News

A Relentless Steele Dewald Goes Wire-to-Wire at Entrada to Win the Utah Mid-Amateur Championship

In his return to amateur golf, long-time professional Steele Dewald delivered a relentless performance at the 38th Utah Mid-Amateur Championship presented by Primo, proving what a force he can be in Utah’s amateur ranks. With rounds of (-16) 67-66-64 – 197 June 5-6 at the recently renovated Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club, Dewald delivered a wire-to-wire victory in what was the first UGA championship played at Entrada in over 20 years.

Dewald’s impressive consistency held off a strong final-round push from longtime friend Nick Killpack, who shot 65 on the last day but lost ground. Their front-nine pairing turned into a birdie fest, with Dewald and Killpack both carding 30. “Nick and I go way back,” Dewald said. “We’ve been playing together since we were juniors, and to be in that kind of battle again was a blast. That’s how you want to win — I don’t want to see those guys play bad.”

Dewald’s win at Entrada, a course newly redesigned by David McLay Kidd and known for its demanding shot values and unique green complexes, further cements his return to amateur golf after years in the pro ranks.

“I’m new to amateur golf, this is only my second year, really,“ Dewald said post trophy presentation. “Last year, I didn’t really understand the importance of the Mid-Am in the Utah golf ecosystem. But, you know, I had a good sense coming in this year, this is a great tournament with a lot of great, great players who have won it, and I’m pretty happy just to be a part of that now.”

While Dewald’s name will be added to the trophy that represents a list of who’s who of Utah amateur golf, it was former Mid-Am champ Reed Nielsen who added his name to Entrada’s history book with a final-round 61 — a new Entrada course record. Nielsen finished in third place at 8-under 205, four shots behind runner-up, Killpack’s 12-under, 201.

Rounding out the top 5 were Daniel Griffiths (-7) and Cameron Crawford (-6). Low Senior was Darrin Overson, the only senior player to make the 36-hole cut of 8-over par.

Utah Golf Association Director, Championships & Golf Operations Colin Clawson was pleased with the UGA’s return to Entrada and hopes to add the facility to the rotation of championship venues. The location proved popular to the players as well as the UGA added a fourth qualifier tournament this year due to the tournament’s demand.

Click here for the 38th Utah Mid-Amateur Championship final leaderboard.

Tournament recap and photos provided by Fairways Media/Randy Dodson