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 updated Points Race Information.
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.
