Mike Smith has been named as the tournament director for the Utah Championship on the PGA's Nationwide Tour. The Salt Lake native replaces longtime director Evan Byers, who left earlier this year to become tournament director of the The Tradition, a major on the Champions Tour.

Smith has been associated with the tournament for eight years and has been the volunteer chairman since 2002. In 2005, he was recognized as the Nationwide Tour's Volunteer of the Year.

"I'm excited about where the tournament is right now and the possibility of where it can go this year and beyond," Smith said.

"I'm a strong believer in the PGA Tour's mission of giving back to the community, and I look forward to ensuring the tournament remains something our community can be proud of."

This year's Utah Championship will take place Sept. 1-7 at Willow Creek Country Club in Sandy.