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Red Numbers Advance at Last Chance Qualifier; Shluker Earns Medalist Title at Glendale

 

By Megan Terry

 

Justin Shluker of Park City, Utah, rounded out the 2016 Utah State Amateur Championship qualifying season by earning medalist honors at the Last Chance Qualifier. The 21-year-old carded six-under-par 66 at Glendale Golf Course in Salt Lake City to secure one of the eight available spots in a highly competitive field in which only red numbers qualified.  

“I putted really well today. I made a 40-footer for birdie on my second hole of the day, which really jumpstarted my round,” said Shluker. “I was able to take advantage of the short par 5’s and hit 17 greens.”

The Sonoma State athlete started his round on the back nine with back-to-back birdies on Nos. 10 and 11. His hot start helped him post a five-under-par 35 with an eagle on the par-4 No. 15 and a birdie on No. 17. With two bogeys and three birdies, Shluker secured his 66 by shooting one-under-par 35 on the front.

“This is my third state am. I got to the Round of 16 last year at Soldier Hollow Golf Course and didn’t make it past the stroke play qualifying in 2014 at Ogden Country Club. It’s always a good experience to play and have fun with some of Utah’s best players.”

The 118th Utah State Amateur Championship will take place July 11-16. A total of 288 players, including those who are exempt, have advanced to a 36-hole qualifying Monday, July 11th and Tuesday, July 12th at Alpine Country Club and Fox Hollow Golf Course. The low 64 qualifiers will advance to match play at Alpine. Live scoring will be available throughout the week.

CLICK HERE to view complete results.

CLICK HERE to view the UGA Championships page and view results from all eleven qualifiers. 

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Veterans Make History at Utah Golf Foundation Davis Park Event

 

By Megan Terry

 

Nearly 50 veterans attended the Utah Golf Foundation’s first Veterans on Course event on June 23rd at Davis Park Golf Course in Kaysville, Utah. Men and women of all military branches and ranks received lessons from six volunteer PGA professionals, played nine holes of golf, and listened to retired U.S. Air Force Major General and UGA Course Rating Chair Reese Nielsen speak during a social gathering.

“I was surprised to learn that most of the veterans never knew each other until the event. The way they laughed and interacted, you would have thought they were lifelong friends,” stated Utah Golf Foundation President Dean Cottle. “They share a love of golf and a willingness to sacrifice for others that is inspiring. I believe that we will continue to grow this program and afford this opportunity to many more of our nation’s finest.”

The First Tee of Utah Executive Director Paul Pugmire was present with the Vets Club Depot, a free program offering donated golf clubs, balls, and bags to veterans just getting started in the game. The Vets Club Depot is at The First Tee of Utah’s office location (680 West 3300 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84119) and will be present at every Veterans on Course event.

“It’s been a real honor and a pleasure to do something for people who have stood in harm’s way for people they don’t even know,” expressed Pugmire. “Nobody knows more than a military man or woman how important proper equipment is. If we can play a small role in helping veterans get what they need to play golf, then we are the ones who are grateful.”

The 2016 Veterans on Course season includes two more events in Northern Utah, and both are filling up quickly. The next event takes place on Thursday, July 7th at River Oaks Golf Course in Sandy, Utah, and the last event is at Hobble Creek Golf Course in Springville, Utah, on August 11th. Spots are limited, so be sure to register online at utahgolffoundation.org or email Utah Golf Association Programs Administrator Megan Terry at [email protected].

Veterans, the Utah Golf Foundation thanks you for the sacrifices you have made to serve our country. Your acts of selflessness and bravery do not go unnoticed, and we appreciate the opportunity to serve you in return. 

CLICK HERE to view the 2016 Veterans on Course at Davis Park Facebook photo album.

