During some of the toughest weather conditions of the 2009 tournament season, 162 players tee'd off of the

Boulder Creek Golf Club with cold hands and strong desires to become the next Clark County Champion. The 2009 Clark County Amateur was held on November 12-15 at Boul-der Creek Golf Club in Boulder City Nevada. Four days of grit and glory helped determine 6 champions in as many divisions. Joe Sawaia defeated Brady Exber on the 415 yard Par 4 first hole of a sudden death playoff by chipping in for birdie. The birdie clinched the Scratch Division County Am Title for Smokin Joe, and gave him his second tournament victory of the 2009 SNGA season. Joe's other victory came on the same track earlier this year in the Medalist Boulder Creek Amateur, prov-ing that he truly owns Boulder Creek and its slippery greens. After a solid 68 (-4) on day one, Joe held a one stroke lead on Brady (69) while Joe's Coronado High School Golf protege, AJ McInerney, was looming only two strokes back at 70 (-2). Rounding out the final pairing for day 2 was SNGA Player of the Year Points Leader Josh Vornsand who fired a steady 72 (E). On day two, the chilling air and brutal wind kept the scores higher than usual and the players on their heels as temperatures and wind chills continued to go lower. Joe and Brady went at each other for 18 holes only to come to a dead even hault after the completion of play. Each had amounted a two day total of 142 (-2) and would head to the first hole of the Desert Hawk 9 to determine a winner. After a decent drive and a mediocre second shot, Joe dug deep and holed out a chip from off the green for birdie to win in dramatic fashion. Continued on Page 5

Issue Nov.

2009 Clark County Amateur In This Issue >>>

Joe Sawaia defeats Brady Exber on the First Playoff Hole

The Official Newsletter of the Southern Nevada Golf Association

1. Clark County Amateur 2. Rio Secco Golf Club 3. SNGA Cleveland Golf Grand Finale 4. Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame 5. Lady Rebel 9 Hole Fun Scramble

The Grind

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Misunderstood Rules by Casey Mersch >>> Situations in a Bunker

Bunkers are an integral part of almost all course designs in the world. When lying in a bunker, there are some unique situations that are discussed in the USGA Rules of Golf. It is important to be cognizant of these unique situations to avoid penalties during a stipulated round. First, a “bunker” is defined in the Rules of Golf as, “a hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground, often a hollow, from which turf or soil has been removed and replaced with sand or the like. Grass-covered ground bordering or within a bunker, including a stacked turf face (whether grass-covered or earthen) is not part of the bunker. A wall or lip of the bunker not covered with grass is part of the bunker. The margin of the bunker extends vertically upwards, but not downwards. A ball is in the bunker when any part of it lies in or touches the bunker.” SITUATION 1: Can a player touch the sand in the bunker with his club at address? No, this is a breach of Rule 13-4 (General Penalty in Stroke Play is 2 strokes; General Penalty in Match Play is Loss of Hole). SITUATION 2: Can a player place his/her clubs and/or bag not being used for the shot next to him/her in a bunker? Yes, this is exception 1 to Rule 13-4. SITUATION 3: Can a player take a practice swing in a bunker? No, this is again a breach of Rule 13-4. (General Penalty in Stroke Play is 2 strokes, General Penalty in Match Play is Loss of Hole). The penalty is only incurred once, no matter how many practice swings are taken. Decision 13-4/3 SITUATION 4: Can a player touch the sand on the backswing for a stroke in a bunker? No, this is again a breach of Rule 13-4. (General Penalty in Stroke Play is 2 strokes; General Penalty in Match Play is Loss of Hole). Decision 13-4/31. SITUATION 5: Can a player rake footprints between his ball and the hole (on his line of play) before playing a stroke from the bunker? No, this is a breach of Rule 13-2. (General Penalty in Stroke Play is 2 strokes; General Penalty in Match Play is Loss of Hole). Decision 13-2/28 SITUATION 6: Can a player rake footprints from a previous shot in the bunker when his ball still lies in the same bunker? Yes, provided the raking does not breach Rule 13-2 (improving lie, stance, area of intended swing, or line of play) for the upcoming shot. Decision 13-4/36 SITUATION 7: Can a player rake the area intended for a drop after playing a ball from a bunker to an area that is out of bounds? Yes, this action is permissible. Before Dropping, a player could even take practice swings from the bunker in this situation. Decision 13-4/37 For further reference on the USGA’s Decisions regarding play from a bunker, please reference the Decisions on the Rules of Golf pages 155-183.

