Derek Hitchner secured his first Korn Ferry Tour title at the 35th Utah Championship, defeating Cole Hammer, Mason Andersen, Travis Trace, and Tommy Morrison in a playoff on the 18th hole. The victory marked Hitchner's 18th career start and his debut at the Utah Championship, which was held July 30 through August 2 at Ogden Golf & Country Club.
Hometown Exemptions Highlight Tournament
The tournament, which was presented by Zions Bank and Intermountain Health and hosted by the Utah Sports Commission, featured several local athletes competing for PGA TOUR dreams. Among the notable participants were three local golfers who received exemptions to compete in the event, including hometown favorites Connor Howe and Mitchell Schow, who both earned their opportunities through the Tony Finau Foundation Mentoring Program.
As previously reported by the Utah Championship on July 14, the inclusion of Howe and Schow provided a specialized hometown storyline for the 35th anniversary edition of the tournament. Jeff Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission, stated that the partnership with the Tony Finau Foundation continues to create opportunities for the next generation of players and that the commission is proud to have the duo represent Ogden and the State of Sport during the anniversary tournament.
Howe Returns to Ogden Roots
Connor Howe, a Weber High School graduate and Ogden native, returned to the course where he learned the game. Howe turned professional in 2023 following a career at Georgia Tech, where he helped lead the Yellow Jackets to two ACC championships. His recent professional season included a fourth-place finish at the Diners Club Peru Open and a tie for seventh at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open on the PGA TOUR Americas.
Howe, who has made the cut in each of the past two years at the Utah Championship, previously recorded a bogey-free final-round 64 in 2024. Expressing his excitement regarding the exemption, Howe said that competing on the Korn Ferry Tour in his hometown at the course where he grew up is a dream come true.
Schow Competes in Hometown Event
Mitchell Schow, also an Ogden native, competed in the event following a successful amateur career. A graduate of Park City High School and the University of Utah, Schow captured the 2020 Utah State Amateur title before turning professional. His professional achievements include winning the 2023 Salt Lake City Open with a tournament-record opening-round 61 and a tie for 17th at the 2024 Barracuda Championship.
Schow had previously competed in the Utah Championship as a Monday qualifier in 2025, where he finished tied for 54th. Regarding his participation in the 2026 event, Schow noted that the opportunity to play in Ogden in front of friends and family is special and expressed excitement about representing the Ogden community.
Ogden Venue History and Amenities
The tournament was hosted at the Ogden Golf & Country Club, a venue established in 1914. Originally a 9-hole layout, the course was expanded to 18 holes by designer Ernie Schneiter Sr. The club, which is located near Mt. Ogden and Ben Lomond, is home to the Weber State University Golf Team and has hosted various high-profile events, including the Utah Open and the LPGA.
Spectators at the event had access to several amenities, including free admission for kids 12 and under with a ticketed adult, free admission for active and retired military, and free parking and shuttle services. Premium hospitality was provided via the Intermountain Health VIP Skybox, while other spectators could access the Championship Green or the Fan Deck.
Professional Field Context
The 2026 season continues to showcase rising talent on the Korn Ferry Tour. Among the professional field is veteran player Daniel Summerhays, a 42-year-old Bountiful native and Brigham Young University graduate. Summerhays, who turned professional in 2007, has recorded one Korn Ferry Tour win and has earned over $1.2 million in career earnings on the tour.
Tournament Legacy
The Utah Championship remains one of the Korn Ferry Tour's longest-running tournaments, providing a platform for players to pursue PGA TOUR eligibility. The 35th anniversary event concluded its run at the Ogden Golf & Country Club following the playoff victory by Derek Hitchner.
