2017 Veterans on Course at Soldier Hollow Recap

MIDWAY, UTAH—Soldier Hollow Golf Course played host to the third Utah Golf Foundation Veterans on Course event of the 2017 season. Sixty active military and veterans of all branches gathered together for free lessons and a nine-hole scramble tournament funded by the UGF.

Veterans on Course (VOC) was started by the UGF in 2016 as a pilot program to provide instruction and playing opportunities to military personnel of active or veteran status free of charge. Each event consists of lessons from PGA Professionals, a nine-hole scramble tournament and a social gathering with a guest speaker following play. The 2017 season schedule includes nine on-course events, six in Northern Utah and three in Southern Utah. Details for each event can be found at utahgolffoundation.org.

Once all participants checked in and ate lunch on Soldier Hollow’s beautiful patio, Retired U.S. Army Airborne Division Special Forces Veteran Phil Hudson kicked off the event by providing the field with a few of his own military experiences and encouraging those present to continue engaging in military programs and activities to socialize with fellow veterans.

Following Phil’s words and opening words from UGF Vice-President Scott Ulbrich, the veterans participated in an hour of lessons provided by Todd Tanner of U.S. Kids and InMotion Junior Golf, Soldier Hollow Assistant Teaching Professional Kolton Ostler, former Salt Lake City Golf Director David Terry and one of Soldier Hollow Golf’s most talented amateurs, Dexter Edwards.

The weather could not have been better for the scramble tournament. Cloudy skies provided the perfect amount of coverage and fall-like temperatures from start to finish. The front nine of Soldier Hollow’s Silver Course was a challenge for those new to the game, but, as expected, those who sacrificed their lives for our country faced the task head on and finished play with smiling faces and impressive scramble scores. The top two teams were awarded with UGF swag, and four players received longest drive or closest-to-the-hole prizes.

The next Veterans on Course event will take place on Thursday, September 14th at River Oaks Golf Course in Sandy City. Registration is now open at utahgolffoundation.org. The event will be capped at 60 participants.