Sign Ups Open For 2018 Nevada State Match Play in Reno

It’s one of golf’s ultimate battles: Match Play. And the 2018 Nevada State Match Play Championship unleashes just that format and will be for bragging rights in Nevada. This year’s event will be held Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2018, at Hidden Valley Country Club in Reno. The field is limited to 32 players and entries are still being accepted. Players must be a member of the SNGA or NNGA to enter. — By Bill Bowman, Las Vegas Golf Insider staff.

The one and done format is out this year, guaranteeing players at least two rounds. Plus, various club champions are being invited to participate to bring more prestige to the tournament, but others must be a four handicap or lower.

For more information or to sign up, click here. (golfgenius.com/pages/4175260310833228156) Registration closes on Sept. 17 for all players.

“This is going to be the year to see if we can get more people involved,” said Steve Rydel, Executive Director of the Northern Nevada Golf Association. “We are trying to get newbies involved and trying to get that club champion to see if he’s good enough to win beyond his club.”

Bradley Keyer from Southern Nevada is the defending champion as he beat Brigham Gibbs 3-and-1 for the 2017 title at Spanish Trail Country Club in Las Vegas. The format includes 18 holes of stroke play on the first day for seeding purposes. Then the head-to-head matches start leading up to the 36-hole finale on Wednesday, Oct. 3.

“The one-and-done format turned some people off in the past,” said Rydel. “With the one round of stroke play for seeding this year and one round guaranteed in match play, it gives players a little more incentive to give it a shot. We’ve had some historic trunk-slamming moments where the No. 1 seed gets knocked out early. With the seeding round, if you have a good day there’s a chance to be seeded higher and play someone closer to your talent. And if you play well that day, there’s always the chance to play well for the next few days. If you’re a club champion, pull your sticks out and give it a go.”