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Changes Coming to 2025 Championship Season
by Colin Clawson
In 2025, players should expect a few changes to the format of some UGA Championships. These changes are being made after careful consideration, factoring in the current needs of the championship, and UGA member input. Here is what to expect in 2025:
2025 Official USGA Exemption Events:
As part of the USGA’s initiative to recognize local champions with opportunities to play in national championships, the UGA has been awarded the following exemptions for championships in 2025:
127th Utah State Amateur Championship
- Champion – Full Exemption for 2025 U.S. Amateur, Local Exemption for 2026 U.S. Amateur
- Quarterfinalists – Local Exemption for 2026 U.S. Amateur
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119th Utah Women’s State Amateur Championship
- Champion – Full Exemption for 2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur
2nd UGA Utah Girls’ Junior State Amateur Championship
- Champion – Full Exemption for 2025 U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur
32nd Utah Senior State Amateur Championship
- Champion – Local Exemption for 2026 U.S. Senior Open
Mary Lou Baker Open Format Change:
In an effort to increase participation and elevate the prestige of the event, the Women’s Stroke Play Championship and the Mary Lou Baker Open will be combined into one 54-Hole Championship and will retain the name of Mary Lou Baker Open. This will allow the event to become ranked in WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking) and establish traditional dates.
36-Hole Final Matches at Women’s Am, Junior Am, Girls’ Junior Am:
The Utah Women’s State Amateur, UGA Utah Junior State Amateur, and the UGA Utah Girls’ Junior State Amateur will all feature 36-Hole Final Matches going forward, beginning in 2025. Since each event is either a current or prospective Official USGA Exemption Event, this format change will allow each championship to better match their respective national championships.
Handicap Restriction at Senior Am, Four-Ball:
In an effort to ensure a positive qualifying experience for all, there will be a handicap restriction for the Senior & Super-Senior Divisions (14.9) at Utah Senior State Amateur Qualifying and for the At-Large Division (9.9) for Utah Four-Ball Qualifying.
Dress Code Policy Change:
The UGA Championship Dress Code Policy has been updated to state: “Players and their caddies must abide by the dress code of the hosting facility. Each player is responsible for knowing the dress code and is subject to review by the tournament committee. Additionally, appropriate golf attire is required, which includes but is not limited to: collared shirts or a shirt designed for golf as well as shorts of appropriate length & material.”