3A Champs Richfield

Richfield wins 3A Team Title, Morgan’s Lance Loughton repeats as Medalist

There were some nervy moments down the stretch, but Morgan’s Lance Loughton did enough Thursday to repeat as 3A medalist.

After lipping out a putt on No. 17 that would’ve given him a one-stroke lead heading into the last hole, Loughton stepped up and sank a birdie putt of similar length on No. 18 to clinch the individual title.

Morgan High’s Lance Loughton, 3A Medalist.

Loughton finished the tournament with a 4-under 136 to edge Ben Lomond’s Cayson VanBeekum, who shot a 3-under 137.

Rainy conditions made scoring difficult for much of Thursday’s final round at The Ridge Golf Course, but Richfield was able to navigate it better than anyone else to reclaim the 3A state title by just three strokes ahead of Morgan.

After trailing Morgan by one stroke after Wednesday’s opening round, Richfield finished four strokes better on Thursday to post a 570 team score and reclaim the state title after winning in 2022.

Defending state champ Morgan finished second with a 573 and Carbon third with a 584.

Read more here by Desert News Sports writer James Edward.

6A Champs Corner Canyon

Corner Canyon takes back-to-back 6A state title, Lone Peak’s Kihei Akina has record breaking tournament

The last decade of Utah high school golf has largely been dominated by Lone Peak. The Knights won nine state championships between 2013-2022 and had one of their golfers win the individual championship four times between 2018-2022. However, last year’s Lone Peak team was dethroaned both as a team and on the individual championship by Corner Canyon and the Chargers’ Bowen Mauss.

This year, the Chargers trailed behind Lone Peak by three strokes after day one. However, in day two Corner Canyon outplayed the Knights by 10 strokes to take its back-to-back state championship with a team score of 538. Lone Peak finished with 545.

“These guys worked so hard,” said Corner Canyon head coach Derek Fox. “Lone Peak has such a good team down there and they make us get better. These boys were ready for today, they said last night they were ready to go and this was our best round of the year. They picked a great day to do it.”

Corner Canyon saw huge improvements all around from day one. The Chargers ended day one with only two players in the top 10, but improved that number to four on Tuesday.

The only thing that sligtly soured the day for Corner Canyon was losing the close individual race between defending medalist Bowen Mauss and two-time medalist Kihei Akina. The scoring margin between Mauss and Akina was razor thin, with Akina entering day two with only a single stroke lead.

In day two, Akina grew his lead to a two-stroke lead on hole two as Akina parred and Mauss had his only bogey of the tournament. Hole eight turned things in favor of Mauss as he birdied and Akina Bogeyed to even the score.

It stayed within a stroke or two through most of day two, but Akina had a monster run in the final five holes to pull away. Akina birdied on holes 14, 15, 16 and 18 to secure his third individual title.

6A State Golf Championship medalist, Kihei Akina, Lone Peak High School.

“Me and Bowen, we were in a battle today,” said Akina. “It was cool to see him playing so well and it was really back and forth until that 14th hole where I kind of went on a run there. I’ve come up short a lot this year, so I wanted this one really badly and I went out and got it.”

Akina is just the fourth high school golfer in state history to claim three individual titles, the first to do so since 1999. But Akina’s record-breaking performance didn’t end there. He set a new state record with a 36-hole score of 127, surpassing the previous mark of 128, set by none other than Akina himself in the 2022 state championship.

Despite the record breaking day, it was a mix of excitement and disapointment for Akina, as Lone Peak once again lost to Corner Canyon in the team championship.

“It feels good to get some redemption,” Akina said. “I’m happy to get this one, but I’m a little bit sad for the team. It feels a little bit different without the team victory, but this is still cool for sure.”

Corner Canyon’s Mauss ended his 36-holes with a score of 130, which is the fourth best in state history. While it wasn’t enough to win this years individual title, Mauss still ended his high school carrer with one individual title and back-to-back state titles for his school.

