Co-Champions Shine at Utah Women’s Spring Open

The spirit of competitive camaraderie was on full display in the red rock landscape of St. George as two teams — Robin Krapfl and Marci DuBois, and Molly Steffes and Corey Weworski — were crowned Co-Champions of the Women’s Spring Open, held April 14-15 at Sunbrook and Coral Canyon.

Bringing their friendships and fire to the second women’s championship of the season, Krapfl/DuBois and Steffes/Weworski each carded 156 points to take the UGA medals out-of-state.

Krapfl, the reigning Utah Senior State Amateur champion, teamed up with longtime friend Marci DuBois for the first time — and the chemistry clicked.

“We’ve talked about playing together for years,” said Krapfl, who is preparing to compete in the LPGA Legends Championship at Copper in May with a UGA champion’s exemption at Copper Rock Golf Club. “My usual partner was in another event, so I asked Marci. It worked out great. We had a lot of fun and really complemented each other out there.”

The duo carded 72 points at Sunbrook and surged with 84 points at Coral Canyon, thanks to steady play and some timely fireworks.

“We started the final round with a double bogey, but I made an eagle and a birdie later to bounce back,” Krapfl said. “Stableford is all about keeping the points coming. We both play similar games, and our strategy was to avoid big numbers, make points on every hole and keep the momentum going.”

Co-Champions (L-R) Corey Weworski, Molly Steffes and Robin Krapfl, Marci DuBois.

DuBois anchored the team with consistent play. “She had 72 today, with a bogeyed a birdie and just stayed steady,” Krapfl added. “I was a little more up and down with some birdies and an eagle, but also had a couple of doubles. I had to really grind — but I’m proud of how we stuck with it.”

The event also served as a tune-up for Krapfl’s Legends Tour debut.

“Being here, getting familiar with the courses and conditions, it was a great excuse to come up, compete, and enjoy it with a friend,” she said.

Also finishing with 156 points were Molly Steffes and Corey Weworski, a former USGA Mid-Amateur Champion. The two had never partnered before but were part of a close-knit group of national-level amateur competitors and friends of TalonsCove General Manager and fellow competitor Kareen Larson; who often travel and play in the same events.

“Neither of us had played these courses before, so it was really about hitting our targets and maximizing points,” said Steffes. “The Stableford format was different from the usual best ball — we both had to stay consistent, not just rely on one good hole from one player.”

The pair posted 77 points in the first round at Sunbrook and added 79 in the final round at Coral Canyon, using steady play over the 36-holes of tournament competition.

“We’ve both seen each other at national championships and have so much respect for each other’s games,” Steffes said. “I actually recruited Corey to be my partner for this after my usual partner paired up someone else. It worked out perfectly.”

Utah Women’s Spring Open continues to grow in popularity, offering a competitive but welcoming atmosphere for female players of all levels. With many of the top teams made up of close friends who also happen to be fierce competitors, the event has become a spring staple on the amateur golf calendar.

Net Division Champs (L-R): Molli and Palmer Mulhall.

Rounding out the top five teams: Kareen Larson and Jessica Smith claimed third place with 155 points, sisters Molli and Palmer Mulhall secured fourth with 142 points, and Nuny Khamken/Steph Belnap finished fifth with 122 points. Click here for final leaderboards from all flights.

2025 Women’s Spring Open feature and photos by Fairways Media/Randy Dodson.

Utah’s Brown, Wilde and Miller Set to Compete in Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National

For three young Utah golfers, this Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club will be unlike any other. Nicklaus Miller, Logan Wilde, and Blake Brown have earned their spots in the 11th annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, an annual competition that brings the country’s top junior golfers to the famed course on the eve of the 89th Masters Tournament.

Blake Brown, a 15-year old from Highland, UT, won his regional division by a single point. He was a two-time Utah Junior Golf Association Golfer of the Year in the 13-14 age division. The day before the regional, he shot 66 from the back tees at Chambers Bay.

Miller, Wilde, and Brown secured their invitations by excelling through 2024 local, sub-regional, and regional qualifiers, proving their skill under pressure. Now, they’ll take their game to Augusta National in a test of power, precision, and touch, competing in their respective age divisions against the nation’s best.

“We’re thrilled to see our Blake, Logan and Nicklaus compete at Augusta,” Utah PGA Executive Director Devin Dehlin said. “Utah has a strong history of representation and success at the Drive, Chip & Putt Finals, and I’m confident these juniors will continue that tradition.”

