Utah Women’s State Amateur Golf: Chugg, Richards Lead Field

Six‑Time Champion Kelsey Chugg Returns as Top Seed

Kelsey Chugg, a veteran of six state titles, tops the field for the 120th Utah Women’s State Amateur at Oakridge Country Club. Her presence signals a classic showdown between seasoned pros and rising talent. Chugg’s experience will be crucial on the demanding par‑72 layout, which she has mastered in previous runs.

The defending champion Arden Louchheim, a 21‑year‑old broadcaster turned golfer, also lines up in the lineup. She brings a fresh perspective after completing her college career at Nebraska. Both Chugg and Louchheim are shown as more than just competitors; they represent the evolving face of Utah women’s golf.

Sydney Richards: New Face with Summerhays Roots

Sydney Richards, a Farmington native, arrives after a standout junior career at Southern Virginia University. She captured four individual titles and earned the USA South Conference’s Women’s Golfer of the Year award in 2026. Richards transfers to Utah Valley University with a year of eligibility remaining, adding depth to the Wolverines’ program.

Family ties run deep: she is the granddaughter of Lynn and Ann Summerhays, and her uncles Daniel and Boyd Summerhays are PGA Tour regulars. Despite this heritage, Sydney tells the Deseret News she prefers to “go unnoticed” and build her own reputation. Her humility contrasts with the overwhelming Summerhays legacy that dominates Utah golf.

At Oakridge, Richards expects a tougher cut line—around 82—if winds pick up. She missed match play last year and hopes a more prepared approach will change her fate. Her goal is simple: break 80 and advance beyond the early rounds.

Grace Summerhays’ Comeback After Wrist Injury

Grace Summerhays, a cousin of Sydney Richards, rejoined the field after a nine‑month layoff due to wrist trouble. She describes the upcoming tournament as her “second event back,” emphasizing how much she has missed competitive play. The historic Summerhays family, often called the “first family of Utah golf,” gains another participant despite her recent health challenges.

Summerhays expressed excitement about returning to Oakridge, a course with personal family memories. Her presence adds a narrative of resilience and determination to the competition. The crowd will watch whether her recovered form can translate into strong scores on the par‑72 course.

Tournament Format: Stroke Play Leads to Match Play

Monday opens the event with 18 holes of stroke‑play qualifying, where 32 golfers advance to match play. The cut line last year settled at 7‑over 79, a threshold that many seasoned players barely cleared. This year, expectations are that the cut will be near 82 if wind conditions intensify.

Match play begins Tuesday morning, progressing through the Round of 16 on Tuesday afternoon and quarterfinals and semifinals on Wednesday. The championship match on Thursday will stretch over 36 holes, mirroring the men’s format. Louchheim’s 2024 triumph over Kate Walker 7 and 6 underscores the high‑stakes nature of the final day.

Other top contenders include BYU’s Nya Palmer, Utah Tech’s Jane Olson and Gabrielle Roznicki, Samoa’s Faith Vui, teenage Natalie McLane, Westminster’s Ashley Lam and Lily Shin, and New Mexico State’s Rylee Salome. The depth of talent makes this one of the largest fields in Utah Women’s Am history.

Oakridge Country Club: A Summerhays Home Course

Richards estimates she has played Oakridge about 25 times, a stark contrast to her uncles and brothers who have logged hundreds of rounds. The course, located just north of Lagoon Amusement Park, will host the Women’s Am for the sixth time. Its par‑72 design is considered one of the more challenging venues on the Utah golf circuit.

Utah Golf Association executive director Easton Folster confirmed future host sites: Bonneville Golf Course in 2027, Logan Country Club in 2028, Alpine Country Club in 2029, and St. George’s Entrada Country Club in 2030. The rotating schedule ensures that new generations get exposure to diverse course conditions.

BYU’s Whitney Banz, a medalist last year at Wasatch Mountain, also qualified for the Men’s State Amateur two weeks prior but fell short in match play. Her experience on different courses adds another layer of strategic depth to the field.

Arden Louchheim’s Priorities Shift as Defending Champion

The 21‑year‑old Louchheim, now a graduate of Nebraska, will receive her bachelor’s degree next month. Her 2024 victory felt “validating,” she said, after years of playing in the shadow of icons like Grace Summerhays. Louchheim’s career path includes broadcasting, as she now works on the Ogden Raptors home broadcast team.

She notes that golf has become a source of relaxation after the intensity of college competition. Broadcasting now sits atop her priority list, with playing time reduced to a hobby. This shift means the pressure to repeat her title is lighter, though she still hopes for a back‑to‑back win like Bowen Mauss.

Louchheim’s unique background—daughter of Utah Jazz announcer David Locke and former Seattle Seahawks sideline reporter Akemi—adds a storytelling element to the tournament. Her dual careers illustrate how modern athletes can blend sports and media.

Other Notable Contenders and Outlook

Brockbank Belnap, winner in 1994 and 1995, made a surprise return after a years‑long hiatus from competitive golf. Former champions Chugg, Louchheim, Grace Summerhays, and Stephanie Brockbank Belnap bolster a field of 81—the largest in Women’s Am history. The mix of returning legends and fresh faces ensures high excitement levels throughout the week.

Looking forward, the tournament’s future hosts promise to keep Utah golf in the national spotlight. Fans can expect new challenges as the event travels to Bonneville, Logan, Alpine, and St. George in coming years. This rotating schedule not only showcases diverse course designs but also fuels local economies and promotes grassroots development.

As the field gathers at Oakridge, the spotlight shines on both established names and emerging talents. The legacy of families like the Summerhayses and the resilience of athletes like Richards and Louchheim will shape the narrative of this year’s competition. Whether it’s a surprise upset or a familiar champion’s triumph, the Utah Women’s State Amateur remains a cornerstone of the state’s golfing calendar.