“It’s been really fun, but more important than the trophies is the memories I made with them,” Mauss said. “The biggest part of it is we’ve all been playing together a long time and we got along really well. We have really good team chemistry and I think that helped us throughout the year with wanting to play well for each other.”

6A State Golf Championship recap written by Carson Hilton and published with permission from the Desert News Sports. Photos provided by Fairways Media/Garrit Johnson.

5A Champs Skyline HS final

Skyline runs away with 5A state title, Jackson Shelley wraps up career with another 5A medalist

As Jackson Shelley rolled in an eagle putt from the 14th-hole fringe, his external excitement remained pretty subdued. Internally though, the Skyline senior’s mind was screaming, ‘let’s go.’

Shelley’s eagle helped him increase his lead at the 5A state championships to four strokes, and he made the lead hold up down the stretch to claim 5A medalist for the second time after winning it as a sophomore.

Shelley finished with 13-under, 131 at Glen Eagle Golf Course in Syracuse to finish four strokes ahead of Salem Hills Hills freshman Carson Peterson. It was Peterson’s strong play that made Shelley gamble a bit and take out his driver and go for the green on No. 14 instead of laying up. He felt like he needed a jolt of momentum.

The older Shelley was the catalyst to the success.

“I just can’t say enough about Jackson. He can do everything with the golf club in his hand. I’ve never had anybody hit it as far as he hits it, and he also has soft touch, he can do everything,” said James.

In many ways, Skyline won the tournament with its terrific opening round on Monday. It shot a 274 and held a 13-stroke lead heading into Tuesday’s final round, where it shot a 279. Olympus and Woods Cross each had slight better scores on Tuesday, but the gap was too much to overcome.

“We were still trying to attack and we didn’t try and play less aggressively, but yesterday we were hot, guys were making shots, but today we played a little smarter, ” said James. “Utah golf is getting so good now, there are so many guys now.”

5A State Golf Championship medalist, Jackson Shelley, Skyline High School.

Shelley in particular was red hot on Monday as he shot a 9-under 63 with seven birdies and two eagles. He was 6-under through the first six holes.

“I played well, I hit a lot of good tee balls, and I was playing, so it was a good day,” said Shelley.

On Tuesday he parred his first five holes before finally birdieing No. 6. At the turn he was 12-under.

When Peterson birdied his 12th hole — he started on the back nine — he was only two strokes back at 10-under. Shelley was checking the scores and very aware how close it was and decided to get aggressive on No. 14.

East’s Sean Lampropoulos finished in third place with an 8-under 136, with Bonneville’s Josh Wallis in fourth with a 7-under 138.

The was a four-way tie for fifth between Olympus’ Will Pedersen, Bountiful’s Ty Cottle, Cedar Valley’s Brayden Hester and Shurtz.

“Really proud of Caden Shurtz. What a great job to make it in the top five, that’s amazing for him. He transferred over from Olympus and he’s fit in so well with the team,” said James.

Utah 5A Boy’s State Championship recap written by James Edward and posted with permission by the Deseret News Sports. Photos by Utah Section PGA and the Shelley family.

FRISCO, TX - OCTOBER 11: Jraice Finau, Cove Cummings, and Emery Johnson of Team Utah high five during the 2024 JR League Championship at PGA Frisco on Friday, October 11, 2024 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)

Team Utah five shots back of Team Georgia after day one of 13U National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship

Everyone’s chasing Team Georgia (Duluth) following their 38-under-par day one performance in the 2024 13u National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship at PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch West.

Twelve All-Star teams of 96 junior golfers ages 10-13 have trekked to the Home of the PGA of America to compete for the Championship title, broadcast live on ESPN platforms. Days one and two (Friday and Saturday) comprise four, 9-hole rounds played in a team aggregate, stroke play scramble, counting the top three of four pair scores per nine holes. Sunday’s Semifinals and Championship matches are conducted in a match play format.

Finishing five shots back from the lead at 34-under, Team Utah (Lehi) earned top play honors when 12-year-old Emery Johnson aced Hole No. 5 with the ESPN cameras rolling.