Nicklaus Miller started playing golf so that he could spend time with his dad, Todd Miller. Todd, the director of golf at Brigham Young University, is the son of World Golf Hall of Famer Johnny Miller. Nicklaus says he often gets golf tips from his grandfather, Johnny Miller. “I’ll call him up and tell him how my game is going, and he’ll give me some suggestions over the phone.”

Blake (Boys 14-15), Logan (Boys 10-11) and Nicklaus (Boys 12-13) qualified out of the Chambers Bay Regional held September 21, 2024. The top finishers from each region site’s age/gender divisions, a total of 80 finalists, earned a place in the National Finals. Utah’s local and sub-regional qualifiers are conducted by the Utah PGA with PGA Professionals providing support at each facility hosting a qualifier.

For these rising stars, the experience extends beyond the competition itself. The chance to walk the grounds of Augusta National, interact with PGA TOUR professionals, and soak in the atmosphere of golf’s most iconic tournament is a dream come true.

“It feels good not to be nervous anymore,” Logan Wilde said after the awards ceremony. “I was nervous this morning, but it got better. My dad is going be my caddie at Augusta, because he’s the best one.”

The Drive, Chip and Putt Finals will be broadcast live on Golf Channel, showcasing the next generation of golfers as they compete on one of the sport’s grandest stages. Regardless of the final leaderboard, Miller, Wilde, and Brown will return home with memories to last a lifetime.

Story by Fairways Media/Randy Dodson. Photos courtesy of Brown, Miller and Wilde families. 

New and Old Faces Crowned Champions at 2025 Winterchamps presented by Pizza Hut

Mia Cesarek Captures Women’s Winterchamps Title, Earns Epson Tour Exemption

Utah Tech University sophomore Mia Cesarek delivered a steady performance to claim her first Utah Golf Association championship title at the Women’s Winterchamps presented by Pizza Hut. With the victory, Cesarek secured a coveted sponsor exemption into the Epson Tour’s Copper Rock Championship in May—a career milestone that left her both thrilled and grateful.

“Oh, yeah, I mean, that’s amazing,” Cesarek said of the exemption. “Having both me and (Utah Tech teammate) Samantha [Phelan] make our debut in that event is awesome. I know our team is super excited for that opportunity. Also, knowing she’s going to be out there cheering me on and I’m out there cheering her on—that’s amazing.”

Utah Tech Sophomore Mia Cesarek is presented with an Epson Tour Copper Rock Championship exemption by the Copper Rock management and UGA’s Colin Clawson.

Cesarek led from start to finish in the two-day, modified Stableford format event. She opened with 42 points at Green Spring Golf Course, fueled by a stretch of five birdies in seven holes on the front nine. With top players chasing her, she carried a slim one-point lead into the final round at Copper Rock Golf Course.

“I was able to read and adapt to the weather,” Cesarek said of her opening round. “It was quite windy, so being able to adjust was important. Also, knowing when I could be aggressive and fire at pins helped me get good looks at birdie.”

On Sunday, Cesarek’s consistency paid off. She recorded 17 pars and one bogey, adding 35 points at Copper Rock for a tournament total of 77 points—just enough to edge out Phelan, the runner-up, by a single point.

“I try to stay off the scoreboard as much as I can,” Cesarek said of her final-round mindset. “I find myself psyching myself out if I look at it too much, so I just stick to my game plan—stick to my routine, every shot, every putt—despite where I might be in the tournament. That helps me in the long run.”

Phelan, who had already secured a Copper Rock sponsor exemption Epson Tour exemption earlier this month, finished second with 76 points. BYU’s Berlin Long, defending champion, carded  75-points, former Winterchamps champion Kelsey Chugg (74), and BYU commit Aadyn Long (69) rounded out the top five, with UVU freshman Lily Shin also finishing at 69 points.

Mia Cesarek made 17 pars and one bogey in the final round at Copper Rock Golf Course on Sunday.

Paired with Phelan, Chugg, and Long in the final round, Cesarek remained unaware of Long’s late charge. “I had no idea what Berlin was up to back there,” she admitted. “I heard she had been making some good putts, but I had no idea.”

Cesarek’s victory not only marks her first UGA title but also propels her onto the professional stage. With the Copper Rock Championship exemption, she’ll tee it up against rising stars aiming for LPGA status.

