The Nevada Open is a major gateway to up-and-coming amateurs and local professionals to the Web.com and PGA tours. Since the mid ‘90s, it’s made its mark in Mesquite as one of the best places to watch world-class players shoot consecutive rounds in the 60s, just like the big boys. Watching these guys on the final day, Nov. 10, I felt like I was watching a PGA event without the crowds — a great way to get up and close to real talent. This year’s event was nothing less than superb golf. More than 216 professionals and four amateurs participated in the longest running tournament in Nevada, competing for a total purse of $140,000 presented by Mesquite Gaming. That purse has increased from $125,000 just a year ago!
Here’s a list of past champions that cut their teeth at this event and gone on to play on the PGA tour: Robert Gamez, Keven Stadler, Tom Lehman, Vic Wilk, and Kevin Penner. Players who are currently still on the PGA tour include Tony Finau, Graham Delaet, and Tom Whitney. Other players include Craig Barlow and Boyd Summerhays, and let’s not forget our very own local Champion’s Tour professional, Jay Don Blake. It will be interesting to watch how the top 10 finishers from this year’s event will go on to be PGA tour competitors. They certainly have the talent for it, but it’s never a given, as we all know too well.
The last two years, The Nevada Open has given back to our community and the future growth of the game by donating $1,000 to the Mesquite Junior Golf Program. It’s also about bringing attention and exposure to the golfing communities of southern Utah and Mesquite.
Here are the top 10 money list winners from this year’s event. It was an exciting finish and very close with seven players scoring three rounds in the 60s!
1. Kevin Lucas, Folsom, California: 64-65-68 – 197 $28,000
2. Nick Killpack, St. George, Utah: 64-67-67 – 198 $14,714
3. Jeff Gove, La Quinta, California: 67-65-67 – 199 $9,520
4. Douglas Quinones, Sioux Falls, South Dakota: 68-65-68 – 201 $6,720
T5. Seann Harlingten, North Vancouver, British Columbia: 72-66-64 – 202 $4,847.50
T5. Jim Knous, Englewood, Colorado: 67-67-68 – 202 $4,847.50
T5. Taylor Hood, Corona, California: 65-65-72 – 202 $4,847.50
T5. Pete Fernandez, Costa Mesa, California: 70-63-69 – 202 $4,847.50
T6. Kyle Souza, Sonoma, California: 67-70-66 – 203 $3,780
T6. Bryan Kruse, Westminster, Colorado: 67-69-67 – 203 $3,780
T7. Hudson Carpenter, Stillwater, Minnesota: 70-64-69 – 203 $3,780
T8. Johnny Ruiz, Simi Valley, California: 70-66-68 – 204 $3,080
T8. Connor Tendall, North Potomac, Maryland: 71-68-65 – 204 $3,080
T9. Jessie Mueller, Phoenix, Arizona: 69-66-70 – 205 $2,450
T9. Gregor Main, Danville, California: 71-67-67 – 205 $2,450
T9. Benjamin Briscoe, San Clemente, California: 66-71-68 – 205 $2,450
T9. Joel Lynn, Lillington, North Carolina: 67-70-68 – 205 $2,450
T10. Michael McCage, Moorpark, California: 67-69-70 – 206 $2,030
T10. Jared Sawada, Mililani, Hawaii: 67-71-68 – 206 $2,030
Visit nvopen.com for all tournament scores.
Congratulations to all 65 players who made the money list in this year’s Nevada Open. A special thank you to the sponsors who continue to make it possible. Mesquite Gaming/CasaBlanca Resort-Casino, Virgin River Hotel-Casino, Eureka Casino-Resort and Mesquite Resort Association. See ya on the links and at next year’s event!
Articles related to “The Nevada Open enjoys a rich history in Mesquite”
Do PGA players and recreational golfers smoke pot on the golf course?
