Silver State Amateur Golf Comes Together
The North and South don’t always get along…
But Nevada’s amateur golf associations are proving that theory wrong.
Story by Brian Hurlburt
Big things are happening in Nevada amateur golf. As of Jan. 1, 2026, the Southern Nevada Golf Association (SNGA) and Northern Nevada Golf Association (NNGA) will officially tee off a new collaboration to unify the game across the Silver State.
Welcome, Nevada Golf!
But the question remains: Why Nevada Golf? According to Nevada Golf officials, golf is #BetterTogether in 2026.
A new, unified board has been working behind the scenes for 12–18 months to make this happen, with the support of the United States Golf Association (USGA). Both the SNGA and NNGA are official USGA Allied Golf Associations, and a recent national trend has seen similar organizations collaborating to streamline USGA operations. A graphic included in this article highlights many of these partnerships. Now, all eyes are on Nevada as this major transition begins.
SNGA President Kenny Ebalo attended several national USGA events in 2025, where Nevada’s amateur golf evolution has become a hot topic. Ebalo and NNGA President CJ Meert, along with SNGA Executive Director Ann Sunstrum and NNGA Executive Director Cameron MacGregor, PGA, are leading the charge.
Las Vegas Golf and Leisure Magazine writer Brian Hurlburt sat down with Kenny and CJ to learn what this change means for current and future members, for golf in Nevada, and for the future of the game in the Silver State. Hurlburt assists the SNGA and the state organization with writing and content.
For more details or to join, visit the new website: www.NevadaGolf.org
The Big Picture
Q: What’s the first thing that comes to mind about this merger?
Ebalo: We are reestablishing the identity of the entire state. For too long, Nevada golf has been split. Unifying under Nevada Golf is good for our members and sets a strong example nationally.
Meert: Increased access for all players, both North and South. In Northern Nevada, our golf season usually ends in September or October due to the climate, and we freeze handicaps at that point. This merger allows our members to play year-round by participating in events in Southern Nevada without needing to join two separate associations. The same goes for Southern Nevada golfers, who can come north in the hot summer months.
Q: Why is this merger important?
Ebalo: The SNGA and NNGA are the arms of the USGA in Nevada—their boots on the ground. By coming together, we strengthen our role and become a more valuable partner to the USGA. It also streamlines membership, marketing, and business operations, making everything easier and more impactful. Combining our staffs also means more USGA-trained expertise, which is crucial for retaining Allied Association status.
Meert: It just makes sense. Combining reduces administrative costs and adds value for our members. If we can deliver better tournaments and services, it’s a win for everyone.
Member Benefits
Q: Why is this important for members?
Ebalo: Membership benefits expand significantly. Instead of being limited to regional offerings, members across the state can now share in all opportunities. For example, tournaments in both the North and South are now open to everyone. Benefits that once served 18,000 (South) or 10,000 (North) now serve nearly 28,000 golfers statewide.
Partnership with the USGA
Q: How does this merger strengthen Nevada Golf’s relationship with the USGA?
Ebalo: A unified Nevada Golf makes us a stronger, more valuable partner. The USGA offers a range of benefits—both business-related and for members. This also increases our visibility when the USGA considers hosting events, conferences, or other initiatives in our region. Communication and messaging from the USGA are much more effective when delivered through a single, unified organization.
Growth and Partnerships
Q: What excites you beyond the logistics?
Meert: We’re excited about new partnerships and marketing opportunities. By uniting, we’re combining strengths with other sports, community groups, and businesses statewide. That increases visibility and opens doors for our members. I’ve been impressed with the South’s growth model under Kenny’s leadership—more members, more partnerships. I’m excited to learn from that and also apply it in the North, while continuing to build on our own successes.
Tournaments and Events
Q: Will tournament schedules change?
Ebalo: The North and South regions will maintain their own schedules, but under one membership, golfers can now play in either region. The biggest change is that members can compete statewide. Our current “state tournaments,” our most prestigious events, may even expand, with better venues and increased visibility.
Advocacy and Impact
Q: How does this merger help with larger golf-related issues?
Ebalo: Golf in Nevada contributes over $2 billion annually to the state’s economy. By combining memberships, Nevada Golf now represents nearly 28,000 voices. That’s powerful advocacy in Carson City and beyond—whether it’s addressing water issues in the South or fire management in the North.
Meert: Unified advocacy is crucial. In the North, we’ve faced course closures and high winter recovery costs. Having a larger, statewide voice, with the USGA behind us, will help protect and grow golf, and help more people understand the game’s broader impact.
Looking Ahead
Q: What else should members know?
Ebalo: Aside from the new name, members won’t see many changes day-to-day—except more benefits, more staff support, and more opportunities. From handicap services to rules questions to event support, we now have more resources statewide. We’ve also doubled our USGA expertise with more qualified staff trained at the highest level, key to maintaining our Allied Association status.
