Josh Goldstein has solidified himself as one of the best players in Southern Nevada Golf Association history. The 2021 and 2022 Championship Division Player of the Year recently qualified for his 5th USGA event, the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Golf Championship. Each experience has been a dream come true for Goldstein.
“Every single one is just completely top notch,” said Goldstein about his USGA experiences. “They pick amazing courses, set the course up perfectly, and just provide a really great experience for all the players involved. It’s as close as I’m probably ever going to get to a tour experience. For some amateurs, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It still blows my mind to this day that I have qualified for five of them, six if you count a U.S. Open Final Qualifier a few years ago. It is super special every single time and I value every single event I get to play. They are the pinnacle of what we are striving for out here.”
Goldstein has played in the 2017, 2018 and 2023 USGA Fourball event in addition to the 2010 and 2017 U.S. Amateur. In 2023, he partnered with good friend Sean O’Donnell out of Arizona. They narrowly missed the cut when they couldn’t convert birdies down the stretch and then just missed coming out of a 10-for-2 team playoff for the final spot in match play.
“I just wish we had played one shot better,” said Goldstein, while sharing that he and his partner both had five quality birdie putts coming down the stretch but couldn’t hole any putts. “It was still an amazing experience, but this was our event of literally missing by one in regulation and then in the playoff.”
Goldstein’s week was highlighted by a holeout for birdie from 70 yards in the first round. The ball flew directly into the cup with such force it damaged the hole and play had to be delayed.
Goldstein always takes great pride in representing the Southern Nevada Golf Association, whether as the reigning player of the year or at a USGA event.
“We have a great group of guys out there, and I feel like I have said this a bunch this year, but I love going out and playing the in the SNGA because you usually get a really good group in the championship flight,” Goldstein said. “Everyone is really nice and fun to compete against. I find myself rooting for people who are playing with me. There is just a really good camaraderie out there.”
Fellow Southern Nevada Golf Association and Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association member Mason Snyder partnered with Phoenix amateur Adam Miller to make the cut. They lost in the round of 16. Snyder has committed to play golf at Loyola Marymount.
