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Among several changes made to the format of the Utah State Amateur, the most significant for this year's event at Soldier Hollow in July is the expansion from 32 to 64 players.
Also, participants in the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals will be required to walk.
"These changes have been under discussion by the UGA board for several years and are being undertaken after careful consideration of all the factors involved," said UGA President John Taylor. "The UGA board feels that the strength of field has increased enough over the years to expand the match play portion to 64 players and that it will give more players an opportunity to experience match play without diluting the quality.
"Reaching match play is a significant level of accomplishment and this allows more players to reach that goal."
The changes were finalized at the recent UGA Board of Directors meeting in St. George and will be implemented at this year's event, which is the 115th consecutive tournament.
The UGA embraced the prohibition of carts during the last three rounds of match play, which is expected to put a premium on conditioning as well as paying tribute to the tradition that walking is an integral part of golf. —
The Utah Amateur schedule at Soldier Hollow:
July 8 • Round One of Stroke Play Qualifying
July 9 • Round Two of Stroke Play Qualifying
July 10 • Match Play Round of 64
July 11 • Breakfast of Champions, 7 am; Match Play Round of 32 (morning); Match Play Round of 16 (afternoon)
July 12 • Quarterfinals (walking only) (morning); Semifinals (walking only) (afternoon)
July 13 • 36- Hole Championship Match (walking only) 36 holes
July 14 • Back up day in case of inclement weather