some great friends.”

“It’s hard to watch golf when you have all the scenery around you,” Jeff Schaefer said.

It was a scene fit for an artist, and St. George artist Tommy Sterland captured the perfect scene with his son, Harvey.

“It’s great to have a PGA event here in my hometown,” Sterland said. “There probably won’t be anything that will look like this anywhere else in the world with the combination of black rock, red rock and desert.”

Stirland was commissioned to create a plaque marking St. George native Jay Don Blake, who was playing in his 500th PGA Tour event. Blake was unable to continue playing in the final rounds of the weekend, but he was finally able to play in his hometown for the first time in his long career.

“He’s a local legend,” Sterland said.

Coming from Elmo, population 418, in Emery County, golf fan Tegen Jewkes never thought he’d see a PGA event in person.

“It’s just different, like the flight of the ball and the way they can control the ball. It’s a different experience.”

As for single Steve, he has a message for his fiancée

“I can’t wait to marry you next month!” He shouted for the cameras as he walked to enjoy his golf game, the scenery, and his bachelor party.