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.
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.