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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.

“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.”

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.”

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 500^th career PGA TOUR start in his hometown at the Black Desert Championship.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Over the weekend (Sept. 6-8), eight 13u All-Star teams (ages 10-13) and eight 17u All-Star teams (ages 14-17) 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 Bend Bombers 1 All-Star Team, 11-1, in match play Sunday (Sept. 8) to advance to the 13u National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship, to be held Oct. 10-13 at PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch. They will represent Team Utah. The team, led by Coach Tele Wightman, PGA, returns to the championship after finishing as runners-up in 2023. 

Semifinal action on Sunday was delayed by 40 minutes due to lightning in the area. When play resumed, the Thanksgiving Point All-Stars advanced to the championship match after a 10-2 win over the Glenmoor (Utah) Gators. The Bend Bombers 1 All-Stars, led by coach Nate Kitt, PGA, and assistant coach Ryan Smith, advanced to the championship match after defeating the Spokane All-Stars, 7-5, in other semifinal action.

The Thanksgiving Point All-Stars (Lehi, Utah) led all teams after Day One (Saturday) at (-29) after completing the two nine-hole rounds of stroke play. Jraice Finau, the 12-year-old son of PGA TOUR Player and assistant coach Tony Finau, set the tone for his team chipping in for eagle on his first hole of the day.  

The Spokane All-Stars finished nine back for the second seed with a -20, followed by the Bend Bombers 1 (Bend Golf Club, Bend Oregon) with a (-14), and the Glenmoor Gators (Glenmoor Golf Club, South Jordan, Utah) with a (-11).

Teams not making the semifinals participated in a 9-hole, two-person scramble Shootout. Marissa Johnson (13, Uintah, Utah) and Jack Bowen (13, Herriman, Utah) of the Glenmoor Masters All-Stars captured the 13u Shootout title with a 33.

Below are the results of the Regional Championship for Region 11. The tournament consists of two days of competition where all 8 teams will first compete in a stroke play qualifying event on day one. Then on day two the top four teams from the qualifying event will progress on to a Match play qualifier in the morning while the lower four teams from the qualifying stroke event will play in an additional stroke play shootout. Then on day 2 afternoon, the winners from the Match Play qualifier competed in a final Match Play championship.

Click here for the leaderboard.

Victory Ranch Assistant PGA Professional Thomas Cook secured his second Utah PGA National Car Rental Assistant Championship title in dramatic fashion. The competition, held at Stonebridge Golf Club on September 4-5, saw Cook claim victory in a playoff against defending champion Spencer Wallace, capping off a two days of golf in West Valley City. Cook was presented the champion’s trophy by Executive Director Devin Dehlin.

Both Cook and Wallace ended the 36-hole tournament tied at 7-under-par 137 after battling it out on the Creekside and Sunrise nines. The stage was set for a playoff, where Cook emerged victorious, solidifying his place as one of Utah’s top PGA Assistant Professionals. With this win, Cook punched his ticket to the national Assistant PGA Professional Championship in November at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Reflecting on Victory

For Cook, this win was a validation of his efforts throughout the season. “It validates a lot of the work I’ve been putting in over the last few months,” he shared. “I felt like I’ve played some of the best golf of my career this season, so to have it all come together to win this event again means a lot.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming Utah PGA Section Championship at Toana Vista, Cook expressed confidence. “This win tells me I’m on the right track with how my game is developing. It gives me confidence about my chances next week and qualify for the PGA Professional Championship again.”

Navigating Stonebridge’s Challenges

Cook also emphasized the challenges posed by Stonebridge Golf Club, noting the role patience played in his success. “Stonebridge is a good test, especially with the wind being a factor. I knew I needed patience in my decision-making to see the scores I wanted. I felt comfortable with my approach shots and putted the best I have all season.”

National Stage Awaits

Having now qualified for the national Assistant PGA Championship for the third time, Cook is eager to represent the Utah Section on a larger stage. “It’s a goal of mine every year. I love the opportunity to compete against some of the top PGA Professionals across the country, and I want to put myself in the best position to win.”

Cook’s triumph also marked his second Utah PGA Assistant Championship title, a feat he cherishes. “It’s incredibly humbling. We have some amazingly talented players in the state, so to be considered in the same category as them is something I will always be grateful for.”

Top Performers Round Out the Field

Joining Cook at the national championship will be Josh Leddy, who finished 5-under-par, and Alex Bennington at 4-under-par. Tyler Dalton, Haley Sturgeon, and Evan Wartgow will serve as alternates. Although Spencer Wallace has finished first for two consecutive years, his current PGA status renders him ineligible for the national event.

Click here For the complete 2024 National Car Rental Utah PGA Assistant Championship leaderboard.

Story written by Fairways Media/Randy Dodson. Photography provided by Fairways Media/Garrit Johnson.

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.