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ST. GEORGE — There was a new look to this year's Leavitt Group Southern Utah Open when the annual golf tournament teed off Thursday.
No, it wasn't the second-largest payout in Utah golf.
Nor was it the winner's exemption offered for next June's Utah Championship on the Web.com Tour.
It was one of the big sponsors — the (soon-to-be) Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders, who will move to Sin City from Oakland in 2020, made their first venture into Southern Utah with the event, and hope to capture the fanbase just a short two-hour drive from their new home field.
"Utah is kind of looking for a team," said former Raiders quarterback Jay Schroeder, who lives in St. George and coached at nearby Desert Hills High School. "From the people I talk to, it's an easy drive or an easy flight and a great place to spend the weekend, that's for sure."
The Raiders have a lengthy history of taking former Utah college football standouts, as well. Some of the more recent player include Utah State offensive lineman Donald Penn, former Aggie and BYU safety Dallin Leavitt and Southern Utah and Davis High defensive end James Cowser, among others.
Former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, who helped raise just over $50,000 for charities that help combat juvenile diabetes during the event and its pre-tournament scramble, said the close proximity to an NFL franchise will make Southern Utah even more desirable for tourism and provide an economic boost to the St. George area.
"It adds to the regional attractiveness of this area," Leavitt said. "We're delighted that they are viewing Southern Utah — and Utah — as their part of their fanbase."
