With the mild weather we've had in Utah this fall, conditions have been pretty comfortable for the state's prep golfers.

As a result, the scores in region matches around the state have been a bit lower than in years past. In 4A and 5A, especially, it's regularly taken a score around par or under par to win a weekly event.

When four of the five classifications gather at different courses this week to compete for the state titles, however, the conditions might not be as favorable. Instead of being a test of how low a golfer can go, it might become a test of who can survive the elements. Rain, and possible snow, and winds are forecast for today and cooler than normal temperatures are expected for the rest of the week.

Fortunately, none of the two-day championships are being held this year at mountain courses. The 5A tournament starts this morning at Valley View golf course in Layton, with the 2A tournament getting underway a short drive north at The Barn golf course in Pleasant View. On Wednesday, the 4A golfers get going at Glen Eagle in Syracuse, while the 3A golfers begin their battle at Schneiter's Bluff in West Point.

One team that might not be accustomed to the cooler weather, but is no stranger to winning state championships is Dixie. The Flyers, Region 9 champions, have won six state titles in the past seven years and are going for five straight this week. Again, the Flyers are the favorites with five golfers averaging scores of 76 or lower.

"The boys know what it means and what it's all about to play golf for Dixie, so they show up every year ready for that challenge," Dixie coach Eron Deming said. "They want to keep that tradition going."

Dixie's stiffest test should come from Uintah (Region 8 champion), Timpanogos (Region 7 champion), Bonneville (Region 5 champion) and East (Region 6 champion). If golfers from Tooele, Logan, Orem and Lehi have a hot week, they also could give Dixie a scare.

Individually, Dixie's McCoy Willey is back to defend his medalist crown. But with golfers like Orem's Dalton Stanger, Uintah's Stratton Schulz, Logan's Arman Ben-Jacob, Bonneville's Brock Glassman, Wood Cross' Peyton Hastings and East's Remington Schultz to beat, it won't be easy for Willey to repeat. Even players like Timpanogos' Kolton Ostler, Dixie teammate Connor Van Gilder, Tooele's Jake Holt and Lehi's Max Mertens are capable of winning it all.

In the 5A battle, a handful of teams come into the tournament on hot streaks after winning their respective league titles. Defending champion Lone Peak ran away with the Region 4 crown and have every player back, including defending state champion Garrett Fotu and Region 4 medalist Joe Parkinson.