For this President, It’s all about the Game

Not to get overly political in an association newsletter, but when you take a moment to reflect on the current political landscape and the United States of America presidential election, it seems that it can become more about the individual candidates that what is in the best interest of this wonderful country. No matter your party affiliation, that’s probably something that most reading this article could agree upon if CNN or Fox News offered a poll about it.

However, members of the Southern Nevada Golf Association can rest easy knowing that isn’t the case for the leadership of this organization, the founding of which dates back to 1967. Current SNGA president Tim Quinn wants it known that the office isn’t about him, but completely about the association and how to best position the sport in Southern Nevada.

“I would expect most people reading this don’t really want to learn a lot about me, but probably want to hear about what we are accomplishing as an organization and what our future plans are,” says Quinn, a seven handicap who grew up playing the game in Wisconsin, developing a deep love of the sport even without playing competitively. “I am committed to helping the Southern Nevada Golf Association, and golf in general in this area, be sustainable for years and generations to come. The game has meant so much to me and so many others that I feel a responsibility to do what I can to make a positive difference.”

Quinn, who is in the insurance industry, moved to Las Vegas in 2001 to escape the epic Midwest winters and in search of year round golf. He found exactly what he was looking for in Las Vegas and the Southern Nevada golf community.

Shortly after the move to the west, Quinn became involved with the handicapping process at SilverStone Golf Club. He got involved with the SNGA because of that and soon became interested in the course rating process. Before he knew it, he was rating courses in addition to attending United States Golf Association rules of golf seminars. After qualifying and a lot of study, he became a rules official and started working tournaments.

From that on-the-course involvement, he became interested in the off-the-course processes of the SNGA. He was elected to the executive board in 2012 and was serving as the treasurer for the organization prior to taking over as the president April of last year.

Quinn is excited about the future of both the SNGA and golf, even while admitting there are challenges.

“I want to do everything in my power to make sure golf and golf courses are here forever,” said Quinn, noting that the recent closing of SilverStone was a “tragedy” for the homeowners surrounding the course and a huge disappointment for golfers. “I realize that the world is evolving and we need to create new initiatives to bring people to the game and entice current golfers to remain active, but we also need to balance that with the traditions of golf that are so important to many people. I think we can find a balance of both, and the USGA is doing a good job of getting creative by championing playing 9-holes instead of 18, at times, and also by understanding that a loosening of the rules for newer players can help welcome them to the sport. It’s important that the golf establishment be flexible when trying to bring new golfers to the sport. I am exciting about what we can do to grow the game.”

Quinn also stands firmly behind the role the SNGA can play in the future of junior golf in Southern Nevada. The association recently launched the Las Vegas Junior Golf Association and is assisting with the re-launch of the historic Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association. The SNGA staff and board are working cohesively with other local organizations, including the Southern Nevada Chapter, Southwest Section, PGA of America and the Professional Golf Management Program at UNLV, to help steward the next generation of golfers.

“I am very much committed to junior golf in Southern Nevada, and the people involved in creating a vibrant future for young golfers in this area are very dedicated to the cause,” says Quinn. “It is important to give as many kids opportunities in golf as possible, and to also identify the top players and help them reach their potential, whether it is playing in high school, earning a college scholarship or having a chance to live the dream of playing professional. Plus the game teaches so many life lessons and offers other opportunities off the course.”