Jack Todd is retired, but that doesn’t mean he is lacking for things to do. Todd, after retiring from the Nevada Test Site, became involved with the Southern Nevada Golf Association when he and his fellow Evans Golf Scholar alumnus Tom Fitzgerald approached the organization to create a summer youth caddie program, which could ultimately lead to a full college scholarship for deserving youths.
But Todd’s participation has now gone well beyond the caddie program and he is a chair person of two SNGA committees and actively making a difference in the Association. Todd leads the administrative and education outreach committees and is eager to continue to give back to golf in Southern Nevada.
“The education committee is kind of an off shot of the rules committee, and our mission is to organize and hold educational clinics and seminars for average golfers throughout the year,” Todd said. “Last year we did a survey of the 10,000 SNGA members seeking input of what they would like to experience at the seminars and we had about 500 responses. We ranked the responses and so far we have had successful events with topics such as how to improve your short game, playing wedges from 100 yards in and putting. We also have plans for physical fitness and other seminars, and will be putting together our 2017 schedule soon so members should stay tuned to these newsletters and other SNGA news outlets for more information and how they can attend.”
Todd’s work with the administrative committee led to the publishing of an official SNGA employee manual early in 2016 and now the group is focused on governance issues for 2017.
On the course, Todd has overcome lower back issues and has returned to playing regularly at various courses in Southern Nevada, but his volunteer work is what drives him.
Todd, along with Fitzgerald and another Evans Scholar alum, Sarah Wilbur, are overseeing applications for high school freshman girls to attend the Evans Scholar Caddie Academy in Chicago this summer. Girls chosen spend seven weeks in the caddie program and get on the potential path to a full college scholarship at the end of four years in addition to having a quality life experience. For the first time, a small boys program, is being created as well so interested boys can apply.
Any interested girls or parents can email Todd at jackinlv@gmail.com for more information about how to apply or visit this link for all Evans Caddie Academy information. The deadline is no later than the end of February 2017.
There are three Las Vegas golf courses that make up Golf Summerlin, located in the Sun City area of Summerlin in the northwest area of Southern Nevada. Highland Falls anchors the three and is the official home golf course of the Southern Nevada Golf Association and that means members earn special privileges at the course.
SNGA Member Rates at Highland Falls, Palm Valley and Eagle Crest:
Highland Falls has earned the “Best Golf Course in Las Vegas” in a Las Vegas Review-Journal poll in both 2011 and 2016.
The other two Golf Summerlin courses, each designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Billy Casper and golf course architect Greg Nash, are Palm Valley Golf Club, a par 72 layout, and Eagle Crest Golf Club, a par 60 executive course.
About Highland Falls Golf Club
With excellent conditions, unique holes, serene views and enough forgiveness to keep you in the fairway, Highland Falls is a Las Vegas golf course perfect for both novices and experts alike. The course is a two-time winner of the Las Vegas Review-Journal Best of Las Vegas award for the incredible views of all Las Vegas has to display. The panoramic view of Las Vegas at the 14th hole has been featured in some of the city’s largest publications and has been used as the backdrop for national ad campaigns and television segments.
It was another big year for the Southern Nevada Golf Association, and several players rose to the top and earned the prestigious player of the year award. Among the winners was Edward Fryatt, a local Las Vegan who grew up in Las Vegas, played high school golf at Chaparral before becoming an All-American at UNLV. Fryatt also played the PGA Tour and won four international professional tournaments prior to earning back his amateur status.
Edward Fryatt
Fryatt won several tournaments in 2016 but ultimately came up just short of his season goal of winning the Nevada State Match Play, the Nevada State Mid-Amateur and the Nevada State Amateur. Fryatt won both the match play and the mid-am, but lost by one shot to Stephen Sear at the Nevada State Amateur.
“Winning the player of the year is great but it wasn’t a goal of mine,” Fryatt said. “What it means to me is that I played very well throughout the year and it’s very nice to win. The year had a lot of bright spots but I will always remember coming up one shot short of my ultimate goal.”
John Turk
John Turk, a former Air Force fighter pilot, won the senior division player of the year. Turk made it his goal to play in enough tournaments in 2016 to win the award and accomplished his stated mission. Playing in the SNGA has helped fill the adrenalin void he experienced as a pilot. Turk won six of the 15 tournaments he played in last season.
“Let me tell you the difference between golf and flying,” Turk said just prior to accepting his honor. “I was flying at Mach 2 speeds and making decisions 20 to 100 miles ahead of me. Do you think I really care about a four-foot putt? There’s no pressure in a four-foot putt. It either goes in or it doesn’t. When you’re living on the edge flying every day, you get used to pressure situations. It takes the ultimate focus. It boils down to the ability to focus on the task at hand and stay disciplined, so in that sense the experience of flying definitely helps with golf.
“Playing in SNGA tournaments gets my competitive fire going.”
Frank Abbott
Frank Abbott continued his dominance of the Super Senior division by earning the player of the year award yet again. Abbott won an astounding 10 times in 2016 including the Southern Nevada Amateur, the Las Vegas Senior City Amateur, the Cascata Amateur, the Triple Crown Amateur and the SNGA Championship. It was the third-straight player of the year award for Abbott, who moved to Las Vegas from Seattle in 2013 when he retired.
