Utah golf scene is heating up

A lot of sports fans may already be turning their attention to the upcoming football season, but there's still a lot of golf to be played in Utah, especially over the next couple of weeks.

Here's a look at the various upcoming events:

WOMEN'S STATE AM: The annual Women's State Amateur begins Monday at Valley View Golf Course in Layton with 107 golfers vying for the top prize.

Two-time defending champion Annie Thurman will not be on hand for the tourney, since she has accepted an invitation to play in the Utah Open later this week at Alpine Country Club.

Utah Women's Golf Association President Judy Ernst said some of the top players were disappointed because they felt they had a chance to beat Thurman, who has won the past two Women's Am tournaments.

Five former champions are in the field, including Natalie Newren, who beat Thurman in 2001; Tenille Howe-Slack (2000); two-time winner Sue Nyhus; three-time champion Lachell Poffenberger; and four-time winner Terry Hansen.

Other top players include BYU golfers Margaret Gibby and Nicole Newren-Chandler; Weber State golfers Lynsey Myers and Amy Mombert; Adrianne Olson; Tori Fishburn; Julie McMullin; Karen Killpack; and Alice Adams.

Twelve players will compete in the first flight, but anyone can win the State Am title and there are several top players in the second flight, including Hansen, Joyce Billings, Jennifer Peirce, Michelle Landers, Stephi Graves, Dee Price and Tammy Ray.

The three-day tournament begins Monday morning and will conclude Wednesday.

LONG DRIVE CONTEST: Many fans that would never spend a minute watching a golf tournament, will show up at Mick Riley Wednesday afternoon to see golfers hit the ball a long way.

The annual Utah State Long Drive Championship will feature qualifying rounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with finals of each division set for 4 p.m.

Defending champion Joe Kelsey will be joined by men and women of all ages, who will compete in everything from Super-seniors to Juniors. Entry fee is $20 per three balls with net proceeds benefiting the Salt Lake County Junior golf programs. Admission is free for spectators.

Besides the Long Drive event, which is sponsored by Nike, the public is invited to test new equipment from major equipment manufacturers on the Mick Riley driving range.