Late in the afternoon of July 18, Utah PGA Executive Director Devin Dehlin celebrated professional Todd Tanner’s remarkable 11-under 133 performance, presenting him with the champion’s trophy. Tanner’s impressive rounds of 66-67 at Toana Vista Golf Club secured his first Utah Senior Open title. Runner-up Jeff Jolley earned the low amateur honors with an (-8) 69-67-136.
Among other age division winners, amateurs Mark Gardiner and Randy Hicken were recognized for their 5-under 139 scores securing first place in the Super Senior division. Professionals Roy Christensen, Scott Brandt, and Steve Schneiter tied for third place, just one shot behind the leading amateurs. Christensen also secured the Legend division title for players aged 70 and up.
The celebration really began the night before the final round, as both amateurs and professionals gathered at the Rainbow Hotel and Casino in Wendover, Nevada, to honor long-time Utah PGA Professional Bob Rudd. Rudd’s storied career spanned a variety of golf facilities, from a 9-hole executive course to a municipal facility to a high-end private golf club. “No question though,” Rudd said, “Park City Golf Club had become my home and my favorite place to be.”
The Utah Section PGA and Utah Golf Association jointly operate the Utah Senior Open at Toana Vista, with the Utah PGA tournament committee selecting an annual senior honoree who has significantly influenced Utah golf. Past honorees have included amateur players, tournament administrators, rules officials, and PGA Professionals.
Tanner, who co-owns InMotion Junior Golf and serves as the tournament director for Utah’s U.S. Kids Tour, is far from coasting into his senior playing days. Ahead of the championship, the 50-year-old (soon to be 51) worked with swing coach Matt Baird and added a new driver, 3-wood, and putter to his bag. This victory marks his first major title in a Utah PGA senior event.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to put a couple of good rounds together and compete with these guys,” Tanner said after the trophy presentation. “It’s nice to get in the winner’s circle again.”
Tanner, who had struggled with his putting, decided to switch to a mallet head style putter. “I’ve had that putter probably since 2008. So it was just kind of, let’s try something new and see,” he explained.
Over 36 holes, Tanner made 13 birdies and an eagle, offset by four bogeys, including two on the final hole. His name now joins the prestigious list on the Utah Senior Open trophy.
Winning in a year that honors Bob Rudd holds special significance for Tanner. “I’ve loved Bob Rudd forever,” he said. “To have won this event with him, such a major part of Utah golf history, this is going to go a long way.”
Riding high on this confidence, Tanner looks forward to competing in next month’s Utah Open and then the Utah Senior PGA Professional Championship qualifier and Utah Section Championship in September.
Many thanks to our friends and hosts at Wendover Resorts and Toana Vista Golf Club.
Click here to see the final leaderboard. Click here to watch the Utah Senior Open honoree tribute video.