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July Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Mitchell

Jim Mitchell, UGA Course Rating Volunteer

 

By Brett Rubash, UGA Boatwright Intern

 

Each month, the UGA spotlights one of our devoted volunteers to express our deep appreciation for all they do and to help you, our loyal members, become well acquainted with them. The month of July features Jim Mitchell, a 17-year UGA Course Rating Team member

Jim was born on February 19, 1941 in Provo, Utah. Growing up in Provo, Jim was a three-sport athlete at Brigham Young High School. He was a standout on the baseball, football, and wresting teams. While enjoying athletics, Jim was also the student body vice-president. 

Jim met his wife, Regina, through his best friend, who was also the student body president. Regina was his best friend’s younger sister. When Jim came back from his LDS mission, he began to work for Regina’s brother as a rancher. While working, Regina and Jim began a relationship that is still going strong to this day. 

After high school, Jim attended BYU for a short time before joining the U.S. Army Reserve. Following six months of training, Jim began working for Rocky Mountain Bell Telephone Company until his reserve unit was called to active duty. While Jim’s unit served overseas in Vietnam, he was not able to follow because his brother was also in his unit. Instead, the Army stationed Jim at Fort Leonard Wood for a year. 

When Jim’s service ended, he went back to working at Rocky Mountain Bell in its sales and services department for 30 years. When he retired in 1999, Jim was the director of sales and service for the state of Utah. After he retired, Jim was asked by Dennis Wood to volunteer to rate courses around Utah. 

During his time with the UGA, Jim has rated courses and also worked a handful of tournaments. Jim does not consider himself a golfer, but his two holes-in-one say otherwise. As a hobby, Jim also enjoys repairing and assembling golf clubs. 

The UGA is privileged to have volunteers like Jim who take time out of their busy lives to give back to the game of golf. These volunteers allow the UGA to fulfill its mission to promote interest in the game of golf by encouraging, organizing, supporting, sponsoring, and administering golfing activities and programs.

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UGA Board of Directors Accepting Nominations for Two Open Positions

The Utah Golf Association Nominations and Recognitions Committee is accepting nominations from UGA member courses and clubs for two open positions on the UGA Board of Directors.

In order for your nomination(s) to be accepted, please complete the Nomination Form below and return no later than Monday, August 1, 2016. Nominations may be mailed to the UGA office (4444 S. 700 E. Suite 105 Salt Lake City, UT 84107) or e-mailed to UGA Executive Director Bill Walker at [email protected].

NOMINATION FORM (PDF)

CLICK HERE to view the complete UGA Board of Directors web page.   

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Utah Golf’s Joyce Billings Passes Away from Ovarian Cancer

 

Joyce Billings, one of Utah’s most popular woman golfers, passed away several days ago following a three-year battle with ovarian cancer. She died peacefully in her home after numerous, end-of-life visits with her many golfing friends.

A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, June 27th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor (3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City). Complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 28th at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation one hour prior to the service also at Starks Funeral Parlor. Graveside service to follow at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 S. Highland Dr., Salt Lake City.

“She was an early leader in efforts to get attention and support for women’s golf and was a pleasant and forceful advocate for broader programs,” said Joe Watts, former UGA Executive Director. “In every endeavor she undertook, she made friends and planted seeds that are now blossoming in girls’ and women’s golf throughout the state,” he said.

She battled hard for three years with the cancer, but a few weeks ago, the doctors indicated there was nothing more they could do and that the end was inevitable. That special time was filled with visits from many friends and hugs of love.

“When I visited her at her home, there were numerous friends with her, and despite the tragic situation, she and her friends rejoiced in the many memories they had shared together over the course of 30 plus years in the Utah Women’s Golf Association,” Watts said.

“She was very much alive, enjoying the reminiscing, and settling in for what appeared to be a few months of memories. When she died two days later, ­ I was shocked. She seemed so alive and vibrant,” he said.

In addition to being a very competitive golfer, she also spent many hours teaching junior golf and encouraging older women to join the golfing activities. The last few years, she was a starter at Bountiful Ridge Golf Course where she increased her already large following of admirers.

She was also active in volunteering for UGA Course Rating assignments. Last year, Billings was presented with the UWGA Lady Award due to her selfless and inspiring dedication to Utah women’s golf. The UWGA Lady Award is based on women’s golf participation, giving back to women’s golf, passion, love, and respect for the game, teamwork that makes a difference, and being a friend, leader, and inspiration to her peers.