In all, Abbott has played in more than 50 Super Senior SNGA tournaments and has finished 1st or second in all but one of them. That other time he finished 3rd.
“It’s been fun but it might be a little more difficult next year with some of the new young guys,” Abbott said. “Consistency has been the key to winning. Also, I remember the first SNGA tournament I played in was in 2013 at Cascata and it was the first time I ever shot my age, which at the time was 70. I have played in about 54 tournaments since and the key has been to show up and be ready when it is tournament time. I really enjoy playing with the other guys and I’m sure I play much better in tournament golf than I do playing a regular round.”
Abbott is an accomplished player who lost in the finals of the 2003 US Senior Amateur and appeared in 10 other USGA national amateur tournaments.
Kenneth Paul, Jr.
Kenneth Paul, Jr. was the net division player of the year. Paul won three times in 2016 and was the runner-up an additional four times. Paul, Jr. won the Clark County Amateur, a major in 2016. He also won the Nye County Amateur and the Black Mountain SNGA Tour event. He finished second in the Las Vegas City Amateur, another major.
Michael Campbell
Michael Campbell won the senior net division player of the year in his first-ever season playing in SNGA tournaments. Campbell moved to Las Vegas from Phoenix a few years ago and looked for a golf organization to play in and hasn’t looked back.
“Wow is all I can say,” Campbell said. “It’s been a fun year. We’ve had some tough weather in a few tournaments but overall it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve met a lot of new people and that’s been a plus as well. Also, there are great people in the organization and if anyone ever asked me, I would definitely recommend that they join the SNGA.”
John Kelley earned the Super Senior net division player of the year. Kelley won five tournaments in 2016 including the SNGA Championship and the Tournament of Champions.
It’s official. The first event of the 2017 Southern Nevada Golf Association tournament schedule is in the books and a who’s who of golfers in the Las Vegas area conquered several challenges to earn victories in the prestigious Tournament of Champions played at Bear’s Best Las Vegas.
For the first time, all club champions from SNGA member clubs in addition to SNGA tournament winners in 2016 were invited to play in the tournament. The event was also followed up by the official 2016 SNGA Awards Dinner when each of the 2016 players of the year and several other awards were handed out. It was truly a special day and evening at the Jack Nicklaus course that is operated by Club Corp of America.
Edward Fryatt, the 2016 SNGA Player of the Year, continued his strong play by winning the Championship division with a solid round of 73 in cold, windy and difficult conditions. He defeated UNLV assistant men’s golf coach Philip Rowe by two shots.
Championship
Edward Fryatt, Las Vegas, Nev. – 39-34–73
Philip Rowe, Las Vegas, Nevada – 40-35–75
Kenny Ebalo, Las Vegas, Nev. – 39-38–77
Brady Exber, Las Vegas, Nev. – 38-41–79
Brigham Gibbs, Las Vegas, Nev. – 40-40–80
In the senior division, Las Vegas Golf Hall of Famer Frank Acker played in shorts and earned a scorecard playoff victory over Joe Rada. Both finished with solid rounds of 76.
Senior
Frank Acker, Henderson, Nev. – 36-40–76 * Champ by scorecard playoff
Joe Rada, Las Vegas, Nev. – 36-40–76
David Bondurant, Las Vegas, Nev. – 40-40–80
Gordon Garff, St. George, Utah – 43-38–81
Bryan Link, Las Vegas, Nev. – 46-39–85
Chris Whatley, Henderson, Nev. – 45-40–85
Gerald Skala played a terrific round and finished with a 74 to win the Super Senior division and defeat 2016 Super Senior Player of the Year Frank Abbott by three shots.
Super Senior
Gerald Skala, Henderson, Nev. – 37-37–74
Frank Abbott, Las Vegas, Nev. – 41-36–77
Bruce J Chamberlain, Henderson, Nev. – 42-38–80
Al Kueker, Henderson, Nev. – 40-41–81
Ron Garland, Bozeman, Mont. – 43-38–81
Bob Darling – 40-42–82
Sherry Jackson battled and finished with an 84 to win the women’s division, a first for the Tournament of Champions. Gail Chow was second.
Women
Sherry Jackson, Las Vegas, Nev. – 42-42–84
Gail Chow, Las Vegas, Nev. – 47-45–92
Shirleen Hurtado, Henderson, Nev. – 52-48–100
Ann Zucker, Las Vegas, Nev. – 50-61–111
On the net side of things, below are the results:
Todd McDevitt won the net division while Joe Rado, who tied with Acker for the senior gross top score, was declared the net victory.
The Super Senior division went to Bob Darling while Ann Zucker won the women’s net division.
Net
Todd McDevitt, Henderson, Nev. – 34-42–76
Michael Teslenko, Las Vegas, Nev. – 41-36–77
Kenneth Paul,Jr., Henderson, Nev. – 40-39–79
Tony Herrell, Henderson, Nev. – 38-41–79
Senior
Joe Rada, Las Vegas, Nev. – 34-38–72
Bryan Link, Las Vegas, Nev. – 41-35–76
Frank Acker, Henderson, Nev. – 37-42–79
Happy New Year and Best Golf Wishes for 2017 from the new Southern Nevada Golf Association board. The new leadership group is in place and led by president Tim Quinn, who looks forward to a great year on many levels from expanded membership to high-level and fun tournaments to an ever-evolving junior golf program and much more.
