Utah Championship Names New Tournament Director

Long- time volunteer to take over Utah’s only official PGA TOUR event

Salt Lake City (March 5, 2008) – The PGA TOUR and organizers of the Utah Championship, Utah’s only official PGA TOUR event on the Nationwide Tour, today announced Mike Smith as the tournament’s new director. Smith, a Salt Lake native, has been associated with the Utah Championship for the past eight years, serving as volunteer chairman since 2002.

In 2005 the Nationwide Tour recognized Smith as its Volunteer of the Year among its 31 tournament stops. Smith has served in many capacities, including as a member of the Utah Championship’s Executive Board in 2007, helping to oversee all operational components of the tournament.

“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.”

Smith replaces former tournament director Evan Byers who left earlier this year to take over as tournament director for The Tradition, a major on the Champion’s Tour.

“Mike has played an important role in the successful history of this tournament,” said Jeff Robbins, president & CEO of the Utah Sports Commission, host organization of the Utah Championship. “Having a new tournament director in place who is familiar with the operation will help us not miss a beat.”

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

“The Utah Championship is a wonderful tournament and its impact on the community will continue to be in good hands with Mike Smith as its director,” said Jeff Monday, Senior Vice President of tournament business affairs for the Nationwide Tour.

As in 2007, The Golf Channel will broadcast this year’s tournament live across the country. More than 20 hours of coverage are currently scheduled, including live coverage of the final two rounds Saturday and Sunday.

For complete tournament information – including sponsorship, tickets and volunteer opportunities – call 495-GOLF or visit www.utahchampionship.com.