 

Despite the lack of women’s high school and collegiate golf teams in Utah during the ‘50s and ‘60s, Joyce played on the University of Utah women’s club golf team before transferring to Brigham Young University where she had the opportunity to play in sectional collegiate club tournaments in New Mexico and Colorado as well as an individual at the NCAA Women’s Championship at Duke University.

 

Joyce coached golf and taught physical education for nine years at Kearns High School, which allowed for work-free summers for her on the golf course.

“It was nice having free time so I could play in tournaments when I wanted to,” Joyce said. “That’s when I started joining several women’s golf associations, and the first one at Nibley was with my mother.”

 

Joyce participated in ladies’ associations throughout the years at Nibley Park, Mountain Dell, Bonneville, and spent the last 15 years with the Bountiful Ridge Ladies Association where she also worked part time as a starter and marshal.

 

In previous years, Joyce acted as the president, vice president, and team captain of the UWGA, worked on the UGA Course Rating Team and Handicap Committee, and represented Utah on the USGA Public Links Committee.

Joyce is survived by her kitty and companion Micki, by her sister Nancy (Barr) Edgington, and by her nieces and nephews Todd (Vicki) Edgington, Lori (Bryan) Young, RJ Edgington, Cheri Edgington, and Jodi (Rory) Sorensen, all of which she considered and treated as her own children. She also loved Nancy and Barr's 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Joyce is preceded in death by her parents Dick and Una Billings, grandparents, nephew Jordan Edgington, and all of her beloved cats. A special thank you to Carolina Piedras, Sandra Garcia, and Pat Dalpiaz for their special care and concern during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, Joyce expressed her desire for donations to be made towards the care of her nephew who was paralyzed in an accident in January 2016. Please send contributions to Todd Edgington at 3063 E. 3300 S. Salt Lake City, Utah 84109.

 

For an extended obituary and to watch her video tribute, CLICK HERE.

 

CLICK HERE to view her Deseret News obituary. 

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Jaramillo Shoots Personal Best 64 to Clinch State Am Qualifying Victory

 

By Megan Terry

 

Shooting the best score of your life in any tournament is a big achievement, especially when attempting to qualify for the 118th Utah State Amateur Championship, which is exactly what Austin Jaramillo did.

The up-and-coming Union High School senior carded his new personal best, seven-under-par 64, to clinch the victory in a highly talented field of players at Davis Park in Kaysville, Utah. His bogey-free round was more than enough to surpass some of Utah golf’s big-hitters and easily earned him a spot in his first Utah State Am.

“I was on all day,” stated Jaramillo. “Most of my approach shots ended up within 15 feet of the hole, and I was making everything. Even when I did miss the green, I was able to get up and down.”

Jaramillo shot four-under 32 on the front nine with an eagle on the par-5 No. 3 and birdies on Nos. 4 and 8. He kept his cool demeanor after making the turn and birdied three of the back nine’s four par 4’s to shoot three-under-par 32.

“I am really looking forward to playing in my first state am,” said Austin. “I’ve played Alpine three times, so I know it’ll be a lot of fun.”

The Last Chance Qualifier at Glendale Golf Course in Salt Lake City opens for registration at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28th and closes at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29th. Register ONLINE ONLY at uga.org.

CLICK HERE to view complete results. 

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Medalist Jacob Byers Tops Field at Gladstan State Am Qualifying

 

By Megan Terry

 

Jacob Byers earned medalist honors at Gladstan Golf Course in Payson, Utah, after carding a one-under-par 71. The Boise State athlete shot one-over 37 on the front with three bogeys and birdies on Nos. 4 and 7. On Gladstan’s challenging back nine, Byers birdied the par-5 No. 18 and made back-to-back birdies on 12 and 13 to help him shoot two-under-par 34 and clinch the medalist title.