“I’m looking forward to working with the new and returning executive board members to make the SNGA membership more valuable, which will increase our member retention and help to grow our membership,” Quinn said.
The board is committed to many projects and is working tirelessly to continue to meet and exceed the expectations of each member. Thank you for your support.
2017 Executive Board
Tim Quinn – President
Bob Orgill – Vice President
Tom Khamis – Secretary
Matt Johnson – Treasurer
David Roger – Legal Counsel
Frank Abbott
Kenny Ebalo
George Hall
Jan Hansen
Tom Kilmer
Sue May
Kendall Murphy – PGA Representative
Lee Smith – Junior Golf Representative
Eric Dutt – Golf Course Owners Representative
Debbie Koch – Women’s Southern Nevada Golf Association Representative
Jack Nicklaus did it again with Coyote Springs Golf Club. The Golden Bear twirled his design magic to near perfection with the holes at Coyote Springs, a course located about 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Coyote Springs burst on to the scene in 2008 with superb accolades and has been thrilling local and visiting golfers ever since.
Coyote Springs staff is always rolling out the green carpet for SNGA members. Members are invited to download the new Coyote Springs app to earn loyalty rewards that include free golf and other cool stuff. Visit the website to download the app today.
Also, Coyote Springs offers an annual discount membership called the Coyote Club that guarantees the best rates for members in addition to an official GHIN/SNGA handicap. Other perks include food and beverage discounts, golf shop discounts and four guest passes plus a free round of golf upon sign up.
Coyote Springs is laid out in a sweet and undisturbed setting of natural beauty, captured perfectly at the official CoyoteSprings.com:
“The Coyote Springs setting has been characterized as Nature’s Cradle — a magnificent valley surrounded by majestic mountains and peaks on all four sides. To the north, south and east respectively, are the Delamar Mountains, the Arrow Mountains and Meadow Valley Mountains, each rising to an average elevation of 5,000 feet. And to the west, the Sheep Range, which reaches 9,000 feet into the sky, is snow-capped during the winter months and provides an amazing backdrop for peak season golfers.
“This hallmark setting consists of rolling terrain overlooking a prehistoric riverbed-the Pahranagat Wash-which bisects the Coyote Spring Valley. To the east of the wash, rolling hills transition to a natural mesa commanding excellent views of the valley and surrounding mountain ranges. West of the wash, hills give way to flatter terrain with exceptional views of the mountains.”
Coyote Springs is also a host course for high-level events on the SNGA Tour.
Jack Nicklaus did it again at Coyote Springs. You owe it to yourself to see what he did if you haven’t already. Or experience it again if you already had the pleasure.
Edward Fryatt, the former UNLV All-American and PGA Tour player, culminated his 2016 Southern Nevada Golf Association Player of the Year campaign with yet another victory, this time coming at the season-ending SNGA Championship at the Top 100 Cascata. Following a grueling and uncharacteristic final round of 81, Fryatt and his fellow competitors sat around the club house gazing out upon the course and conditions. The final tally of the player of the year points were unofficial but Fryatt should be the award winner.
“From the inside looking out, it looks beautiful,” Fryatt said about the cold and windy weather. “But when you were out there, that sure wasn’t the case. Today (Sunday) was pure survival. I was in survival mode. Yesterday was very playable and I played very well but today was very difficult. I just tried to not make a big number. I didn’t make any birdies today, which is a bummer, but I managed my game and survived.”
Edward Fryatt
On Saturday, Fryatt hit 15 of 18 greens and had putts from the fringe on two of the three holes en route to a 2-under par 70, which gave him a 5-shot lead entering the final round.
“At Cascata, you have to keep things simple,” Fryatt said. “You just try to keep it in the fairway and give yourself a good shot at the green.”
Craig Erickson finished as the runner up with rounds of 78-79—157. Two-time defending Nevada state high school champion Jack William Trent finished third at 78-81—159.
Fryatt earned the player of the year award which will be presented to him at an awards dinner in early 2017. Fryatt won several tournaments in 2016 but ultimately came up just short of his season goal of winning the Nevada State Match Play, the Nevada State Mid-Amateur and the Nevada State Amateur. Fryatt won both the match play and the mid-am, but lost by one shot to Stephen Sear at the Nevada State Amateur.
“Winning the player of the year is great but it wasn’t a goal of mine,” Fryatt said. “What it means to me is that I played very well throughout the year and it’s very nice to win. The year had a lot of bright spots but I will always remember coming up one shot short of my ultimate goal.”
John Turk recorded rounds of 77-80-157 to win the Senior Division to defeat Cyrus Whitney by three shots. It was one of several wins on the SNGA circuit in 2016 for Turk. Among the tournaments he previously won was the Triple Crown event at DragonRdige, Southern Highlands and SouthShore in addition to the Laughlin Amateur.
