Haley Sturgeon’s sixth straight Rolex Women’s Player of the Year award in the Utah Section PGA was a story of overcoming new challenges. Competition from a friendly rival who’s in her 60s and the presence of a baby boy were different dynamics for Sturgeon in 2024, while she remained in her usual place in the standings.
Both in the overall race and in the finals of the Women’s Match Play, Nyhus pressed the 31-year-old Sturgeon. Yet by reaching that stage of the event at Alpine Country Club, Sturgeon had clinched another Women’s Player of the Year award, before taking a 3-and-1 victory.
Sturgeon posted 800 points to Nyhus’ 650, with wins in the Palisade, Valley View and Davis Park Opens.
Playing well during her pregnancy made the 2023 season memorable; being a mother made her performance this year meaningful in another way. Sturgeon was proud of “overcoming (outside) expectations” of how raising a child might affect her game.
“I was figuring out how to manage my job (as an assistant pro at The Country Club), being a mom and finding time to practice,” she said. “I am extremely fortunate to have an amazing support system. It allowed me to continue doing what I love and take baby Jack along for the ride.”
Her husband Davis, parents and in-laws all did their parts, while Jack accompanied her during “several rounds of golf, countless practice sessions … and a few golf vacations,” Sturgeon said.
Feature written by Fairways Media senior writer Kurt Kragthorpe. Photography by Fairways Media/Randy Dodson.