“Today was an up-and-down round,” explained Byers. “I finished by first nine on the back with a birdie on 17 and an eagle on 18, which really helped me play the front nine with confidence and momentum. This will be my third Utah State Am. Alpine Country Club is one of my favorite courses, so I am very excited to go out there and hopfully make a run.”

The next 118th Utah State Amateur Qualifying takes place on Monday, June 27th at Davis Park Golf Course in Kaysville, Utah. Registration for the Last Chance Qualifier at Glendale Golf Course on Thursday, June 30th opens on Tuesday, June 28th at 8 a.m. and closes on Wednesday, June 29th at 4 p.m. Register ONLINE ONLY at uga.org.

CLICK HERE to view full results from the Gladstan Utah State Amateur Qualifying. 

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Daniel Summerhays Shoots 65 in Second Round of U.S. Open at Oakmont

Utah native Daniel Summerhays is “the guy with the lowest round so far in the 116th U.S. Open Championship.” Summerhays shot five-under-par 70 during the second round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. He currently sits tied for sixth at one under par with Andy Sullivan and Jim Furyk after his Round 1 score of four-over 74.

Follow Daniel Summerhays at Oakmont HERE. 

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Nielsen, Tanner Top Bonneville State Am Qualifying Leaderboards

By Megan Terry

 

Bonneville PM

Reed Nielsen earned the victory at the Bonneville PM Qualifying on Thursday, June 16 at Bonneville Golf Course by shooting 69. Nielsen started and finished the front nine hot by making birdies on Nos. 1 and 10. His consistent play earned him an even-par 36. On the back, Nielsen made zero bogeys, a birdie on the par 5 No. 12, and an eagle on the par 5 No. 16 to finish at three-under-par 33. Three-under-par was enough to do the trick, and Nielsen walked away with medalist honors and a ticket to the Utah State Amateur Championship at Alpine Country Club July 11-16.

Michael Alleman finished gave his best effort to qualify with an ace on his last hole of the day. Alleman holed out from 182 yards on the par 3 No. 9 to bring his potential 84 down to an 82.

 

Bonneville AM

Colton Tanner blew the Bonneville AM Qualifying field completely out of the water by carding a five-under-par 67 in windy conditions. Tanner teed off No. 10 and played solid golf on the back nine with an eagle on the par 5 to shoot one-over-par 37. To say Tanner picked up his game on the front nine would be an understatement. He eagled both par 5’s on the front nine and birdied Nos. 3 and 7 to shoot 30. Of Bonneville’s four par 5’s, Tanner eagled three and birdied one.

The next Utah State Amateur Qualifying will take place at Carbon Golf Course on June 20th. Tee times will begin at 9 a.m. CLICK HERE to view pairings.

CLICK HERE to view Bonneville PM Qualifying results.

CLICK HERE to view Bonneville AM Qualifying results. 

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Jensen Secures State Am Qualifying Spot at TalonsCove

 

By Megan Terry

 

Despite brutal wind at the TalonsCove Utah State Amateur Qualifying, Carl Jensen was able to hold it together and capture medalist honors. Jensen shot even-par 72 to top the leaderboard and easily advance to the 118th Utah State Amateur Championship at Alpine Country Club July 11th-16th.

“The wind made today tough, especially with how quick the greens were,” said Jensen. “I was thrilled to be playing consistently in a competitive environment. I broke my wrist in February and now have a nice scar and metal plate. It took me some time to adjust my swing.”

Jensen shot one-under-par 35 on the front nine at TalonsCove with two bogeys and three birdies on Nos. 1, 5, and 7, and he finished the back nine with one double, one bogey, and birdies on Nos. 13 and 17 to shoot one-over 37.

“I am really excited to be back at Alpine where my dad has been a member for as long as I can remember and look forward to watching some great golf.”

Twenty-four spots made the cut, and a 12-man playoff for the two alternate spots took place on No. 16. Casey Sato secured the first spot after driving the 313-yard par 4 and sinking the putt for eagle, while Brandon Relf made birdie to become the second alternate.

CLICK HERE to view complete results.