History

The Utah Golf Association (UGA) is a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit organization whose objective is to promote interest in the game of golf by encouraging, organizing, supporting, sponsoring and administering golfing activities and programs without regard to race, color, or creed and to engage in educational and good will activities that further the game.

The Utah Golf Association was informally organized during the early years of Utah golf, and during the first half century, its only role was to conduct the Utah State Amateur Championship. The UGA was not officially incorporated until 1966. Since that time, the Association has grown from solely conducting championships to conducting Course Ratings, instructing rules and Handicap seminars, and supporting the United States Golf Association at the local level including maintaining and administrating the Handicap System. Throughout the years, many individuals have competed and contributed to the development of the UGA and the preservation of Utah golf.

Steve Dunford played the most significant role during the 50s and 60s and served as president of the UGA for 14 years. After the official incorporation in 1966, Ray Dubois became the first president of the newly incorporated UGA. Others involved in the original organization included George Marks, Alan Bader, Glen Lewis, and Bill Schultz. George Marks was the executive secretary and executive director from 1969 to 1982.The Utah Golf Association is the governing body of amateur golf in the state of Utah. The game of golf in Utah is in capable hands, and the goals and objectives of the UGA include strengthening the association via new membership programs designed for all members of the UGA ranging from competitive golfers to casual players.


Past Presidents

  • 1966 – Ray Dubois
  • 1967 – Ray Dubois
  • 1968 – Alan Bader
  • 1969 – Glen Lewis
  • 1970 – Glen Lewis
  • 1971 – Bill Shultz
  • 1972 – Al Hansen
  • 1973 – Don Overly
  • 1974 – Pete Randall
  • 1975 – Pete Randall
  • 1976 – Burt Davis
  • 1977 – Lynn Bell
  • 1978 – Lynn Bell
  • 1979 – Neil Boswell
  • 1980 – Don Overly
  • 1981 – Dean Thurgood
  • 1982 – Bob Poulsen
  • 1983 – Bob Poulsen
  • 1984 – Dean Thurgood
  • 1985 – Mark Passey, Larry Disera
  • 1986 – Garey Chadwick
  • 1987 – Garey Chadwick
  • 1988 – Joe Watts
  • 1989 – Larry Disera
  • 1990 – Keith Hansen
  • 1991 – Keith Hansen
  • 1992 – Karl Thalman
  • 1993 – Karl Thalman
  • 1994 – Sherm Hatfield
  • 1995 – Ron Hitchcock
  • 1996 – Ron Hitchcock
  • 1997 – Arlen Peacock
  • 1998 – Arlen Peacock
  • 1999 – Doug Baxter
  • 2000 – Doug Baxter
  • 2001 – Paul Hatch
  • 2002 – Paul Hatch
  • 2003 – Paul Hatch
  • 2004 – Paul Hatch
  • 2005 – Parley Petersen
  • 2006 – Mike Jorgensen
  • 2007 – Linda Olsen
  • 2008 – Allen Simkins
  • 2009 – Allen Simkins
  • 2010 – Reed McGregor
  • 2011 – Bill Probst
  • 2012 – Judy Allem
  • 2013 – John Taylor
  • 2014 – Jim Harland
  • 2015 – Jim Harland
  • 2016 – Steve Brinton
  • 2017 – Reese Nielsen
  • 2018 – Randy Hadfield
  • 2019 – Randy Hadfield
  • 2020 – Kurt Bernhisel
  • 2021 – Stew Walz
  • 2022 – Brian Hulse
  • 2023 – Mike Bailey

Executive Directors

  • 1969 – 1982 – George Marks
  • 1982 – 1985 – Dick Alexander
  • 1985 – 1990 – Mark Passey
  • 1990 – 2008 – Joe Watts
  • 2009 – 2010 – Thomas Pagel
  • 2011 – 2017 – Bill Walker
  • 2018 – 2022 – Jacob Miller
  • 2022 – Present – Easton Folster