Turk said the SNGA Championship rounds were among the most difficult he had ever experiencec.
“It was one of the coldest rounds I’ve ever played in,” Turk said. “It wasn’t a lot of fun, I’ll tell you that much.
“At Cascata you have to hit in play off the tee and keep it in the fairway. If you don’t, you have no chance. With the wind and the conditions, it was really important to control distance on shots and I did a pretty good job of that.”
Frank Abbott
Frank Abbott made it a clean seven for seven when playing a Super Senior event at Cascata since joining the SNGA in 2013. Abbott has won every time he’s played in a tournament at the course. Abbott shot rounds of 84-79—163 to win by one over Kevin Parrish.
“It’s a course that sets up very well for me,” Abbott said, who took about a month off prior to the event to travel in Europe. “I didn’t play very well in the first round but I got off to a very solid start in the final round and that was a big help.”
Bryan Link
Joe Benson won the net vision while Bryan Link was the senior net division champion. John Kelley won the Super Senior net division.
2016 SNGA Championship
Hosted by: Cascata Golf Club
Cascata Golf Club
Boulder City, Nev.
Championship
Edward Fryatt, Las Vegas, Nev. – 70-81–151
Craig Erickson, Henderson, Nev. – 78-79–157
Jack William Trent, Las Vegas, Nev. – 78-81–159
Ryan D Bolton, St. George, Utah – 77-85–162
John Bobroski, Las Vegas, Nev. – 81-82–163
Brigham Gibbs, Las Vegas, Nev. – 78-86–164
Luke Logan, Boulder City, Nev. – 78-86–164
Kenny Ebalo, Las Vegas, Nev. – 80-85–165
Josh Goldstein, Las Vegas, Nev. – 80-87–167
Alex Jordan, Las Vegas, Nev. – 76-92–168
Gordon Schiring, Mesquite, Nev. – 84-86–170
Matthew Meyer, Henderson, Nev. – 90-81–171
Charlie Magruder, Las Vegas, Nev. – 86-86–172
Conor Joseph Talty, Las Vegas, Nev. – 90-91–181
Ralph Graves, Las Vegas, Nev. – 83-108–191
Ty Klabacka, Las Vegas, Nev. – 95-97–192
Aaron Merck, Las Vegas, Nev. – 89-WD–WD
Derek Castillo, Yorba Linda, Calif. – 81-WD–WD
Gilberto Herrera, Las Vegas, Nev. – 79-WD–WD
Senior
John Turk, Las Vegas, Nev. – 77-80–157
Cyrus Whitney, Oro Valley, Ariz. – 75-85–160
Steven Fink, Las Vegas, Nev. – 78-84–162
Dave M Lewis, Las Vegas, Nevada – 81-82–163
Tom Sweigart, Vail, Ariz. – 81-83–164
Bryan Link, Las Vegas, Nev. – 87-85–172
Tim Trombley, Las Vegas, Nev. – 85-94–179
Jeffrey Gilliame, North Las Vegas, Nev. – 91-92–183
Joe Benson, Las Vegas, Nev. – 93-90–183
Michael Campbell, Las Vegas, Nev. – 84-100–184
Alan Ugai, Henderson, Nev. – 97-105–202
Kenneth Paul,Jr., Henderson, Nev. – 90-112–202
Jack Kalmanson, Las Vegas, Nev. – 109-104–213
James Hill, Las Vegas, Nev. – 82-WD–WD
Joe Rada, Las Vegas, Nev. – 86-WD–WD
Keith Duchscher, Rugby, N.D. – 88-WD–WD
Randy Burton, Henderson, Nev. – 91-WD–WD
Randy Westby, Las Vegas, Nev. – 85-WD–WD
Super Senior
Frank Abbott, Las Vegas, Nev. – 84-79–163
Kevin Parrish, Mesquite, Nev. – 79-85–164
John Kelley, Henderson, Nev. – 85-85–170
Al Kueker, Henderson, Nev. – 94-84–178
Garry Pierce, Mesquite, Nev. – 93-86–179
Neil Driscoll, Las Vegas, Nev. – 93-89–182
2016 SNGA Championship- NET
Hosted by: Cascata Golf Club
Cascata Golf Club
Boulder City, Nev.
Net
Joe Benson, Las Vegas, Nev. – 80-77–157
Kenneth Paul,Jr., Henderson, Nev. – 75-97–172
Jeffrey Gilliame, North Las Vegas, Nev. – 88-89–177
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference, especially in a golf tournament. Just ask Brigham Gibbs. Gibbs labored with his putting at the 2016 SNGA Tour Championship which was held at Bear’s Best Las Vegas on Dec. 1. But it was a pair of putts on the final two holes that made all the difference as he came away with a victory in the tournament’s Championship Flight. — By Bill Bowman
Gibbs won the Championship Flight with a two-over-par 74, mixing in two birdies with four bogeys. He admitted it wasn’t his best round, but it got the job done. “It was a round that should have been much better,” he said. “A 74 isn’t the greatest score for a victory, but I’ll take it.”
His victory all came down to a couple of crucial putts, and they weren’t even for birdies.