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>>> SNGA Cleveland Golf Grand Finale

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On a perfect Saturday in Summerlin, sixty of the SNGA's finest arrived at Highland Falls Golf Club to partici-pate in the final event in 2009. The SNGA Cleveland Golf Grand Finale was full of events throughout the day that kept the staff and contestants occupied. Cleveland Golf, the chief sponsor for the event, was on hand for a demo day and to answer any questions from the players regarding USGA club changes and rules. Chuck Buys, Senior Rules Official for the USGA and SNGA provided a Rules Clinic on the practice facility at the club before play began.

When the 11 o'clock shotgun began the Scratch and Net divisional points races were as tight as could be expected. In the Net division, Tom Seidl had taken an 8 (approx.) point lead over George Yocum with only 18 holes to play. In the Scratch Division, Craig Erickson trailed Josh Vornsand by only 25 points and a victory would assure Craig a share of the Player of the Year crown for 2009.Brady Exber showed the most consistency as the greens showed a bit of confusion for many of the players dur-ing the event. Brady's steady 72 (E) was good enough to take home the crown in the Scratch Division. Mark Scott had a solid day even with alot of missed opportunities. His 74 (+2) propelled him into sole possession of second place. Craig Erickson finished in third place with a strong showing at 75 (+3), but was unable to win the event and move himself up the Player of The Year points list.

In the Net Division, Rob Zoine returned to his old form, firing an impressive 71 (-1) to win the divisional event by 2 over George Yocum and Chris Boyer (73). George's Tie for 2nd place moved him ever so slightly ahead of

Tom Seidl in the points race. Tom finished 3 shots back at 76. In the Senior Scratch Division, Tom Hyland fired a smooth even par 72 to edge out Gary Lanzen (73) for the win. tom has been playing very well since his return from the east coast this summer. Frank Acker finished in third place with a 77 (+5). In the Senior Net Division, Rodger Reeves bounced back from a disappointing showing at the Clark County Amateur with a first place finish and a great round of 70 (-2) Net. Rodger went out with something to prove and played aggressive and consistent all day long. Burke Cahill finished in second with a 74 (+2) Net, despite having to deal with some lower back issues the past two weeks. Tony Caiazzo scrambled to a 76 (+4) and a third place finish.

In the Super Senior Division, newcomer Ed Stocklen fired an impressive 76 (+4) to take home Low Scratch Honors. Mike Bridges shot 67 (-5) Net to win the Super Senior Net Division and edge out 2nd place finisher Dennis Gomez (68 Net) by one stroke. Russ Gard finished in sole third place, shooting 76 (+4) Net. The SNGA would like to thank all the participants in the first annual SNGA Cleveland Golf Grand Finale. We would also like to thank all the volunteers, Golf Club operators, staff, board members, and sponsors who helped make the 2009 SNGA Tournament Season such a suc-cess. Have a happy holiday season and we will see you next year.

>>> SNGA Rules Clinic Hosted by USGA Official Chuck Buys

On November 21st before the SNGA Cleveland Golf Grand Finale, the SNGA Members were blessed with the opportunity to partake in a hands on Rules Clinic put on by the one and only Chuck Buys, a senior USGA Rules Official and great volunteer of the Association. The hour long clinic included hands on information about general Rules of Golf, specific cases, and special situations. Chuck provided the crowd with the opportunity to participate in on course activities so they could better visualize the situations that often arise when playing a round. Chuck has been involved with the SNGA for many years and has helped shape the association

by becoming one of the most knowledgeable rules officials around. For many years players and staff alike have been lucky to have the man in the cowboy hat with the cigar make his way over to answer the difficult questions. Chuck is a retired Army veteran and an avid volunteer in USGA, PGA, and Local Association events. Chuck is one of a handful of Las Vegas resi-dents that have scored high enough on the USGA Rules Test to participate as an official in Rules Events for USGA Sanctioned Events. After the conclusion of the clinic Chuck was awarded a present from Executive Director Nicole Dutt-Roberts and SNGA Board Member Mike Bridges for his outstanding contribu-tions to The Southern Nevada Golf Association and the game of golf in Southern Nevada.

