FARMINGTON ó Bruce Summerhays, by far the oldest player in the tournament, won the Utah Open this past Sunday. And it didnít come easy. After having to virtually match stroke for stroke with his nephew Boyd Summerhays, whose seen time in both the PGA and Nationwide tours, Bruce had a slightly more competitive edge over the remaining contestants: desire.

ìIíve been trying to win the Utah Open since I was about 14,î he said. ìItís astounding, really. Iíve been trying to do this forever.î ##M:MORE##

The win; however, came in dramatic fashion in many ways for Bruce. He was playing at his ìhomeî course in Farmington (where he currently resides), he had to shoot below his own age (64 for the round), and he still ended up in a playoff with Boyd.

After watching Boyd sink a 20-foot putt to force a playoff, Bruce headed back to the 18 tee for the second time in the day.

From there Bruce and Boyd took two completely different shots. While Bruce ended up in the middle of the fairway, Boyd hit a two iron into a trapped area of trees.

Boyd was only able to get to within 20 feet on his third shot, while Bruce hit a slight draw to within six feet of the hole on his second.

Boyd made his putt for par, only to be outdone by his uncle who sank his putt in for the victory birdie.

Summerhays was still graceful in victory afterward, stating that even though heíd been waiting for the moment that heíd win the Open, he also wished one of his other boys (nephew Boyd and son Joseph) could have won the tournament as well.

ìIt would have been my fondest dream to watch one of them win it,î he said. ìBut they know Iím never going to lay down if I have the chance to win.î

Joseph Summerhays finished in a tie for ninth place, six strokes behind Bruce.

Clay Ogden, defending champion at the event and local to Bountiful City, finished in a tie for fifth place, four strokes back.



sgillet@davisclipper.com