“I hit it pretty solid all day,” he said. “I made about three bad swings but I missed a ton of putts. But, I made two great putts on 17 and 18, one for par and one for bogey, so making those two putts was huge.”
Second was Gilberto Herrera with a 76 while Andrew Rodriguez was third with a 77. Tied for fourth were Alex Jordan and Christian LeCates with 78s.
Bruce Swanson, playing in the Super Senior division, showed the youngsters he’s still got plenty of game. Swanson, who will turn 69 in a couple of months, carded a one-over-par 73 to post the tournament’s best round of the day.
“It was a very good round,” Swanson said. “I hit 13 greens in regulation and putted well. I played smart golf. I just enjoy coming out here and competing.”
Swanson won the Super Senior division by six strokes over John Kelley, who had a 79. Third was Richard Southwick with an 81.
The Net Division saw Todd Kirby win with a net 72. Second went to Shawn T. Smith with a 73 while Kenneth Paul, Jr. finished third with a 76.
“It was awesome,” Kirby said. “I usually have problems in tournaments in that I play my worst rounds so I just tried to make the round like a practice round.”
He said the key to the round was two-fold: “I didn’t have any penalties with my driver, which is always a plus, and my putting was really good,” he said.
James Hill won a scorecard playoff over John Turk for the Senior Division championship. Both had 3-over-par 75s. Jim O’Hare was third with a 77.
Nicklaus’ design at Bear’s Best, one of his more than 350 designs worldwide, replicates 18 of his best golf holes from around the west. There are holes from Castle Pines in Colorado, Cabo del Sol in Mexico, Old Works in Anaconda, Mont., Desert Mountain in Arizona along with so many more. It’s the chance to check out some of Jack’s favorites all in one dramatic layout.
Championship
Brigham Gibbs, Las Vegas, Nev. – 37-37–74
Gilberto Herrera, Las Vegas, Nev. – 41-35–76
Andrew Rodriguez, Las Vegas, Nev. – 39-38–77
Alex Jordan, Las Vegas, Nevada – 41-37–78
Christian LeCates, N Las Vegas, Nevada – 38-40–78
Matthew Meyer, Henderson, Nev. – 43-39–82
Senior
James Hill, Las Vegas, Nev. – 39-36–75
John Turk, Las Vegas, Nev. – 37-38–75
Jim O’Hare, Las Vegas, Nev. – 41-36–77
Steve Paulsen, Las Vegas, Nv. – 40-41–81
Emet Ledezma, Las Vegas, Nev. – 45-39–84
Michael Campbell, Las Vegas, Nev. – 49-37–86
Harry Sims, North Las Vegas, Nev. – 47-42–89
Super Senior
Bruce Swanson, Laughlin, Nev. – 38-35–73
John Kelley, Henderson, Nevada – 41-38–79
Richard Southwick, Henderson, Nev. – 39-42–81
Ralph Durgin, Henderson, Nev. – 41-45–86
Reese P Jarrell, Las Vegas, Nev. – 45-45–90
Net
Todd Kirby, Las Vegas, Nev. – 36-36–72
Shawn T Smith, Las Vegas, Nev. – 36-37–73
Kenneth Paul,Jr., Henderson, Nev. – 39-37–76
Bryan Carlon, Las Vegas, Nev. – 41-38–79
Jeffrey Gilliame, North Las Vegas, Nev. – 35-44–79
Billy Kraus, Las Vegas, Nev. – 40-41–81
Todd McDevitt, Henderson, Nev. – 43-40–83
CLICK HERE for Pairings, Full Tournament Results and Course Statistics.
CLICK HERE for information on the SNGA Championship at Cascata Golf Club on December 17 & 18.
The Southern Nevada Golf Association would like to thank Bear’s Best Las Vegas for hosting this event. We would also like to thank our sponsor, Las Vegas Golf & Tennis, for supporting the Association with all that we do.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1480530528842{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #fcfcfc !important;}”]Shintaro Ban, a junior on the nationally-ranked UNLV men’s golf team, had to be patient in more ways than one to win the 2016 Clark County Amateur played at Boulder Creek Golf Club. Ban fired rounds of 70-67—139 to finish at 7-under par to win by two shots over his UNLV teammate Justin Chong.
Former Foothill High School golfer Andrew Chu finished third at 3-under par and UNLV assistant men’s golf coach Philip Rowe was fourth at 2-under par. Former UNLV All-American Edward Fryatt finished tied for fifth at 1-under par with Nicholas Cantlay.
Patience turned out to be a virtue for Ban during the tournament, the final SNGA major of the season. Ban regretted not playing in the Las Vegas City Amateur that was held a couple weeks prior to Clark County Am and vowed back then to play in the next SNGA tournament. In addition, Ban told himself to “be patient” with his putting during the final round after struggling with several three putts during the first round.
“It was all about staying patient during the final round,” Ban said. “I knew it was going to be a long round and I told myself to not rush and not get too eager on the greens. I three putted four times on Saturday and I knew I had to do better in the final round. I said to myself, ‘you are a good putter. Just stay patient and you will be fine.’”
Ban remained at Boulder Creek for about an hour on Saturday following the first round. He did putting lag drills under the watchful eye of Rowe, his UNLV coach. Ban credited that session with his putting success on Sunday.
