"I wasn't nervous until I see Chris Moody's name come up," McKinlay said. "I've never been so nervous in my life."

Fortunately for the St. George professional, McKinlay's lead was big enough to ensure a one-stroke victory at TalonsCove. The win earned McKinlay a $15,000 check, but even better, it earned him an exemption into the Nationwide Utah Classic in September.

"It's a dream come true," McKinlay said. The 29-year-old shot a 69 and finished the tournament at 202, one shot better than Jeff Keye and two shots better than Moody and Garrett Clegg.

McKinlay won the Salt Lake City Open in a playoff against Moody, and with Moody just two strokes back on the final few holes, another playoff seemed possible. But Moody double-bogeyed on No. 16 to fall four strokes behind, and McKinlay's solid play on the back nine was enough to earn the victory.

McKinlay fretted his way through the final three holes, shooting his only bogey of the day on No. 18 with the last stroke of the tournament.

"I was upset, but I was relieved," McKinlay said. "I didn't want to finish that way. I wanted to end on a better note, but I'm pleased."

McKinlay hit into the bunker on No. 16, then lifted the ball out onto the long grass before putting for par. Then on 17, a par-3, McKinlay made his best shot of the day, hitting an iron shot to within 5 feet of the hole.

"I just closed my eyes and swung at it," McKinlay said. He shorted his birdie putt before going to No. 18, where he clinched the tournament.

McKinlay birdied Nos. 3, 6, 9 and 13 to drop to 15 under. Although Moody hovered within striking distance all day, it was Keye that finished as runner-up by hitting a 67 for a 203. He was hardly disappointed with second place.

"I'm happy with the way I played," Keye said. "I didn't make too many mistakes."

Keye was solid throughout, and felt especially good on No. 14 when he sat just two strokes behind. But as the leaders progressed, his hopes dimmed.

"With a two-shot lead, he was pretty safe," Keye said.

Ryan Ellis started the day just one shot behind co-leaders McKinlay and Jon Fister. Sunday, however, was not his best day.

"I just didn't give myself any good birdie opportunities," Ellis said. He finished with a 74 and dropped to six strokes behind McKinlay by the end. "It was frustrating."

Ellis and Fister played along with McKinlay in the final group. Fister also shot 74, including bogeys on the final two holes.

McKinlay's invitation to the Nationwide Utah Classic was a surprise, but it was the right thing to do according to tournament director Evan Byers.

"I've always wanted to give something back to the Utah Section and to the Utah Open," Byers said. McKinlay now has an opportunity to take his game to the next level and see how his game stacks up.

"People know how to play against the local pros, but I want to give them a chance to play against the big boys," Byers said.

Divots

* Nick McKinlay shot a 69 and finished the Utah Open with a one-stroke victory over Jeff Keye.

* McKinlay was extended an invitation to the Nationwide Utah Classic in September.

* Chris Moody and Garrett Clegg finished two strokes behind, each hitting a 204 after three days.