Darrin Overson (UGA photo)
HIGHLAND, UT (July 10, 2018) - As temperatures rose, so did the game of this year’s Utah Mid-Amateur winner.
Sitting one shot back of the 36-hole leader, Darrin Overson entered Tuesday’s round at Alpine Country Club with optimism and determination. At the age of 43, Overson looked to prove to the field, as well as himself, that he could still play and compete with the best golfers in the state – despite having a kid old enough to be in college. Though the field consisted of 25-year-olds and up, Overson was not intimidated. Not in the slightest bit.
Posting a 69 to finish at 7 under par, Overson had achieved what only a few others had done in Utah's golfing history – win both the Utah Mid-Amateur and State Amateur Championship. (Overson is 20 years removed from his State Amateur title.)
With his victory Tuesday and a strong showing at this year’s State Amateur – a semi-finalist – Overson is adding to his legacy with an impressive showing so far this year.
Having had the chance to chat with fellow competitors throughout the round, Overson knew he entered the final few holes with a small and not secured lead. After sinking a 15-foot par putt on the 18th green, Overson walked toward his cart having no idea where he stood on the leaderboard.
Knowing the guys in front of him were capable of shooting good scores, Overson said there was always a chance one could make a run to close out their round. Making a birdie on No. 10 – one of three on the day – he had made eight consecutive pars to close out his round and secure the trophy.
Overson – also the winner of the Masters Division – did a great job at capitalizing on scoring opportunities presented to him during the event. Only having four bogeys and a double, Overson responded to those dropped shots with 13 birdies of his own– second highest total behind Steve Borget’s 15.
Par-5 scoring was crucial for the Provo-based golfer. With four par-5s total – each over 515 yards – Overson took advantage of his length by going 7 under par on those four holes for the week. On the par-3s, Overson was 5 over par with three bogeys and a double – not making a single birdie in any round. The par-4s were also kind to Overson as he went 5 under par with six birdies and a bogey through the three rounds.
Looking forward and with temperatures still in the high 90s, Overson will make the drive up into the mountains to Midway where he will attempt to qualify for the U.S. Amateur, which takes place Monday, July 16 at Soldier Hollow Golf Course (Silver).
Kirk Siddens, the 36-hole leader, finished first in the Senior Division by two shots after posting a 75 (+3) for round three – finishing in third place overall at a 2-under-par 214.
View results for Utah Mid-Amateur
ABOUT THE Utah Mid-Amateur
Format: 54 holes stroke play. The field will be cut
after second round on Monday to the low 40 and
ties. In the event that we have a field with less than
80 players, we will cut to the low 50% and ties.
There are no refunds for those players who do not
make the cut.
Eligibility: All amateur UGA members who have a
single digit (9.9 or less) index as of June 1st and are
25 years of age or older as of the first day of
competition are eligible to compete.
Flight Information: All players will be competing for
the Mid-Amateur Championship. Players 40 years of
age or older as of the first day of competition will
also be competing in the Masters division
concurrently. Players 50 years of age or older as of
the first day of competition will also be competing in
the Senior division concurrently.
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