MIDWAY -- Like a storm rolling across the Heber Valley, Cedar City golfer Jeff Evans overwhelmed his opponent early Sunday afternoon to win the 113th Utah State Amateur in convincing fashion.
Pushed to 21 holes twice on Saturday to advance past tough opponents at Soldier Hollow Golf Course's Gold Course, Evans got on a roll against Vernal's Stratton Schulz late in their opening 18 holes, and thoroughly dominated in the afternoon, winning the title with a lopsided 8 and 7 margin of victory.
Evans, the Mid-Continent Conference golfer of the year, and son of Cedar City golf professional John Evans, is the first Utah State Amateur champion to play for Southern Utah University.
"He's the best we've ever had," SUU golf coach Richard Church said.
Under perfect summer golf conditions on the hilly course just west of Heber City, Evans birdied the 17th and 18th holes of the morning round to take a 3-up lead on Schulz, who plays for Utah Valley University, after 18 holes. He then birdied No. 2 and No. 3 to build his lead and end Schulz's thoughts of a comeback.
A challenging, 30-foot downhill putt on No. 18 may have been the backbreaker for Schulz.
While both golfers were sharp in the morning round -- each making three birdies on the first nine holes -- Evans continued with his steady barrage of birdies after the lunch break while Schulz was unable to match him.
Wins at the sixth, seventh and eighth holes gave the ex-Thunderbird golfer the win with ease.
Evans is planning to turn pro shortly, according to his college coach.
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