Pictured: Stephen Sear
The 2016 Nevada State Amateur took place July 9th-11th in Boulder City at Cascata Golf Club. This years event consisted of a number of past champions including Brady Exber, Ed Fryatt, and defending champion Stephen Sear. 51 came into the event looking to add their name to the illustrious list of past Nevada State Champions.
Recent UNLV graduate AJ McInerney jumped out to an early advantage in Round 1 with a -1 front nine, leading to a 3-under par 69. McInerney, who is turning pro in the near future, had plenty of company atop the leaderboard as past champions Ed Fryatt and Stephen Sear trailed by 1 shot after posting 2-under rounds of 70.
Coming into the Second Round, high winds and poor scoring conditions were expected, which lead to many players dropping back in the field. Round 1 leader McInerney had his game in cruise control on the front nine before a stumble on the back nine leader to a day two 76. This left the door open for fellow UNLV teammate Ben Davis and Andrew Chu to shoot to vault up the leaderboard by shooting impressive 2-under 70’s. Including Chu, five other players were hanging around the top of the leaderboard, all within five shots.
The final group in Round 3 featured plenty of firepower with ’15 champion Stephen Sear, ’92 champion Ed Fryatt, and UNLV golfer Ben Davis. Even though winds were blowing early in the morning, players felt they had an opportunity to put the pedal to the metal and force the other players in the field to play catchup. Making the turn onto the back 9, Davis and Fryatt held a share of the lead with defending champion trailing by 1 shot. After an eagle on 16 and bogey on 17, Stephen Sear (-1 thru 17) knew he only had to make par to join the select group of back-to-back Nevada State Amateur Champions as McInereny was in the clubhouse with an even par 216. After a solid 2-putt, Sears accomplished his goal and hoisted the State Championship Trophy for the second year in a row.
CLICK HERE for Complete Results
CLICK HERE for Updated Points Races
The Nevada State Golf Association would like to thank Eric Dutt, Andy Elliott and the entire staff at Cascata Golf Club for making the 2016 edition of the event a first class experience!
