UNLV freshman Justin Kim wins SNGA Las Vegas City Amateur
At Las Vegas Golf Club, UNLV freshman Justin Kim finished 8-under par over two rounds to win the historic Las Vegas City Amateur, a major tournament on the Southern Nevada Golf Association schedule. Jack Trent, a senior at Palo Verde who has orally committed to play for UNLV, finished second at 7-under par.
Kenny Ebalo was third at 6-under par and Kim’s current Rebel teammate, Justin Chong, tied for fourth at 5-under par with Grant Butler. Cameron Gambini, a junior at Arbor View, was the first round leader at 9-under par but shot a final round 1-over par to finish tied for sixth with Dudley Dillon.
Kim used a fourth-place finish in the tournament in 2015 as motivation in 2016.
“I played in this tournament last year with a lot of my future UNLV teammates and finished fourth and that’s what I first thought about after I won this year and I also thought about it leading up to the tournament,” Kim said. “It was great to come back and play with my current teammates and get the win this time.”
Kim made 11 birdies over the two rounds and opened up with a 6-under par, 64, on the par 70 layout used during the championship. Kim shot 68 during the final round to edge Trent.
“The key to the win was my shots off the tee and my shots to the green,” Kim said. “I was very accurate all weekend and then I dropped some nice putts. Everything really clicked at the right time and my ball striking was on point.”
There were several Rebels in the field and the team has made playing in this event an annual tradition. Also playing was Rebel assistant coach Philip Rowe, who finished in a tie for 14th. In 2015, Rebel senior and Coronado High School graduate Aj McInerney won the title.
Tony Herrell won the net division with a two-day adjusted total of 139 after rounds of 69-70. Kenneth Paul Jr was second at 142 with rounds of 70-71. Joel Washinsky finished third after rounds of 70-75—145.
