SANDY -- A crowded field of some of the best young golfers returns to Willow Creek Country Club this week for the Utah Championship, the state's Nationwide Tour event.
When the pros tee it up Thursday morning they'll be competing for a piece of the tournament's $550,000 purse, and perhaps more importantly, a spot on next year's PGA Tour.
Nationwide Tour players who finish the season ranked in the top 25 automatically earn their PGA TOUR cards for next year.
Farmington's Daniel Summerhays sits No. 15 on the money list, more than $48,000 ahead of the current 26th ranked golfer.
"We're approaching the end of the season on the Nationwide Tour and these guys are all fighting for one of those coveted spots in the top 25," said Tournament Director Mike Smith. "These players really are the future stars of the PGA TOUR and our tournament provides local golf fans with an opportunity to see them play right here in our own backyard."
Past champions have gone on to have tremendous success on the PGA TOUR, most notably former champion Zach Johnson who won the Masters in 2007.
Pros participated in a pro-am on Monday, with today's unique events putting the caddies center stage.
The second annual closest-to-the-hole pond skipping contest and annual moustache madness contest, is followed by the Fins and Pins fly fishing derby and bowling tournament.
Wednesday's pro-am sets the stage for four rounds of action, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. The field will be cut to the lowest 60 scores for the final two rounds.
For tournament information, visit www.utahchampionship.com.
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