While her ultimate goal is to see how far golf can take her, Cesarek also has aspirations beyond the course. “I have hopes to go to law school after I graduate, but I do want to see how far golf can take me before I follow that dream,” she said.

For now, her focus is on the Trailblazers spring season and preparing for Copper Rock, where she’ll have the support of her Utah Tech teammates and the confidence gained from a Winterchamps win.

“Our short game facility at Black Desert Resort has been remarkable for us,” Cesarek said. “It’s helped every single one of us improve, and we’re definitely benefiting from it. We’re very lucky to be out there—they treat us great.”

Utah Tech’s Samantha Phelan claimed the runner-up spot, finishing just one point behind her teammate, Mia Cesarek.

As she sets her sights on Copper Rock, Cesarek knows her steady, consistent play will be key. “Copper Rock golf course gives me more opportunities to be aggressive. I can go driver a little bit harder and push myself down the fairways farther. It allows me to play more aggressive out there than at Green Spring, which is more of an accuracy course for me,” she explained.

With her breakout performance at Winterchamps, Cesarek has shown she’s ready to take her game to another level.

Harvey Rallies to Capture UGA Winterchamps Title in Dramatic Finish

In his Utah Golf Association championship debut, Las Vegas junior golfer Drake Harvey delivered a thrilling final-hole comeback to claim his first UGA championship title at the 2025 Winterchamps presented by Pizza Hut. The BYU commit, who started the day two points behind opening-round leader Noah Schone, surged to victory with a clutch birdie on the par-5 18th at Green Spring Golf Course, edging Schone by a single point.

Harvey’s steady two-day performance—47 points at Copper Rock Golf Course and 47 points at Green Spring—gave him a 94-point total in the modified Stableford format, enough to hold off Schone (93) and claim the title.

“I had no idea where Noah stood,” Harvey said of the final hole. “I thought I needed to finish with a birdie or eagle just to have a chance. Once I saw his reaction after he missed his birdie putt, I knew I needed to make mine. I didn’t know if it was to tie or win, but I knew I had to make it.”

Las Vegas junior golfer and BYU commit Drake Harvey claimed his first UGA championship title in his first attempt.

Harvey’s path to victory was anything but easy. Playing alongside Schone and University of Utah commit Lance Loughton in the final pairing, the trio exchanged the lead multiple times. Schone’s steady play kept him at the top, while Loughton remained in the hunt until the closing holes.

On the par-3 15th, Harvey’s aggressive approach 9-iron from 160 yards landed just a few feet right of the flag but “ripped” off the green into the water. He salvaged a bogey with a chip to tap-in range.

“I couldn’t be mad at that one,” Harvey said. “I flagged it and just got a bad break. But I went up there, chipped it to two inches, and tapped in. Then I made birdie on the next hole, which helped me bounce back.”

Harvey’s ability to recover from bogeys and remain composed proved decisive. Despite not checking the leaderboard throughout the round, he trusted his game plan.

“I try not to scoreboard watch. I didn’t even know where I stood,” he admitted. “I just stuck to my game plan and kept grinding. I played better today, even though I made a couple of bogeys from missed clubs. The front nine, I was hot—I could’ve shot 29 but ended up with a 31. I was cooking out there.”

Arriving at the 18th tee, Harvey still wasn’t sure where he stood, but he knew at least a birdie was essential. His chip shot for eagle on the par 5 settled three feet below the hole, setting up a left-center, firm putt. He drained it for the win.

Winterchamps runner-up Noah Schone (right) congratulates Drake Harvey on the 18th green at Green Spring GC.

Harvey’s birdie sealed the victory, with Schone finishing runner-up at 93 points. Peyton Hastings delivered the round of the tournament, carding a 6-under 66 at Green Spring, including a back-nine 29, to earn 51 points and finish third with 89 total points. Steele Dewald (88), Loughton (87), and Braydon Griffith (87) rounded out the top five.

The Winterchamps victory showcased Harvey’s talent and competitive fire, making him a player to watch as he prepares for the next stage of his golf career. Committed to BYU, Harvey is eager to join a program with a rich PGA TOUR legacy—and a strong family connection.

“There were a lot of factors that went into my decision, but BYU had something no other school had—my family,” Harvey said. “I wasn’t just saying yes to Coach (Bruce) Brockbank and Coach (Todd) Miller. I was saying yes to my three cousins, my brother, and my dad. There was no way I could say no to that.”

