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Labrum Leads Trio of Winners at UGA Senior Winterchamps

With ideal tournament weather greeting players at Copper Rock Golf Course for the final round of the UGA Senior Winterchamps presented by Pizza Hut, Justin Labrum (Senior), Ron Davis (Super-Senior), and Steve Smith (Legends) claimed the first champions’ medals of the 2026 Utah Golf Association championship season.

For Labrum, the victory marked a memorable breakthrough in his first senior division appearance in the event and an early highlight in what is still a relatively new chapter of his competitive golf career after turning 50 last year.

“I love playing and I love competing,” Labrum said. “I’ve played UGA tournaments on and off for about 25 years and never really won much. I’m probably too competitive, honestly, so it feels really good to finally get one.”

Labrum’s win came on the heels of winning the Coral Canyon Senior Amateur a few weeks earlier.

2026 Senior Winterchamps winner, Justin Labrum

Labrum said his recent form has been fueled by consistent practice and a renewed enthusiasm for the game, often spending evenings working on his swing at Impact Golf alongside instructor Derek Fox and practicing with his son.

“We get in there at night and hit balls quite a bit,” he said. “My son’s been working on his game too, so we go together and practice. That’s really helped keep the fire going.”

His winning performance at Copper Rock was built on steady play off the tee and a reliable putter on greens that proved challenging throughout the final round.

“I think the strongest parts of my game lately have been my driving and my putter,” Labrum said. “I hit the ball pretty well off the tee, and the putter saved me a few times today. These greens were firm and tricky, so making some putts really helped.”

Labrum, who lives in Draper and often plays public courses throughout the Salt Lake Valley, said the competition in Utah’s senior ranks has quickly earned his respect.

“You think there are a lot of good players before you turn 50, but there are still a ton of good players after 50,” he said. “A lot of guys out here hit the ball really good. You’ve got to play well just to have a chance.”

While he plans to continue competing in both senior amateur events this season, Labrum said the biggest reward has been sharing the experience with family. His son served as his caddie during the final round at Copper Rock.

“It’s really fun to have him out there,” Labrum said. “He read a few putts and just keeps it fun. That’s what makes it special.”

With the Senior Winterchamps now complete, the Utah Golf Association’s 2026 championship season is officially underway, with players across all divisions turning their attention to the full slate of state amateur championships scheduled throughout the spring and summer.

Click here for UGA Senior Winterchamps leaderboard for all divisions.

Story and photo by Fairways Media/Randy Dodson