Full Breakdown
Ashley Lam Wins First Utah Women’s State Amateur Title
7/24/2026, 2:26:35 PM
Championship Overview
On July 23, 2026, the 120th Utah women’s state amateur concluded with a 36-hole final at Oakridge Country Club in Farmington. Westminster junior Ashley Lam defeated six-time champion Kelsey Chugg by a margin of 1 up, finishing the match 74-73.
Tournament Progression
Lam entered the final with a 2-up advantage through the first eight holes. Chugg narrowed the gap, tying the match after the ninth and briefly taking the lead before Lam regained a 1-up position at the turn with a birdie on the eighth. The contest remained tight, with Chugg winning three of the next five holes to force a decisive showdown on the 18th. On the final hole, Lam’s brother-caddy Sean advised a 104-yard pitch shot; Lam executed the approach within five feet of the pin, securing the victory.
Player Profiles
- Ashley Lam – A rising junior from Westminster who grew up in Taylorsville, Lam is a two-time Utah Ms. Golf honoree at Skyline High School. She has captured five tournament titles, shared a co-title with a teammate, and is a two-year-running Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference individual medalist. Nationally, she was ranked No. 29 for second-team All-American honors. Her 22-year-old brother Sean, a Callaway representative and former Glendale Community College golfer, served as her caddy.
- Kelsey Chugg – The six-time Utah women’s state amateur champion, Chugg entered the match as the defending favorite and demonstrated resilience by rallying multiple times throughout the final.
Significance
Lam’s triumph marks her first state amateur championship, ending Chugg’s long-standing dominance. The win was described by Lam as emotionally significant, highlighting the strong community support surrounding the tournament and the personal satisfaction of overcoming a seasoned champion.
Official Reactions
Lam emphasized her respect for Chugg, noting that she recognized Chugg’s talent and felt compelled to maintain consistent, high-quality play throughout the match. She also credited her mental focus and routine, stating that she relied on internal confidence and the experience gained from her brother’s guidance to secure the title.
