Mountain View Golf Course PGA Professional Mark Owen has once again proven his prowess, capturing his third Utah PGA Senior Section Championship title in just four years. Held at Stonebridge Golf Club September 4-5, Owen carded rounds of 64-68, finishing with an impressive 12-under-par 132. Runner-up, Davis County Director of Golf Dustin Volk, trailed by four strokes, despite an opening round of 67, which included a stunning back-nine score of 28.
Owen’s victory not only reaffirmed his position as one of Utah’s top senior golfers but also secured his spot in the Senior Professional PGA Championship, set to take place at Sunriver Resort in Oregon from September 26-29. There, Owen will vie for a coveted position among the top 35 players who will advance to the 2025 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.
Reflecting on the significance of the win, Owen admitted that his season has been less than stellar leading up to the tournament. “It hasn’t been one of my best seasons of golf,” he shared. “This really came out of nowhere. I’ve battled some health issues, but nothing major. For some reason, I’ve just had a hard time getting it together. Practicing has never been my favorite—I love to play.”
When asked about his confidence heading into the upcoming Section Championship at Toana Vista, Owen was optimistic. “I’m hoping this will carry over into next week. I love playing that championship.”
Owen also praised the conditions at Stonebridge Golf Club saying, “Stonebridge was in great shape, and the greens were really consistent. My driver was good, and I had a lot of scoring shots that I was able to convert.”
Looking ahead to the national stage, Owen expressed his excitement and determination. “I am looking forward to the Senior PNC. I’ve yet to play really well at that stage, but I’m hoping I can get it together this year.”
For Owen, this latest championship victory carries special meaning. “There are some great names on these championship trophies, and I feel really fortunate to have my name etched on that trophy as well. The Utah Section has many great players, and it’s always an accomplishment to come out on top.”
Alongside Owen, the top five finishers who also qualified for the national PPC included (photos below) Todd Tanner (-7), Ryan Rhees (-3), and host professional Clark Garso (-3). Following a playoff, Fred Nadeau, Scott Brandt, and Joe Summerhays secured alternate status.
Click here for the Utah PGA Senior Section Championship leaderboard.
Story and photos by Fairways Media/Randy Dodson.