Clark County Amateur (Continued from page 1) >>>

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In the Net Division, Chris Boyer threw an amazing round together on day one to distance himself from the field. Chris' 63 (-9) Net gave him a large lead over Paudie O'Connor who shot 69 (-3) Net. Tom Seidl and Steady Ed Beslow fin-ished the day tied for 3rd at 71 (-1). On day two the cold played a huge role in

the scores as only Robert Nelson 71 (-1) was able to keep it under par. In the end Chris was able to hold off all comers, shooting a decent 75 (+3). In the end Chris shot two great round and ended with a two day total of 138 (-6), besting the field by 9 shots. In the Senior Scratch Division Brady Exber fired 67 (-5), 72 (E) for a two day total of 139 (-5), besting long time friend Frank Acker (140) by one shot. This was Brady's first Senior Division victory this year and his third victory overall in 2009 SNGA Tourna-

ments. Frank, a lock for the 2009 Player of the Year in the Senior Scratch Divi-sion, was hot on Brady's heals making for an exciting final day. Tom Hyland shot 69 (-3) on day two, the low round of the day, to finish in third place at 143 (-1). Ron Ramsey finished tied for 5th at 147 (+3) but left the proud owner of a hole in one on the par 3 189 yard 8th hole. Con-gratulations Ron! The Senior Net Division had an unlikely but well deserving champion this year. Frank Acker, a plus 1 handicap, was able to win the Senior Net Division, firing two solid rounds of 69 (-3), and 73 (+1) net for a two day total of 142 (-2). This is Frank's first Senior Net win and his fourth tournament title of 2009. Steve Fink, winner of the

2009 Las Vegas City Amateur, finished tied for second place with Tim Heffner at even par net (144). Burke Cahill finished in fourth place with a two day total of 145 (+1). In the Super Senior Scratch Division, long time Nevada resident and State Senator, Bob Coffin held off the pack firing two solid rounds of 76,75 for a two day total of 151 (+7). Bob held off Severine Leoffler (157) and Steve

Johnson (159) to claim the title for the 60+ age division. Tom Khamis emerged as the victor of the Super Senior Net Division firing a two day total of 143 (-1) to defeat long time SNGA member Bill Scheer (144) by one shot. This was Tom's first victory of 2009. Mike Bridges finished in sole pos-session of third place at 145 (+1). The SNGA would like to thank all the competitors, volunteers, sponsors, and Boulder Creek Golf Club for a spectacular event. The SNGA season is almost over with only the SNGA Cleveland Golf Grand Finale ahead of us. We look forward to the 2010 season and the great events encompassed in the upcoming year.

“If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play at it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf.” -- Bob Hope

thoughts... final

Las Vegas National Golf Club Site of the 2009 SNGA Season Opener

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SNGA and Lady Rebel 9 Hole Fun Scramble >>>

A perfect day at SNGA’s home course, Highland Falls Golf Club, welcomed participants for SNGA’s inaugural Lady Rebel’s 9 Hole Fun Scramble to benefit the women’s golf team. The players were treated to a short game clinic taught by Head Coach Missy Ringler, Assistant Coach, Amy Bush, & Cleveland Golf’s repre-sentative, Tim Shaver, before they were escorted to their carts for a grueling 9 hole scramble. Each team consisted of 4 SNGA members and 1 Lady Rebel fighting it out for gift certificates for the golf shop.

After 9 holes of very impressive shot making by all, the competitors returned to the club-house to enjoy wine, compliments of Southern Wine & Spirits and support the raffle with prizes donated by Tim Shaver of Cleveland Golf. A live auction took place for 2 rounds of golf at SouthShore Golf Club and 2 nights at the Villas, donated by Mark Mushkin of Vacation Villas. The live auction was a big hit and came down to a battle between two friends to see who wanted this great package of incredible golf and luxury accommoda-tions! The big winner of course, the Lady Rebel’s Golf team with a total of $825.00 raised to help by equipment for the team.

As the dust cleared it was the team of Mandi Incorvaia that took top honors over the team of Ellis Keenan by .5. The Lady Rebels had so much fun, that another event is being planned for spring of 2010. Visit SNGA’s website at www.snga.org and click on tournament schedule to see what is coming up in 2010 that you may want to be a part of.

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