FRISCO, TX – OCTOBER 11: Emery Johnson of Team Utah celebrates his hole in one during the 2024 JR League Championship at PGA Frisco on Friday, October 11, 2024 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)

“I’ve never had a hole in one before,” Johnson told ESPN’s Michael Collins. “The wind was into us so I clubbed up a little and hit a little draw in there. I knew I hit it good, but I heard it hit the pin and I couldn’t see it. I saw my other teammates on the next hole and they ran toward me. Jraice [Finau] picked me up and everyone was giving me high fives.”

“I was really surprised,” said Jraice Finau, 12. “I thought it hit the cameraman behind. It ended up being perfect. It was instinct to pick him up like that.”

FRISCO, TX – OCTOBER 11: Jraice Finau fist bumps Team Utah Assistant Coach Tony Finau during the 2024 JR League Championship at PGA Frisco on Friday, October 11, 2024 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)

Jraice might still be waiting on his first hole-in-one, but he and the rest of the team have a lot of support in their corner with their coaches: Team Utah Coach Tele Wightman, PGA, and Jraice’s dad and official Team Utah Assistant Coach, Tony Finau.

“It [Assistant Coach] sounds funny, but this week it’s right,” said Tony Finau of his role at the Championship. “There’s nothing like being on a team. Our message to the kids is to enjoy it, soak it in and make these memories count. It’s really cool what the PGA of America has done with PGA Jr. League, and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

“I watched Georgia play incredibly, and I was proud of our team for staying with them the whole way,” said Wightman. “We’re in really good shape going into tomorrow. We’re going to continue our process and our game plan. They believe in themselves, they trust each other and they just go out and have fun.”

Finau is no stranger to playing on the national stage and on live television, and this week he’s clearly excited to see the kids experience the joys that can come with it.

FRISCO, TX – OCTOBER 11: Team Utah Assistant Coach Tony Finau smiles during the 2024 JR League Championship at PGA Frisco on Friday, October 11, 2024 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)

“To have your first hole in one on ESPN? Come on, now. That’s what dreams are made of. He deserves all the hype he gets for that. He’s a great kid, great player and it’s great to have him as Jraice’s partner.”

Competition resumes tomorrow at 8:45 a.m. CT with two more 9-hole rounds of team aggregate stroke play, and groups and starting times will be available here. The top four teams will advance to the Semifinals on Sunday morning and play for a spot in the Championship Match on Sunday afternoon. The two teams not playing in finals will compete for third place.

For Championship scoring, news and more, visit PGA.com.

2A Boys State Champs South Sevier HS 2024

South Sevier wins first 2A Boys Golf State Championship

The South Sevier Rams won the school’s first boys golf state title on Wednesday Oct. 9, posting a decisive 27-stroke victory at Cedar Ridge Golf Course.

South Sevier’s Gunner Sorensen (photo) earned medalist honors after a two hole playoff with Parowan’s Tyler Massey. After pars on the first playoff hole, Sorensen and Massey played Cedar Ridge’s ninth hole again to determine the individual champion in Cedar City, UT.

The Rams were led by senior Gunner Sorensen, who followed up his even-par 72 on Day 1 with an 81 on Wednesday to finish at 153, tying him with Parowan junior Tyler Massey for the tournament’s best individual score. Sorensen and Massey then played a sudden-victory playoff on hole No. 9, with Sorensen making par both times to win the tiebreaker.

Beaver High finished in the runner-up spot on the leaderboard at 665.

As a team, South Sevier finished with 638 strokes, while runner-up Beaver was 27 strokes back at 665. Parowan placed third, while last year’s champion Rowland Hall took fourth.

Notably, at last year’s state tournament, the Rams shot 10 strokes better (628) but finished in a tie for third place.

“It’s the same boys we had last year. I didn’t have any seniors (graduate in 2023),” South Sevier head coach Trampas Williams said afterward. “These guys played last year, got third place, and they were just hungry to win it. They’ve been working hard since May to be here.”

Led by Sorensen’s stellar 72 on Day 1 South Sevier built a sizable 24-stroke lead during Tuesday’s opening round and were never seriously threatened on Day 2.