With Winterchamps in the books, Harvey’s schedule remains packed. He’ll head to Texas for the KJ Choi Foundation Junior Championship next week, with a full slate of national events lined up through the summer.

“It’s a pretty busy schedule,” he said. “I might have a week or two off this summer, but it’s mostly nonstop until the end of the school year.”

And while his eyes are set on future goals—including a potential run at the Utah State Amateur—his Winterchamps victory is a meaningful milestone.

“It feels good,” Harvey said. “There are some really good players in this field, and it’s nice to know I can compete with and beat these college players. This win gives me a lot of confidence moving forward.”

Overson Claims UGA Senior Winterchamps Title in Dominating Fashion

Battling through rain, wind, and cold in Thursday’s opening round of the Utah Golf Association’s Senior Winterchamps, Darrin Overson set the tone with a remarkable 41 Modified Stableford points at Green Spring Golf Course. The former Utah State Amateur champion’s commanding performance gave him a seven-point cushion heading into Friday’s final round at Copper Rock Golf Course—an advantage he would not relinquish.

The Senior Winterchamps title is Darrin Overson’s first UGA Senior crown in his rookie senior season.

“The weather was crazy,” Overson said of the opening round. “I just tried to hit solid shots, make a lot of pars, and aim for the center of greens.” His steady approach paid off, carding a 1-under-par 71 with four birdies against three bogeys. With the lead in hand, Overson played strategically at Copper Rock, knowing he only needed a steady round to secure the win. Despite a handful of bogeys, he maintained his lead, finishing with 33 points for a two-day total of 74 points to claim his first UGA senior championship title.

The victory caps an impressive early senior career for Overson, who turned 50 in October. Having already collected multiple top finishes in UGA Player Performance Ranking events, Overson’s win at Winterchamps solidified his place among the state’s elite senior golfers. “It’s fun to play in important UGA events,” Overson told Utah Golf Radio’s Paul Pugmire. “This is the first big UGA senior tournament I’ve played in, and it’s really cool to get the win.”

Mark Gardiner claimed his second UGA Super-Senior title following last year’s Stroke Play win.

In the Super-Senior Division, Mark Gardiner staged a final-round charge, starting two points behind the leaders but climbed the leader board with a 2-under 70. His round featured four birdies, 12 pars, and just two bogeys, earning him 42 Stableford points at Copper Rock and a seven-point win over Randy Hicken with a 75-point total. It marked Gardiner’s second UGA championship victory, adding to his 2024 Super-Senior title at the Utah Senior Stroke Play Championship.

As Legends Division Co-Champion with Michael Hacker, Kurt Berhisel (photo) has now won his seventh overall Senior Winterchamps trophy.

The Senior Winterchamps Legends Division saw a dramatic finish, with former UGA board member and president Kurt Bernhisel and Michael Hacker sharing co-champion honors. Bernhisel held a two-point lead entering the final round, but Hacker’s steady final round play at Copper Rock—posting 35 points for a 60-point total—pulled him even. The pair’s matching scores earned them a shared title, marking Bernhisel’s seventh career Winterchamps win across various senior age divisions.

The 2025 UGA Senior Winterchamps presented by Pizza Hut once again showcased the resilience and skill of Utah’s top senior golfers, with champions once again overcoming Winterchamps challenging weather conditions to claim their titles.

Click here for results in all UGA Winterchamps divisions.

Click here for results in all UGA Senior Winterchamps divisions.

2025 UGA Winterchamps feature written by Fairways Media/Randy Dodson. Photography provided by Fairways Media/Randy Dodson and Garrit Johnson.

2024 Award Winners Celebrated at Annual Banquet

The Utah Golf Association celebrated its annual Awards Banquet on Feb. 6 at Hidden Valley Country Club, honoring outstanding contributors to Utah golf. The event recognized exceptional players, champions and dedicated individuals who have significantly impacted amateur golf in Utah throughout the year.

Leading the honorees, Zach Felts and Kelsey Chugg were named the 2024 Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year. Felts, a Utah Tech University men’s golf junior, made history as the first active Trailblazer golfer to receive this accolade. Reflecting on his achievement, Felts stated, “I’m very proud to win this. I’ve looked at the list of winners, and those are some big Utah golf names.” His consistent performances across the state, particularly in St. George-area events, solidified his top position.

Also honored as Players of the Year were Kareen Larson (Senior Women), Brigham Gibbs (Senior Men), and Randy Hicken (Super-Senior Men).

