1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 333-13261) pertaining to the UTI Energy Corp. 1993 Non-qualified
Stock Option Plan, the First Amendment to Termination Agreement and Release,
the UTI Energy Corp. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan of our report
dated February 17, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
and schedule of UTI Energy Corp. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 31, 1997.



                                            Ernst & Young LLP

Houston, Texas
March 18, 1998