Gunner Sorensen (+9) 72-81 -153

“Gunner was just solid,” Williams said. “He’s been knocking shots close all day and just been playing great golf. His even par yesterday was amazing. And then to stick with it and stay right there today. He was mentally strong.”

Rounding out the Rams’ top four scorers were Sorensen’s fellow seniors Keegan Johnson (79-81-160), Kyson Brown (79-85-164) and Jamen Memmott (84-83-167).

“They’ve worked hard all year long,” WIlliams said. “This has been their dream. They worked hard and they earned it.”

The tournament attracted 18 2A schools from around the state, although only 11 teams made the cut after the first day.

Individual runner-up, Parowan High’s Tyler Massey.
Following the championship, Utah PGA Executive Director Devin Dehlin presented Cedar Ridge Golf Course PGA Professional Jared Barnes with an appreciation plaque. Cedar Ridge proved to be a great host venue enjoyed by players, coaches and many families during both days of competition.

2A Boys Golf State Championship Leaderboard:

2A Boys Golf State Championship recap written by Desert News/Jeff Richards. Photography provided by Fairways Media/Randy Dodson.

2024 DeSantis Family H

Dave DeSantis Family Repeat at Second Annual PGA Family Golf Championship

In the Professional/Junior Division of the second annual PGA Family Golf Championship, Utah PGA Professional Dave DeSantis and his grandson, Gordie Gatrell, showcased their generational synergy in a fun filled two-day event at Disney’s Palm Golf Course in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on Sept. 28-29. This family affair, hosted by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, brought together players from 23 states, including six PGA Professionals playing alongside their families.

The DeSantis family—Dave, his wife Holly, and their grandson Gordie—defended their title with a -11 score, finishing four strokes ahead of the second-place team. Having claimed victory in the Professional/Junior division—the trio is already looking forward to a shot at a three-peat next year.

“We will be back next year, and as many times as we can for sure,” said Gatrell, who teamed up with his grandparents. “This was a great tournament, and we’ll be in Whistling Straits next year.”

The event featured an opening round of scramble format followed by a final round of modified alternate shot. Disney’s Palm Golf Course, with its lakes, palm trees, and tropical sands, provided a stunning backdrop for the competition.

Next year’s championship is set to take place at the renowned Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, on Aug. 30-31, 2025.

Launched nationally in 2022, PGA Family Golf aims to bring together family members of all ages and skill levels on multi-generational teams. Inspired by the PGA Jr. League, the event is hosted by PGA of America and LPGA Professionals, fostering a fun, team-based environment for all.

SUNRIVER, OR - SEPTEMBER 29: The Leo Fraser Trophy during the Senior PGA Professional Championship at Sunriver Resort on Sunday, September 29, 2024 in Sunriver, Oregon. (Photo by Chelsea Sedlar/PGA of America)

Steve Schneiter Earns Spot in 2025 Senior PGA Championship 

SUNRIVER, OR – SEPTEMBER 29: Steve Schneiter hits his tee shot on the first hole during the Senior PGA Professional Championship at Sunriver Resort on Sunday, September 29, 2024 in Sunriver, Oregon. (Photo by Chelsea Sedlar/PGA of America)

Utah PGA Professional Steve Schneiter has once again demonstrated his ageless talent on the national level. With a T17 finish at 3-under-par 282 in the 72-hole Senior PGA Professional Championship at Sunriver Resort, Schneiter secured his place on the Corebridge Financial Team for the 2025 Senior PGA Championship. His performance continues a storied career, which includes winning the Senior PGA Professional Championship in 2016 at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Schneiter (Pebblebrook GC) wasn’t the only Utah Section Member to play the final round. Mark Owen (Mt. View GC) finished T44 at 287, while Ryan Rhees (The Oaks GC) rounded out the group with a T63 finish at 290, showcasing the strength and depth of talent within the Utah Section.