Meert: I want to commend Kenny and his team in the South. They’ve led the charge in drafting bylaws and structuring the merger. We’re all part of the team, but they’ve been the tip of the spear.
Final Thoughts
Q: Why should golfers be excited about Nevada Golf?
Ebalo: Members can look forward to more tournaments, expanded benefits, stronger partnerships, greater credibility with the USGA, and exciting new statewide rivalries. It’s all about strength in numbers.
Meert: At the end of the day, it’s about access and opportunity. Whether you’re from the North or South, you can now enjoy golf across the entire state with one membership. And the new opportunities coming for members are very exciting.
TOP 10 REASONS WHY NEVADA GOLF WILL BE EXTRA SPECIAL IN 2026
- More tournaments statewide
- Expanded member benefits
- Stronger partnership with the USGA
- Increased credibility and visibility
- Greater lobbying power for golf in Nevada
- A larger, stronger staff and support team
- Opportunities for statewide rivalries and championships
- Year-round golf access—snowbirds can play south in winter, and southern members can play north in cooler months
- More partnerships and sponsorship opportunities
- A stronger, unified identity for Nevada Golf
JOIN NOW
Silver State Member Benefits
Golf Benefits
- USGA Handicap Index®: Get an official handicap to track your game and compete in tournaments
- GreenSaver Golf Deals: Access discounts and 2-for-1 rounds of golf at various courses
- Home Course Rates: Receive special discounted rates at designated home courses
- Tournament Play: Participate in over 50 fun and competitive social events, tournaments, and championships
- Access: play private country clubs through Social Series events
- Free Magazines: Enjoy free subscription to Golf Digest and Las Vegas Golf and Leisure Magazine
- Member Tees Discounts: Save money via this national Member Tees membership on golf, retail, more
- Dining & Travel: Get access to over 700,000 discounts on dining, travel (including hotels and flights), and other experiences
- Additional Resources
- Community: Connect with other golfers by forming or joining an official Affiliate Club
Visit www.NevadaGolf.org to join today
Nevada Golf History
History of the Nevada State Golf Association, Northern Nevada Golf Association, and Southern Nevada Golf Association
Research into the early history of golf in Nevada is challenging, with limited documentation prior to 1965. However, records show that a Nevada State Golf Association (NSGA) existed as early as 1948, when the Nevada State Open was held at Washoe County Golf Course in Reno. Between 1948 and 1965, little was recorded, except that the NSGA organized various tournaments during those years. The Nevada State Amateur rotated between the northern and southern regions of the state until 1965.
That year, Stead Air Force Base was closed, leaving behind a nine-hole golf course. Washoe County assumed control of the facility, and golfer Francis Haase began playing there regularly. What started as casual rounds eventually evolved into weekly pro-ams. In the summer of 1968, Haase met with about 30 other golfers and founded the Stead Men’s Golf Club. Around this time, Haase also connected with John Whalen, and the two became pivotal figures in promoting golf throughout Nevada. Together, they re-formed the Nevada State Golf Association with a board composed of four directors from Northern Nevada and four from Southern Nevada.
Since 1966, these directors had been meeting annually and choosing a Las Vegas hotel as the host site for the Nevada State Amateur Golf Championship.
In 1972, Bob Ring, a northern director, suggested establishing a northern organization to manage tournaments on behalf of the NSGA. This group would operate on a trial basis, with the intention of creating a similar structure in the south if successful. The Northern Nevada chapter hosted multiple tournaments in 1973 and, in 1974, successfully staged the Nevada State Championship. That same year, John Whalen was named the first Executive Director of the Northern Nevada chapter.
In 1975, Whalen helped create the Southern Nevada chapter and served as its Executive Director until 1984. By the mid-1980s, momentum grew within the NSGA to formally convert the chapters into associations that would still operate under the statewide organization. This change was approved, and in 1988 the Nevada State Golf Association, Southern Nevada Golf Association (SNGA), and Northern Nevada Golf Association (NNGA) were officially incorporated. The state retained oversight of statewide tournaments, while the northern and southern associations conducted the events under its direction.
Over the years, the number of directors from each region on the statewide board has fluctuated, but it ultimately settled at six from the north and six from the south, creating a 12-member board. Haase and Whalen, fondly referred to as the “Haalen Duo,” were instrumental in shaping the golf landscape in Nevada, transforming it from a state with minimal competitive play in the 1950s and 1960s into one with a structured, thriving amateur golf scene.
This progress was made possible through the dedication of countless volunteers, whose contributions built a lasting foundation for the sport in Nevada. Moving forward, it remains vital to preserve this history while continuing to grow and promote the game.
As the guiding motto declares: “Golf for Nevada Golfers and All Golfers.”