Overall, Ban believed this win will bode well for his spring season at UNLV.
“This is a big confidence booster for me,” Ban said. “I’ve been working hard during the off season but it is difficult with focusing on school. I really wasn’t happy I missed the Las Vegas City Amateur and I told myself I would play in the next SNGA tournament no matter what. It’s neat to get the W.”
In the net division, Retired Air Force veteran Kenneth Paul won and credited his success to having more time lately to play and practice. The win was the third of his SNGA career. Paul retired last year and lives in Henderson but keeps his official USGA GHIN handicap at the historic Las Vegas National Golf Club. He carries a 12 index.
Todd McDevitt finished second while Mark Cox was third. Bryan Carlon finished in fourth while Nate Behrendt was fifth.
“The extra practice and play I have been putting in is starting to pay off,” Paul said following his win. “I really putted well this week and have been working on everything. It is all starting to come together. It’s an exciting time to see the hard work pay off with wins like this. I’m eager to continue to keep getting better.”
Championship Division Results
1 Shintaro Ban, California 70-67–137 (-7)
2 Justin Chong, California 69-70–139 (-5)
3 Andrew Chu, Henderson 73-68–141 (-3)
4 Philip Rowe, Las Vegas 68-74–142 (-2)
T5 Nicholas Cantlay, California 71-72–143 (-1)
T5 Edward Fryatt, Las Vegas 74-69–143 (-1)
7 John Bobroski, Las Vegas 69-75–144 (E)
8 Brady Exber, Las Vegas 73-72–145 (+1)
T9 Mitchell James Cornell, Incline Village 73-74–147 (+3)
T9 Ben Sawaia, Henderson 75-72–147 (+3)
T11 Steven Fink, Las Vegas 72-76–148 (+4)
T11 Brigham Gibbs, Las Vegas 76-72–148 (+4)
T13 Kenny Ebalo, Las Vegas 73-76–149 (+5)
T13 Bradley Collet, Henderson 74-75–149 (+5)
T13 Craig Erickson, Las Vegas 74-75–149 (+5)
16 Kelly Knievel, Las Vegas 73-77–150 (+6)
17 Jett Isoda, Las Vegas 77-74–151 (+7)
T18 Austen Ancell, Pahrump 76-78—154 (+10)
T18 Josh Goldstein, Las Vegas 80-74–154 (+10)
T18 Connor Peterson, Las Vegas 74-80–154 (+10)
T21 Noah MacFawn, Henderson 82-73–155 (+11)
T21 Todd Roberts, Las Vegas 79-76—155 (+11)
Net Division Results
1. Kenneth Paul,Jr. 78-70—148
2. Todd McDevitt 77-74–151
3. Mark Cox 73-79–152
4. Bryan Carlon 77-76–153
5. Nate Behrendt 75-80–155
6. Andy Sessa 78-78–156
T7 Joe Benson 79-78–157
T7 Todd Kirby 74-83–157
9. Capt Roger Anthony Schmidt 76-83–159
T10. Billy Kraus 89-73–162
T10. Darwin Rogers 85-77–162
CLICK HERE for Pairings, Full Tournament Results and Course Statistics.
CLICK HERE for information on the SNGA Championship at Cascata Golf Club on December 17 & 18.
The Southern Nevada Golf Association would like to thank Boulder Creek Golf Club for hosting this event. We would also like to thank our sponsor, Las Vegas Golf & Tennis, for supporting the Association with all that we do.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1480623061771{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #fcfcfc !important;}”]Las Vegas, Nev. (Nov. 30, 2016)—We’re all looking for that perfect gift, especially around the holiday season. Whether it’s for mom, dad, a friend, a co-worker or your loved one, here’s a gift that they will thank you for over and over: The Tee Card. Offered through the Southern Nevada Golf Association, this card offers discounts to many Las Vegas golf courses and can pay for itself in just one use. It’s the ideal gift for that golfer (or golfers) on your list. –By Bill Bowman
The Tee Card cost is as low as $25 for SNGA members (non-members can also purchase) and yes, gift certificates can be purchased online. The card can be used at a variety including the likes of Bali Hai, Bear’s Best, Coyote Springs, Golf Summerlin, Rio Secco and more than 30 others.
The discounts range from 2-for-1 rounds to 4-for-3 rounds to deep daily fee discounts so be sure to check with the course before making your tee time. And because it is digital, players will want to check back often as new offers will continually be added to the Tee Card experience.
The deals don’t just stop at Las Vegas courses. It’s wide ranging and includes being able to be used at courses such as CasaBlanca and Falcon Ridge in Mesquite as well as Coral Canyon in St. George, Utah as well as other courses.
There are also chances to use the card at places such as Las Vegas Golf & Tennis (card owners can get $10 off a purchase of $50 or more). Players can also use the card to get a great deal on a variety of lesson packages at the Rhoderunner Golf Coaching Center.