The Senior PGA Professional Championship, the premier national championship for PGA of America Professionals aged 50 and over, serves as an opportunity for PGA Professionals to play on the national stage. The event, which features 264 players from Section qualifiers across the country, rewards the top 35 finishers with spots in the Senior PGA Championship. The winner also takes home the coveted Leo Fraser Trophy.

In addition to Schneiter, Owen, and Rhees, the Utah Section was well-represented by Todd Tanner, Dustin Volk, Fred Nadeau and Clark Garso.

The championship was held at Sunriver Resort’s renowned Meadows and Woodlands Courses, designed by John Fought and Robert Trent Jones Jr., respectively. The resort, recognized in Golf Digest’s 2022 Editor’s Choice Awards as one of the Best Resorts in the Pacific Northwest, has hosted five PGA of America member championships, cementing its reputation as a world-class golf destination.

Click here for the final leaderboard from the Senior PGA Professional Championship.

Black Desert Championship Pre Qualifiers - X 1600x900

Utah Section PGA to host Pre-Qualifiers for the Inaugural PGA TOUR Black Desert Championship presented by Greater Zion

The PGA TOUR will return to Utah for the first time in over 60-years Oct. 9-13 at Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah for the inaugural Black Desert Championship presented by Greater Zion, part of the PGA TOUR’s FEDEX Cup fall series. 

Ahead of the championship’s Monday Qualifier at Sand Hollow Resort Oct. 7th, the Utah Section PGA, headquartered in Salt Lake City, will conduct three Pre-Qualifier tournaments held Oct. 1 at Sand Hollow Resort in Hurricane, UT, Oct. 2 at Coral Canyon Golf Course in Washington, UT and Oct. 3 at Glenmoor Golf Course in South Jordan, UT. 

Registration for the Pre-Qualifier tournaments is available now on UTAHPGA.Com under the Tournament/PGA TOUR Qualifying in Utah menu button

2024 Utah PGA Section Champion, Dustin Volk.

The Utah Section PGA has announced Davis County Director of Golf Dustin Volk, winner of the 2024 Utah Section Championship, has received an exemption into the Black Desert Championship via a long standing agreement between the PGA TOUR and the PGA of America allowing for a local PGA of America Professional to compete in a PGA TOUR event being held with in the Section’s geographical boundaries. 

Utah Section PGA Executive Director Devin Dehlin said, “We are proud of Dustin Volk’s accomplishments in Utah PGA events including earning his third career win of the Section Championship. He has also played a significant role in Section leadership during his career as a PGA Professional. He will represent us well next month at the Black Desert Championship.”

2024 President’s Cup International Team Captain, Mike Weir.

The Black Desert Championship presented by Greater Zion will feature multiple Utah-based players receiving sponsor exemptions, including 2003 Masters champion and 2024 International Presidents Cup captain Mike Weir, former BYU standout Peter Kuest, and rising amateur star Kihei Akina, a senior at Lone Peak High School who is committed to BYU. Additionally, Utah natives and former Utah Sate Amateur and Utah Open champions Patrick Fishburn and Zac Blair have confirmed their participation. 

Announced earlier this year, St. George native and PGA TOUR Champions member Jay Don Blake received a sponsors exemption and will celebrate his 500th career PGA TOUR start in his hometown at the Black Desert Championship.

Dustin Volk Tropy H

Section Championship: An Emotional Win for Dustin Volk

With rounds of 64-69, Dustin Volk secured his third Utah PGA Section Championship at Toana Vista Golf Club, finishing 11-under-par 133. His victory also earned him the Senior Division title and a spot in next year’s PGA Professional Championship, along with an exemption to compete in the Black Desert Championship, Utah’s first PGA TOUR event in over 60 years.

Dustin Volk has now own the Section Championship in 2011, 2014 and this year, all at Toana Vista Golf Club in West Wendover, NV.

Reflecting on his recent success, including a runner-up finish at the Senior Section Championship, Volk credited his practice routine and improved putting. “I’ve been playing a lot, practicing with Pete Stone and Zach Johnson, and changed my putting setup, which has helped.”

