Utah PGA Assistant Executive Director Annie Fisher said, “We are excited to have Sue Nyhus, a distinguished competitor both nationally and in Utah, representing Utah women’s golf. This is a fantastic opportunity for Sue and the Utah Section PGA.”
Copper Rock Golf Club Press Release – Feb. 27, 2025
Dr. Sue Nyhus has played through a golfing path unique to her. She is the only player, female or male, to have qualified for and played in every USGA championship available to her.
Beginning with the U.S. Junior Amater as a teen in Florida, Sue played in the U.S. Women’s Amateur, The U.S. Women’s Open and all the team and state events. She was a finalist in the U.S. Amateur Public Links, and played in the Senior Women’s Amateur and the Senior Women’s Open. From high school phenom to being the cool grandma, Sue is the only one to have played in them all.
Along the way she played for Brigham Young University, won the Utah Women’s State Amateur twice, the Utah Senior Women’s State Am three times and played on the Ladies European Tour. She earned a Ph. D. in Sports Psychology, coached at BYU and Utah Valley University, stared down and beat back cancer, and raised three daughters who are good players, great moms and still trying to beat her. And she’s the favorite player of all six of her grandkids.
Sue put a bow on her incredible career when she was inducted into the Utah Golf Hall of Fame in 2021. She became a Class A member of the Utah Section PGA and is teaching at Willow Creek CC, Thanksgiving Point GC, and Hobble Creek GC. She’s still not done!
The Utah Section PGA celebrated its 2024 award winners in style at its Annual Awards banquet Feb. 11th, at the impressive Black Desert Resort hosted by ABC 4 Sports Anchor Wesley Ruff. The evening’s top honor went to Chris Moody of Riverside Country Club, who was named the 2024 Professional of the Year, adding another accolade to his distinguished career.
A historic moment came with Nyomy Obecema being recognized as the first-ever woman to earn the Utah PGA Assistant Professional of the Year award, highlighting the growing impact of women in Utah’s professional golf ranks.
The annual Winter Classic Championship faced an unexpected challenge from Mother Nature. Annually scheduled for 36 holes, the tournament was reduced to just 18 due to inclement final round weather. Despite the shortened format, champions were crowned in all divisions at Coral Canyon and Sand Hollow, showcasing the depth of talent within the Utah Section PGA. Tommy Sharp (Sand Hollow) and Todd Tanner (Coral Canyon) were crowned champions at each golf course. Click here for full results of all divisions from both golf courses.
Adding to the prestige of Winter Classic week in St. George, PGA of America Honorary President John Lindert was in attendance, addressing the Section alongside District 9 Director Cathy Mathews-Kane during the Annual Meeting. Their presence reinforced the Utah PGA’s standing within the broader PGA of America golf community, celebrating the professionals who continue to elevate the game at the local level. With another successful awards banquet and competitive Winter Classic in the books, the Utah PGA looks ahead to another year of growth and excellence.
PGA of America Honorary President John Lindert’s Message
After speaking at length during the Annual Meeting on topics such as the golf ball rollback study and the selection process of new PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague, Honorary President John Lindert’s message to the Utah PGA on Feb. 12 was one of pride, inspiration and encouragement.
PGA of America Honorary President, John Lindert
Lindert reflected on the strength of the Section, the camaraderie among its members, and the deep sense of pride that defines Utah’s golf community.
Attending section meetings is something he values, and the Utah PGA stands out for its culture and strong connections. The Section’s members bring passion and dedication to the game, creating an environment that is both welcoming and unique. The Section culture shapes the way members interact, fostering a strong sense of unity that isn’t found everywhere.
“This is an interesting section,” Lindert said. “It’s a section that is built around the Section’s culture. You all have this outdoors-person kind of atmosphere, and you all get each other, and it’s really intriguing watching how everybody interacts. It’s not the same in every Section.”
Lindert emphasized the importance of taking pride in the work being done, both locally and on a national level. The Utah PGA’s representation, leadership, and contributions to the game are a testament to its strength.
“Hold your head high and recognizing the impact of your efforts, it is essential,” he said, “not just within the Section, but in the broader golf community.”
Read more from Winter Classic week in the February issue of Utah PGA Monthly, click here.