Is this the perfect gift? It is if you have a golf fan on your shopping list. And with the low cost, it may be the perfect gift to give to yourself as well.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1480531414695{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #fcfcfc !important;}”]Another major is in the books for the Southern Nevada Golf Association as the year winds down. Las Vegas Golf Hall of Famer and multiple SNGA Player of the Year Brady Exber won the Clark County Senior Amateur played at Boulder Creek Golf Club with rounds of 70-67—137 to finish 7-under par. He finished four strokes in front of Brigham Gibbs, who shot 73-68—141 to finish at 3-under par.
The first round was played in very windy and cold conditions on what felt like the true first day of winter for most of the field. Nearly every competitor improved their scores from day one to day two.
The win was just one more in a long and historic career for Exber who has won at least one tournament each year since 1991. While he doesn’t know exactly how many tournaments he has won, this writer put the estimate at about 100. Exber thought that number might be a little high but “in the ball park.”
Exber’s win in a senior event was a bit out of the ordinary because he rarely plays in the senior division locally. The Clark County was his only appearance in a senior tournament for the entire season.
“I like playing the short tees,” Exber said with a laugh about the first thing that came to his mind about the event. “What a lot of the guys were also talking about was how good the course conditions were. We were all very impressed with the course and the shape it was in.
“The key to playing Boulder Creek is to drive it well and I really drove it exceptionally well this week.”
Todd Roberts finished third with rounds of 79-69 to finish at four-over par after the tough 7-over par round, when he started the second round in sixth place. John Turk finished at 5-over par and in fourth following rounds of 74-75—149.
In the Super Senior Division, Jeffrey English recored rounds of 73-76—149 to win with a 5-over par total. Kevin Parrish finished five strokes back at 10-over par after firing rounds of 77-77—154. Bruce Swanson was third with rounds of 76-79—155.
In the net division, Kneivel, a longtime member of the SNGA, won and was followed by Brian McShane. Randy Burton finished third.
UNLV Golf Foundation Board Member Jim Bianco was the net winner of the Super Senior division. He was followed by John Kelley and Keith Redmann.
Bianco was surprised to have won, given that he didn’t feel like he played well, other than for the front nine of the second round.
“I’m kind of shocked to learn I won,” Bianco said. “I’m always happy to win something but I’m always so focused on the gross score. I guess with an 8-handicap I need to remember the net division.”
CLICK HERE for Pairings, Full Tournament Results and Course Statistics.
CLICK HERE for information on the SNGA Championship at Cascata Golf Club on December 17 & 18.
The Southern Nevada Golf Association would like to thank Boulder Creek Golf Club for hosting this event. We would also like to thank our sponsor, Las Vegas Golf & Tennis, for supporting the Association with all that we do.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1478903201527{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #fcfcfc !important;}”]UNLV freshman Justin Kim wins SNGA Las Vegas City Amateur
At Las Vegas Golf Club, UNLV freshman Justin Kim finished 8-under par over two rounds to win the historic Las Vegas City Amateur, a major tournament on the Southern Nevada Golf Association schedule. Jack Trent, a senior at Palo Verde who has orally committed to play for UNLV, finished second at 7-under par.
Kenny Ebalo was third at 6-under par and Kim’s current Rebel teammate, Justin Chong, tied for fourth at 5-under par with Grant Butler. Cameron Gambini, a junior at Arbor View, was the first round leader at 9-under par but shot a final round 1-over par to finish tied for sixth with Dudley Dillon.
Kim used a fourth-place finish in the tournament in 2015 as motivation in 2016.
“I played in this tournament last year with a lot of my future UNLV teammates and finished fourth and that’s what I first thought about after I won this year and I also thought about it leading up to the tournament,” Kim said. “It was great to come back and play with my current teammates and get the win this time.”
Kim made 11 birdies over the two rounds and opened up with a 6-under par, 64, on the par 70 layout used during the championship. Kim shot 68 during the final round to edge Trent.
“The key to the win was my shots off the tee and my shots to the green,” Kim said. “I was very accurate all weekend and then I dropped some nice putts. Everything really clicked at the right time and my ball striking was on point.”
There were several Rebels in the field and the team has made playing in this event an annual tradition. Also playing was Rebel assistant coach Philip Rowe, who finished in a tie for 14th. In 2015, Rebel senior and Coronado High School graduate Aj McInerney won the title.
Tony Herrell won the net division with a two-day adjusted total of 139 after rounds of 69-70. Kenneth Paul Jr was second at 142 with rounds of 70-71. Joel Washinsky finished third after rounds of 70-75—145.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1478094357355{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #fcfcfc !important;}”]There is a major streak happening in Las Vegas golf and Gary Carpendale is the author of it. After firing rounds of 68-67 to finish at 9-under par at Las Vegas Golf Club, Carpendale has won the prestigious Las Vegas City Senior Amateur four times in a row from 2013-16. In 2012, Carpendale lost in a playoff to Steve Fink or he would have a complete handful of trophies from one of Las Vegas golf’s most historic tournaments.
Peter Dunlap finished second by one shot while John Turk was third, three shots behind Carpendale.
“I think that is what stands out to me after this most recent win is that I have won it several times in a row against some very good players,” Carpendale said. “It’s great to play in SNGA tournaments and against such great players.”
Carpendale, the 2013 and 2015 SNGA Senior Player of the Year, withstood late charges by both Dunlap and Turk to earn the win.
