UIT outfoxes ITS in golf tournament putt-off

September 25, 2024Jesse Drake

A red fox believed to be "Roxy," a minor celebrity on the Rose Park Golf Course, was spotted throughout the annual ITS-UIT Golf Tournament on September 12 (photo by Thanh Nguyen)

A local celebrity graced the 15^th annual Information Technology Services (ITS)-University Information Technology (UIT) golf tournament held September 12, 2024.

A scene from the 15th annual ITS-UIT golf tournament, held September 12 at Rose Park Golf Course. — A scene from the 15^th annual ITS-UIT golf tournament, held September 12 at Rose Park Golf Course *(photo by Thanh Nguyen)*

To the amusement and occasional chagrin of players, a golf ball-stealing red fox named “Roxy” followed teams around the pine and willow tree-framed fairways of Rose Park Golf Course.

“We had a special guest this year, no doubt about it,” said organizer Mark Curtz, a product manager for UIT University Support Services (USS).

Though different cultures assign various attributes to foxes, they often symbolize good luck and intelligence in folklore and mythology. Roxy’s presence proved especially lucky to a team representing UIT (Curtz, Darrin Robertson, Jake O’Connor, and Ed Fresco) that, with a score of 30 (6 under par), tied a team from ITS (Jeff Bennion, Derek Bennion, and Austin Bennion, Michael White), but took the top prize after a putt-off. Access this PDF document for a complete list of results.

A record 86 players enjoyed an afternoon of golf, a UIT-hosted burger bar, and prize giveaway. After seven consecutive years at Forest Dale Golf Course, the ITS-UIT golf tournament returned to Rose Park, which last hosted the event in 2015 (the tourney took a hiatus in 2020). The golf tournament has been an annual tradition since 2009.

“Thanks to everyone who came out and helped make the tournament another fun and successful event, and to [Chief Information Officer] Steve Hess for sponsoring the dinner,” Curtz said. “Even the fox got in on the excitement with a little help from [USS Engineering Director] Jason Moeller.” At the end of the day, Curtz said Moeller shared his hamburger with the fox as it milled around the tee box of the 10^th hole, about 40 feet from the clubhouse and café.

UIT and ITS leadership extend their gratitude to Curtz for coordinating the event.

Below are some additional images from the tournament (courtesy of Mark Curtz and Thanh Nguyen):

ITS-UIT golf tournament at Rose Park Golf Course

Node 4

Our monthly newsletter includes news from UIT and other campus/ University of Utah Health IT organizations, features about UIT employees, IT governance news, and various announcements and updates.

Node 4

Categories

Featured Posts