ST. GEORGE — Local golfing tradition reaches a highwater mark this weekend at the 20th Annual 2024 Findlay Kia Utah State Long Drive Championship at Coral Canyon Golf Course.
“We made it 20 years, I can’t believe it,” tournament host Devin Dixon told St. George News. “That either means we’re doing something right or I’m just getting old.”
Dixon said the special 20th edition of the event will feature spiked purses in the men’s open and men’s amateur divisions, so there will be a little bit more money in the pot than usual.
The event also doubles as a fundraiser for the boys and girls golf teams at Desert Hills High School. The benefits from a 4-man scramble event Saturday morning go to that cause.
Registration information and a complete schedule of events are at The Fan Sports Network. Dixon said that there are still open spots for more 4-man teams in the scramble.
Friday, June 7, will feature qualifying in all 10 divisions, then play in the scramble begins at Coral Canyon Saturday, June 8, at 7 a.m.
Long drive finals in all divisions are slated for 5 p.m. Saturday.
Dixon said that as of Wednesday evening, at least 10 former long drive champions will be returning to compete in the 20th anniversary field.
“We’re hoping to see some of the Utah Tech and SUU golfers,” Dixon said, “and we’re hoping to get some junior golfers and high school golfers.”
Dixon said last year’s women’s open division featured more participants than usual and he hopes to see that trend continue.
“Last year we had good participation and we’re hoping for more this year,” he said.
Other events include a hole-in-one shootout and a putting contest for $5,000.
“We’re hitting bombs out at Coral Canyon!” Dixon said.
Dixon himself is the defending champion in the 40+ division while Mark Lawrence is defending champ in the 50+ division. The men’s open champion last year was Kauner Kay.
Marco Leoni, PGA general manager at Coral Canyon, anticipates a special event this year.
“We’re excited for the 20th year,” Leoni said. “The weather is going to be great. Hopefully, the wind stays down so we can see some long drives on Saturday.”
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