When Nevada women amateur golfers are asked about their favorite tournaments, the prestigious annual Silver Cup team competition between the North and South is always at the top of the list. The qualification-only event is scheduled for Sept. 12-14, 2023, at Dayton Valley Golf Club in Northern Nevada.
For Southern Nevada golfers, the Southern Nevada Amateur May 15-16 at Las Vegas National also serves as the Silver Cup qualifier. Information is available at this link.
“I believe the history of the event is what makes it special,” says Ronda Henderson, a Southern Nevada golfer who has played in the event several times. “It’s a fierce but friendly three days of match play golf. The Silver Cup is amateur golf at its finest, whether the matches are between two 15 handicappers or two single-digit handicappers. Each player is grinding it out, giving all they have, to win that point for their side.”
Well, that about says it all.
The Silver Cup originated in 1993 to help heal a fracture between state representatives from the North and South, and was inspired by professional golf’s Ryder and Solheim cups. Many believed the matches would bring golfers from the opposite ends of the state closer together, while others thought the matches would only worsen the divide. Southern Nevada founders Brenda Knott and Sue May worked with Pam Whalen from Northern Nevada to create the Silver Cup. The inaugural cup was hosted and won by the North. The Southern Nevada team hosted and won in year two.
More than two decades later, the Silver Cup has proven successful, and earning a spot on the team is a goal for women amateurs throughout the state. The competition is spirited, and the camaraderie is appreciated by the competitors.
The North leads the competition 17-12 and is coming off a victory in the 2022 event that was played at Reflection Bay Golf Club.
“We try to make this a fun tournament,” says Joanne Bower, co-captain of the 2022 North team. “Sure, both teams want to win but this event started out so the North and South could make friendships and it’s done that … and more.”
