Record breaking: Fribbs out-paces ex-BYU golfer Fishburn to win Utah Open
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- Derek Fribbs of Aurora, Colo., poses for photos with the championship trophy after the final round of the Utah Open at Riverside Country Club in Provo on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024.
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- Former BYU golfer Patrick Fishburn lines up a putt during the final round of the Utah Open at Riverside Country Club in Provo on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024.
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- Derek Fribbs of Aurora, Colo., watches his drive during the final round of the Utah Open at Riverside Country Club in Provo on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024.
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- Former BYU golfer Patrick Fishburn watches his drive during the final round of the Utah Open at Riverside Country Club in Provo on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024.
Former BYU star golfer Patrick Fishburn appeared to be in excellent position on the final day of the 2024 Utah Open on Sunday, held at Riverside Country Club in Provo.
He started the day in the lead at 11-under-par, then went out and birdied five of the first seven holes on his way to a final-round 66 (6-under-par).
That would usually give the 2017 champ a great chance to win again — but this year it wasn’t enough.
That’s because the 2021 champ, Derek Fribbs of Aurora, Colo., was having a round like no other.
Fribbs eagled three of the par-5s on his way to a record-setting round of 61 (11-under-par), which bested the previous record of 10-under-par at Riverside Country Club.
“That was an amazing round,” Fishburn said. “I was kind of following the scores and I just couldn’t catch up. That’s pretty darn good.”
Fribbs said he knew there were a lot of good golfers who could make a run, so he tried to just focus on his game.
“I knew Fishburn was back there and Zac Blair and a lot of good players, so I didn’t check the scoreboard until No. 17,” Fribbs said. “I was just trying to make as many birdies as I could. I just kept going, trying to make the best shots I could.”
It’s hard to argue with the results as he had a tremendous round, highlighted by the three eagles.
“I hit a seven iron in on all three of them, so that was my lucky number,” Fribbs said. “I made a 33-footer on the first on, chipped in from just short on the second and then had a six-foot putt on No. 15.”
His first eagle was part of his jaw-dropping 7-under-par run on Holes No. 2 through 7, which set him up to shoot 29 on the front nine.
When asked whether he had thoughts of breaking 60 at that point, Fribbs said, “Until I bogeyed No. 10, yeah.”
He then added that it was probably a good thing overall that he had that reset moment.
“It was kind of a blessing, because it calmed me down, and I just started playing golf again after that,” Fribbs said.
To that point he and Fishburn (who started two holes after Fribbs) had been neck-and-neck, but Fribbs surged in front by getting an eagle on No. 13, a birdie on No. 14 and an eagle on No. 15.
“He went three, three, three on those holes while I went five, three, five (even par),” Fishburn said. “Those two fives were pretty killer. I just didn’t hit great tee shots. But congratulations to Derek. That’s unbelievable.”
While he didn’t end up holding on for the win, Fishburn said he was glad he got the chance to compete again at the Utah Open.
“This is always a great tournament,” Fishburn said. “I love playing in the Utah Open. I love playing Riverside. I have a lot of great memories here. I need some reps, for sure, and there are so many great players. Guys come from all over the western United States to play in this thing, so it’s great competition.
“And it’s just kind of a homecoming. I see a lot of my teammates, see a lot of friends and a lot of club pros who have been so good to me my whole life and let me come play the courses. It’s just a great experience being here.”
It’s been a good year for Fishburn, who has had some excellent performances on both the Korn Ferry Tour and in PGA events.
“My game is in good shape,” Fishburn said. “I’m starting to play a little better. Tee to green, I’ve been really good the last little bit and I’m starting to roll the ball better. I didn’t roll the ball my best this week, but they were tricky greens.”
He said he’s loving the professional golf life and feels very fortunate to be realizing his lifelong dreams.
“I’ve thought of it ever since I was seven or eight years old,” Fishburn said. “It’s a dream come true to be out there, and I’ve had so much fun. The highlight of the year was playing with Zac (Blair). We had we had so much fun. That’s the most fun I’ve had on a golf course ever. And we almost did it. But they treat you unbelievable. You play unbelievable golf courses. I’d pay money to play in them. Just don’t tell them that. I’m so lucky to be out there.”
Although he’s 34-years-old, that’s still the goal Fribbs is chasing as he looks to make the most of his opportunities.
“I’ve been playing pretty good, kind of up and down, figuring things out,” Fribbs said. “I’ve played Q school every year since winning the 2021 Utah Open and been very close each time. So hopefully this is the year.”