Volk emphasized staying calm under pressure, particularly after a setback on the second hole. “I stayed positive, avoided big numbers, and played well on the Par 3s, which is rare for me.”

2025 PGA Professional Championship qualifiers (Left-Right) Tommy Sharp, Chris Moody, Dustin Volk, Joe Summerhays, Zach Johnson and Dustin Pimm. Missing from photo is Todd Tanner who won the last qualifier spot in a 3 for 1 playoff.

Looking ahead, Volk is excited for the PGA Professional Championship, qualifying for the seventh time. He has mixed feelings about the Black Desert Championship due to missing his annual elk hunting trip but sees heading to Black Desert as a once in a lifetime opportunity and another family adventure.

Winning the Utah PGA Section Championship for the third time holds special meaning. “It’s an honor to be part of the Utah Section PGA and to win this championship again,” Volk said, expressing gratitude for balancing golf and managing two of Utah’s busiest courses.

Volk’s wife, Anne, has been a supportive presence at his tournaments as his cart partner, helping him to maintain perspective. After the win, he shared an emotional moment with playing partner Zach Johnson. “Golf is tough, and to win is even harder. Competing with your best friends is what it’s all about.”

Joining Volk at the 2025 PGA Professional Championship as qualifiers from the Section Championship are Dustin Pimm, Zach Johnson, Joe Summerhays, Chris Moody, Tommy Sharp, and Todd Tanner. Alternates include Jayme Backos, Casey Fowles, Matt Baird and Carson Willis.

Division champions this year include Terry Outzen (Super Senior), Roy Chirstensen (Legends) and Sue Nyhus (Women’s). 

Click here to see the final leaderboard.

Click here to read the complete Utah PGA Section Championship recap.

17uChamp_ThanksgivingPoint All-Stars_Lehi Utah

Thanksgiving Point All-Stars Advance to 17U PGA Jr. League Championship

Over the weekend (Sept. 6-8), eight 17u All-Star teams representing Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, met at Meadow Lakes Golf Club in Prineville, Oregon, for two fun and exciting days of competition at the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Regional Championship. Competing teams represented the Utah, Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain PGA Sections.

The Thanksgiving Point All-Stars defeated the Meadow Springs All-Stars, 5.5 – 3.5 in match play to advance to the 17u National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship, to be held Nov. 14-17 at Twin Warriors Golf Club in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. They will represent Team Utah and are led by Coach Tele Wightman, PGA.


Thanksgiving Point 17u All-Stars, (left to right), Head Coach Tele Wightman, PGA; Blake Brown, Ryder Huish, Jace Benson, Mack Herzog, D’Adiddas Notoa, Jordan Ofahengaue.
Photo courtesy of PGA Jr. League

The Thanksgiving Point All-Stars advanced to the championship match after a 6.5 – 2.5 win over the Glenmoor Goats (Glenmoor Golf Club, South Jordan, Utah) coached by Darci Dehlin-Olsen, PGA, in the semifinals. In other semifinal action, Meadow Springs defeated the Chambers Bay All-Stars on a third tiebreaker to advance to the championship.

All eight of the 17u All-Star teams shot even or under par in Saturday’s qualifying round led by Thanksgiving Point All-Stars at (-23), three strokes ahead of Meadow Springs and Chamber’s Bay, who both shot a -20. The Glenmoor Goats shot a -17 for the final spot in the semifinals.

The Glenmoor Albatross All-Stars finished fifth with a -8, followed by the Canyon Springs All-Stars (Canyon Springs Golf Course, Twin Falls, Idaho) led by Coach Zach Abels, PGA, with a -7 and the Glenmoor Bombs with a -5. The Glenmoor Linksters finished eighth, shooting an even par.  

Teams not making the semifinals participated in a 9-hole, two-person scramble Shootout. Brecken Ross (15, Herriman, Utah) and Trey Pehrson (16, Riverton, Utah) of The Glenmoor Linksters coached by Darci Dehlin-Olsen, PGA, captured the 17u Shootout title with a 29.

Click here for the final leaderboard.