“I was pretty consistent all weekend and I hit a lot of greens and fairways,” Carpendale said. “I also made some putts, especially in the final round, and that was important because I had to make some birdies on the back nine because Peter and John were playing well and pushing me.”
Carpendale, 57, not only has had success locally but nationally and internationally as well. He has qualified for the last two British Senior Amateur events and has also qualified twice for the U.S. Senior Amateur. This year he lost by a single shot to Brady Exber in the qualifier for the U.S. Senior Am.
In the Super Senior division, another previous winner of SNGA player of the year honors, Frank Abbott, was victorious. Abbott shot rounds of 68-70—138 to win going away by five shots over Steve Johnson who finished in second alone with rounds of 77-66—143.
Johnson’s tournament low round of 66 in the final round did make things a little more interesting. Jeffrey English and John Corbin tied for third at one-over par. Abbott made nine birdies during the two rounds en route to the victory and was never truly threatended.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1476300685748{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #fcfcfc !important;}”]Kenny Ebalo, the 2014 Southern Nevada Golf Association Player of the Year, won the Championship division of the SNGA Tour event played at Black Mountain on October 11, 2016. Ebalo fired a 3-over par 75 to defeat Jason Margetts by a single stroke.
Ebalo birdied the final two holes to narrowly escape with the victory. Margetts also birdied the final hole but it wasn’t enough.
Kyle Tickner fired an 81 to finish third and was followed by SNGA veteran Kelly Knievel who shot 84 and finished fourth.
In the Senior division, Michael Campbell won with a score of 82, finishing one stroke ahead of Joel Washinsky and Mike Zullo who each finished with scores of 83.
Multiple Player of the Year winner Frank Abbott continued his winning ways by recording a solid round of 74 to win the Super Senior division by two strokes over Kevin Parrish.Abbott birdied the par 5, 18th hole, while Parrish made a bogey. Richard Southwick shot 78 to finish third.
Black Mountain Golf and Country Club is one of the oldest courses in Las Vegas and has hosted multiple SNGA events over the years.
CLICK HERE for Pairings, Full Tournament Results and Course Statistics.
CLICK HERE for information on our next SNGA Tour event at Las Vegas Golf Club on October 21
The Southern Nevada Golf Association would like to thank Black Mountain Golf Club for hosting this event. We would also like to thank our sponsor, TaylorMade Golf Experience, for supporting the Association with all that we do.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Edward Fryatt, a former All-American at UNLV who also played on the PGA Tour before earning his amateur status back, qualified for the 2016 United States Mid-Amateur with a 1 over par round of 73 at Coyote Springs Golf Club. Darrell Lutey finished second at 2 over and Shane Sigsbee was third at 3 over.
Fryatt, 45, is now in the field for the prestigious U.S. Mid-Amateur scheduled for Sept. 10-15, 2016, at Stonewall Links in Everson, Pennsylvania. The tournament is for amateurs ages 25 or older and is an official national championship organized by the United States Golf Association.
Lutey is the first alternate while Sigsbee is the second alternate should any exempt players drop out of the tournament.
“It played tough out there and I had to keep ball in front of me and see if my score would be good enough,” Fryatt said. “I know I left some shots out there and you always think someone else is picking them up, so I didn’t know if 73 would be good enough until the last scorecard was turned in.”
Fryatt made a good putt on 18 but also missed one of similar length on 17 so it kind of evened out, he said.
He also was emotional about qualifying for another USGA national event.
“I am pretty soft about this stuff, I guess, but these are important to me,” Fryatt said. “I was not happy with how I played at the Pacific Coast Amateur and the US Amateur qualifier so it was nice to have one go my way. When I first got my amateur status back a couple years ago I qualified for a four-ball event and I thought it was like, ‘well, this is how it is going to be” but I have missed out on several ever since. … I got a little emotional when it hit me that I am getting to go play in another USGA event. Those were always huge deals to me.
“I have been looking at this event for two years because it is in the Philadelphia area and I get to see my brother who lives there. I really had been looking at this for two years since I got my amateur status back and told my brother about it. It means a lot to me to have the privilege to play in a USGA event. I don’t know how many more I will get to play in so I am very appreciative and thankful.”
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1470683552702{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #fcfcfc !important;}”]UNLV Golfer, Ben Davis captured the Cascata Amateur Championship title with a two day score of 139 one under par for the tournament. Davis won by five shots with Craig Erickson finishing in second place with a score of 144. The playing conditions were exceptional along with the weather at Cascata Golf Club. For complete results of the Cascata Amateur click here.
Ben Davis wins Championship Division of Cascata Amateur
Samuel Myers Senior Scratch Division
In the Senior Division, Samuel Myers led by 2 strokes over John Turk after to win the gross division with a total score of 145. The Senior Net Division, title went to Joe Rada.
In the Super Senior Division, Frank Abbott ran away with the title with a two day total of 145 and won by 8 strokes. The Super Senior Net Champion is Tom Richardson.
In the Net Division, Paul Kulon won the title with a two day score of 166. Todd Kirby finished in second place in the Net Division 9 shots back with a total two day score of 175.
CLICK HERE for Full Tournament Results and Course Statistics!