Utah PGA ProfessionalDarci Olsen received the 2024 UGA Woman Award for her unwavering dedication to promoting women’s golf. Olsen’s efforts at Glenmoor Golf Club, including hosting the UGA’s Mary Lou Baker Open and various junior tournaments, have significantly elevated the profile of women’s golf in Utah. The UGA highlighted her as “a leader, friend, and inspiration to her peers.”

Also receiving 2024 Service Awards were Alan Simkins (Gold Club), Steve Meyer (Volunteer of the Year) and the Harmston Family was recognized with the Excellence in Golf Promotion honor for their work in establishing Roosevelt Golf Course.

Men, Women, Senior and Junior State Amateur champions were also celebrated for their achievements in a video created by Fairways Media. Click Here to watch the video.

The evening was a testament to the vibrant golf community in Utah, celebrating both emerging talents and seasoned contributors who have enriched the sport. Click here to watch the 2024 UGA Year in Review video.

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

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.”

Making History

Utah junior golf superstar Kihei Akina’s national recognition heightens the expectations of him as a college golfer. 

This week, the Lone Peak High School senior became one of 11 boys (along with 11 girls) named to the U.S. National Junior Team. He’s the first Utahn to join what the United States Golf Association labels a “clear pathway to elite competition.”

Launched by the USGA in 2023, the U.S. National Development Program represents America’s effort to model other golf-driven countries and follow the feeder systems of other Olympic sports in this country.

Akina described the selection as “pretty cool to represent the country,” adding he’s “looking forward to learning and getting better with these kids.”

Click here to read more from Fairways Media senior writer Kurt Kragthorpe in today’s Fairways Photo Journal.

Kihei Akina Selected for 2025 U.S. National Junior Team

The United States Golf Association today announced the 2025 U.S. National Junior Team roster, the first-ever U.S. Elite Amateur Program roster and this year’s annual U.S. National Development Program grant funding, demonstrating considerable progress toward creating a unified pathway to nurture the potential of America’s top players.

Lone Peak High superstar and BYU Men’s Golf commit Kihei Akina has been selected for the U.S. National Junior Team.

Building on last year’s inaugural team of 18 athletes, the 2025 U.S. National Junior Team features 11 boys and 11 girls representing the country’s elite junior golf talent. The team is composed of 14 returners from 2024 and eight newcomers, including Akina.

Consisting of three men and six women, including 2024 U.S. National Junior Team member Gianna Clemente, the inaugural U.S. Elite Amateur Program roster is another significant milestone for the USNDP. This program will complement the athletes’ college programs, providing tailored support that bridges gaps and enhances their competitive edge. It is the second of three teams to be launched as part of the USNDP with the third and final team, the Young Professional Team, set for 2026.

“We’ve seen exceptional growth over the past year in the young athletes on the U.S. National Junior Team, and with the launch of the U.S. Elite Amateur Program, it represents another significant step in our mission to nurture top talent, provide individualized support and prepare them for success on the world stage,” said Chris Zambri, head coach of the USNDP. “We are excited to build on this momentum in 2025 and continue growing and shaping the future of American golf.”

As part of its commitment to mitigate barriers of cost to promising junior golfers who demonstrate both financial need and the potential to progress through the USNDP pathway, the USGA announced its 2025 USNDP Grant recipients. In total, 100 athletes representing 31 states and ranging in age from 13-18 will receive more than $795k to help cover actual and incurred golf and athlete development-related expenses, such as practice and green fees, competitive tournament fees, tournament travel, coach fees and equipment costs. In addition, grant recipients receive athlete development support, inclusive of virtual coaching sessions and 1-on-1 consultations and statistical analysis with USNDP coaches.

This demonstrates significant growth from 2024, when 72 families received $650,000 in funding in the program’s inaugural year. Grant program funding is provided by the USGA, founding partners such as Ally Financial and generous donations. Over the next few years, the program aims to support 300 participants annually.

The U.S. National Junior Team and Elite Amateur Program rosters are compiled and reevaluated annually by a selection committee of USNDP staff members, and eligibility criteria include nationality, age, amateur status, conduct, education and graduation year and participation on other national teams.

n February, members of the U.S. National Junior Team will convene at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Ariz., for the first of two camps in 2025. And starting earlier this month with Will Hartman, Ryleigh Knaub, Scarlett Schremmer and Michael Riebe competing in the South American Amateur at Sport Frances Club de Golf in Chile, members of both rosters will compete internationally under the U.S. flag in several events this year. Members of each team will receive year-round support, including world-class coaching ana analysis, sports psychology, nutritional guidance and necessary to develop the physical, mental and life skills to reach their potential. In addition, the National Junior Team will compete against Golf Canada in an international friendly match April 11-13 at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas. Last year, the National Junior Team defeated Australia in a similar match at SentryWorld, in Stevens Point, Wis.

