USGA's Amateur Public Links event set for Soldier Hollow in 2012

SALT LAKE CITY — It's been a long time — 116 years — since the United States Golf Association started conducting golf tournaments, which began with the U.S. Open in 1895 and now includes 13 annual events.

In all that time with all those events, the state of Utah has never hosted a USGA event, one of just three states never to have the honor.

However, that will change in 2012 when the U.S. Amateur Public Links golf tournament is played at the Soldier Hollow Golf Course at Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway.

The official announcement was made Tuesday morning at the State Parks and Recreation building in Salt Lake City. Gov. Gary Herbert was on hand for the announcement, along with various sports and golf administrators from around the state.

"The USGA is both excited and incredibly proud to be bringing a national championship to a state as deserving as Utah," said Mike Bailey, a member of the regional affairs committee of the USGA. "With this announcement, the State of Utah's vision of hosting a national championship at Soldier Hollow has finally become reality."

Bailey said Bill McKenzie, the USGA's director of the Public Links tournament, made a site visit last year and was "simply overwhelmed," being impressed with not only the golf course, but the facilities, the people and the Heber Valley area.

"There is no doubt that the players, families and officials will fall in love with Soldier Hollow and the state of Utah," Bailey said.

The Public Links tournament is open to amateurs not affiliated with private clubs and is the fourth oldest of the USGA events, having been played since 1922.

Solider Hollow pro Chris Newson is thrilled to have the tournament at his golf course. He was one of the main proponents of bringing the tournament to Soldier Hollow and he went to last year's Public Links tournament in Oklahoma to get a feel for the event.

He said approximately $200,000 is needed to run the tournament, including transportation for the athletes and food and other amenities at the golf course. Because it is an amateur event, sponsors are not allowed, but Newson is confident the community will support the tournament with volunteers and donations.

"This really is a significant day for us as Utahns to host this first-ever amateur championship here at Soldier Hollow," said Herbert. "One of the best-kept secrets is to participate in golf with so many beautiful courses at very affordable prices. But as of today, no more."