McKinlay, Fister keep lead

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Although 150 golfers played under mostly ideal conditions Saturday, not much changed at the Siegfried & Jensen Utah Open golf tournament at TalonsCove Golf Course.

At least at the top of the leaderboard.

St. George's Nick McKinlay and Ogden's Jon Fister Jr., the unlikely co-leaders after Friday's first round, both fired 5-under 67s Saturday and stand at 133 going into today's final round.

They'll tee off at 11:30 a.m. along with Ryan Ellis, a former University of Utah golfer from Draper. Ellis, who is a regular on the Canadian Tour, shot a 6-under 66 and stands one shot behind at 134.

Garrett Clegg, a 25-year-old from Bountiful, and Riverside CC assistant Chris Moody also shot 66s Saturday and are another stroke back at 135, while Old Mill assistant Jeff Keye stands at 136 after a 69.

The cut came at 2-over par 146 with 66 players surviving to play today. The winner receives a check for $15,000 as well as an exemption into the Utah Nationwide Tour event in September.

The 29-year-old McKinlay is an apprentice who teaches at Coral Canyon near St. George, while Fister works at Mt. Ogden but isn't affiliated with the Utah Section.

In fact, the low-key 31-year-old said he may not even be a professional golfer that much longer.

"For all I know, this could be my last golf tournament as a professional," he said.

Fister said he has a child on the way and isn't sure of his plans for the future.

McKinlay grew up in Salt Lake and moved to Heber, where he went to high school before settling in St. George. He's had a non-descript golf career until the past few months, when his confidence has suddenly soared.

Last fall, he won the Assistants Championship and then just two weeks ago he captured the Salt Lake City Open, one of the bigger local tournaments.

McKinlay is not a big hitter, but he hits the ball straight and stays out of trouble and takes the birdies when they come. He's been trying to not put pressure on himself and remember golf "is just a game." He's enjoying himself this week.

"It could have been a lot better, but I'm not complaining," said McKinlay, who missed several birdie putts inside 10 feet. "The course played a lot easier today."