 Announced in 2023, the USNDP is designed to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations and athlete financial support. In October of 2024, the USGA expanded its State Junior Team Program to support the pipeline for elite junior golfers ages 13-18 into the USNDP with nine new teams to be established this year, advancing the USGA’s goal of all 50 states having a team by 2033.

 For more information, visit usga.org/usndp.

PRIMO ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SIX-TIME MAJOR CHAMPION PHIL MICKELSON AND HYFLYERS GC

Primo, one of the fastest growing golf apparel lines and a Utah Golf Association sponsor, announced today a partnership with HyFlyers GC, the LIV Golf team captained by Phil Mickelson. The company is designated as the “official golf apparel sponsor” of HyFlyers GC, which will see Mickelson and his teammates wearing Primo’s products in all competitive rounds at LIV events and major championships. This is the latest marker of Primo’s growth after launching its flagship product, the golf jogger, in 2020. Mickelson and his team created a video to launch the partnership, capturing the HyFlyers’ colorful personalities.

“I was challenged to wear the Primo joggers at the Open Championship after losing a match against Primo ambassador Grant Horvat,” said Mickelson. “It turned out to be a game-changer. As I said, I wasn’t sure I could pull off wearing the cool, fashionable joggers but I have fallen in love with them and the rest of Primo’s outstanding product line. I’m excited the HyFlyers will be rocking them during our season.”

As captain of HyFlyers GC, Mickelson is joined by teammates Brendan Steele, Cameron Tringale, and Andy Ogletree. The entire team will be wearing all of Primo’s product line, which includes their joggers, traditional pants, quarter zips, vests, and traditional polos beginning February 6-8 during the season opener at LIV Golf Riyadh.

Primo leans into their trademark phrase “Golfers are Athletes”, creating an athletic fit for golfers while also appealing to customers of all sizes. Their most well-known product, the joggers, comes in 40 different size options which allows golfers from 5’5″ to 6’5″ to find the right fit. In addition to the joggers, Primo offers premium shorts, pants, polos, quarter zips, hoodies, and more.

Mickelson is a World Golf Hall of Famer, with 57 career wins including six majors – with three Masters Tournament wins. At age 50, he became the oldest major winner when he claimed his second PGA Championship title in 2021 at Kiawah Island. The HyFlyers GC captain spent more than 25 years ranked in the world’s top 50.

“Partnering with HyFlyers GC is a huge milestone for us,” said Primo Founder & CEO Matty Gay. “Phil, like Primo, is incredibly passionate about the game of golf, has tremendous achievements in the game, and fits perfectly with our brand. Years of hard work have led us to this point, and we are excited to watch the team compete wearing Primo gear this season.”

“We are excited to launch our partnership with Primo Golf Apparel,” said Peter Davis, General Manager of HyFlyers GC. “Primo is constantly innovating and creating high quality products that golfers love. We look forward to helping them accelerate their growth and continuing to build their brand throughout the season.”

Teeing Off 2025 at the Coral Canyon Amateur

As Coral Canyon Golf Course in Washington, Utah, begins its 25-year anniversary celebrations, the 2025 Coral Canyon Amateur provided a fitting start to the new Utah amateur golf tournament season. Held January 3-4 under sunny skies but with cold wind gusts the 36-hole event launched new opportunities for players to earn Utah Golf Association Player Performance Rankings (PPR) points. It also crowned the season’s first champion: BYU sophomore Peter Kim.

Kim opened the tournament with a (-7) 65, nearly birdieing half the holes on Coral Canyon’s fast greens and challenging layout. Kim said, “I was most happy about just getting back out and playing in a tournament, keeping my card clean and just have some fun playing well.”

Kim’s impressive form continued in the final round. Battling challenging hole locations, he carded a (-3) 69 to finish at (-10) 134 for the tournament. His four-shot victory over Corner Canyon High’s Ben Wilson set a high standard for the 2025 season. “The key to playing well this weekend was mainly my driving,” Kim explained. “I hit it well off the tee and put myself in a lot of places to score.”

Kim’s win marks a promising start to the year. “It feels great to start the year off with a win, and hopefully it’s the start of many more this year!”

Click here to read more from Fairways Photo Journal.

2025 Women’s Winterchamps winner to earn Epson Tour Copper Rock Championship Exemption

Southern Utah is once again poised to shine as a premier destination for women’s golf, with Copper Rock Golf Course set to host the Epson Tour’s Copper Rock Championship and the LPGA Legends Championship in back-to-back weeks in May of 2025. The doubleheader highlight the course’s growing reputation as a hub for professional women’s championship golf and its commitment to celebrating the sport’s past, present, and future stars.

The 2025 Epson Tour Copper Rock Championship will be held May 15-17. As the official qualifying tour for the LPGA, the Epson Tour showcases the rising stars of women’s golf. The top 15 players in the season’s final rankings earn LPGA Tour membership for the following year.

In cooperation with Copper Rock the Utah Golf Association will award the 2025 Women’s Winterchamps winner an exemption into the 2025 Copper Rock Championship. The 36-hole UGA Winterchamps will be contested March 15-16 at Copper Rock and Green Spring golf courses.

Colin Clawson, the UGA’s director of championships & operations said, “We were thrilled to learn that the Epson Tour Copper Rock Championship decided to grant this prestigious exemption to our 2025 Women’s Winterchamps winner. Winterchamps has evolved into an elite-level championship with a field that routinely features the best players in the state. We see this exemption as a fantastic opportunity to further elevate one of the UGA’s major championships while increasing exposure for Utah’s top-level talent. We’re grateful to Copper Rock for their partnership and commitment to enhancing women’s championship golf in Utah.”

The Women’s Winterchamps past champions list includes Berlin Long, Ali Mulhall and four-time winner Kelsey Chugg.

BYU’s Berlin Long won the 2024 Women’s Winterchamps title at Sky Mountain & Bloomington Country Club. (Photo: Fairways Media)

Copper Rock Championship organizers have committed to increasing the event’s purse by $10,000 annually through 2028, with a mission to empower the next generation of female golfers.

The LPGA Legends Tour announced that its premier event, the Legends Championship, formerly known as the LPGA Senior Championship, will return to Copper Rock Golf Course May 19-24, 2025. This marks the first time the Legends Tour will compete at the same venue in consecutive years since 2018-2019. Angela Stanford, who defended her title at Copper Rock in 2024 with a three-shot victory over Cristie Kerr, will aim for an unprecedented third consecutive win.

“The Legends Tour board voted unanimously to come back to Copper Rock,” said event coordinator Penny James-Garcia. “The hospitality from the course, community, and especially the volunteers made this an easy decision.”

Scheduled to conclude on Saturday, May 24, the championship will feature a $400,000 purse, with $60,000 awarded to the winner. Notable past champions include Trish Johnson, Karrie Webb, Laura Davies, and Helen Alfredsson.

Darcy Horman, Copper Rock’s Director of Operations said, “Hosting this prestigious tournament underscores our dedication to providing a world-class experience for players and fans. The LPGA Legends Championship celebrates the remarkable talent and legacy of these athletes, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”

Arizona’s Robin Krapfl, the 2024 Utah Senior Women’s State Amateur champion, has accepted the Copper Rock/UGA exemption for the 2025 LPGA Legends Championship at Copper Rock. (Photo: Fairways Media)

The UGA’s 2024 Utah Senior Women’s State Amateur champion, Robin Krapfl of Arizona, has accepted an exemption to play in the LPGA Legends Championship. 2023 Utah Senior Women’s State Amateur champion Nuny Khamken earned the exemption for the 2024 championship.

More than 700 volunteers will be needed for roles ranging from marshals to hospitality, with opportunities for youth to gain an inside look at professional golf. “We want kids and teens to experience the excitement firsthand,” James-Garcia said. “They’ll get closer to the players than anyone else.”

Copper Rock’s doubleheader further solidifies Southern Utah as a premier golf destination. The scenic course, nestled in Hurricane Valley, provides a stunning backdrop for world-class competition. With legends of the game and rising stars coming together, the 2025 events will celebrate women’s golf on every level. Tickets for the championships will go on sale in spring 2025, and volunteer registration is already available. For more information please visit copperrockchampionship.com.

Photography and story by Fairways Media/Randy Dodson. St. George News and Copper Rock Golf Club contributed to the story.