When asked what immediately comes to my mind about 2025, the word that stands out is busy—but in the best possible way. The year was defined by growth, opportunity, and a continued commitment to helping young golfers begin and advance their journeys in the game.
And right there along with that thought is a feeling of deep gratitude to the parents, junior golfers, host courses, donors, staff, volunteers, and everyone else who helped make 2025 a special year for the SNJGA.
There were many highlights for the SNJGA, including the recognition of our own John Woodside, who was named one of the Top 50 Operation 36 coaches in the country. That national acknowledgment serves as a major point of pride and validation for our organization and the Operation 36 program we have created over the last three years.
IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS Mini tour participants – 90 Operation 36 students – 89 Tournament players – more than 150 Scholarship $$ awarded to members $46,000 from SNJGA, plus $20,000 in partnership with Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame Membership surpassed 1500 kids Over 200 kids attended clinics co-hosted with the PGA chapter About 9000 rounds played for $5 or less via the Youth on Course program
Tournament participation also reached impressive levels, led by our tournament director and 2025 Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame inductee Joe Sawaia who was honored in November during the Night of Induction at HyperX Arena. He and former SNJGA star Grant McKay brought vision and expertise and led our SNJGA Tour to an impressive number of tournament days and high-level of golf. Plus, our travel teams competed well and built memories of a lifetime.
Also, we launched the Southern Nevada Junior Golf Mini Tour with impressive results and schedule. The Mini Tour offers competitive structure starting at age 6—something viewed as critical to long-term development of our golfers and the SNJGA.
Perhaps the most impactful achievement of 2025 was the organization’s scholarship program. In 2025, we awarded $46,000 to young golfers, helping families offset costs and opening doors for those who may not otherwise have access to higher education—or, at least, making college more affordable for them. When the two Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame Bill and Susan Walters Scholarships are included, the total reaches $66,000.
Youth on Course, which allowed our members to play approximately 9,000 rounds at numerous courses for $5 or less, continues to make golf more accessible to kids from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Looking ahead to 2026, the focus is simple: build on our momentum. The goal remains to put clubs in more kids’ hands, provide meaningful competitive experiences, create fun and meaningful growth opportunities, and support young players as they shape their futures through all of our programming.
Junior golf, at its core, teaches discipline, fosters relationships, and prepares kids for future careers, whether in golf or beyond. This is a mission that our board and staff will stay committed to in 2026 and beyond.
Once again, thank you and we will see you on the course in 2026!
A Year of Momentum: Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026
By Tim Quinn, President
When asked what immediately comes to my mind about 2025, the word that stands out is busy—but in the best possible way. The year was defined by growth, opportunity, and a continued commitment to helping young golfers begin and advance their journeys in the game.
And right there along with that thought is a feeling of deep gratitude to the parents, junior golfers, host courses, donors, staff, volunteers, and everyone else who helped make 2025 a special year for the SNJGA.
There were many highlights for the SNJGA, including the recognition of our own John Woodside, who was named one of the Top 50 Operation 36 coaches in the country. That national acknowledgment serves as a major point of pride and validation for our organization and the Operation 36 program we have created over the last three years.
IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS
Mini tour participants – 90
Operation 36 students – 89
Tournament players – more than 150
Scholarship $$ awarded to members $46,000 from SNJGA, plus $20,000 in partnership with Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame
Membership surpassed 1500 kids
Over 200 kids attended clinics co-hosted with the PGA chapter
About 9000 rounds played for $5 or less via the Youth on Course program
Tournament participation also reached impressive levels, led by our tournament director and 2025 Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame inductee Joe Sawaia who was honored in November during the Night of Induction at HyperX Arena. He and former SNJGA star Grant McKay brought vision and expertise and led our SNJGA Tour to an impressive number of tournament days and high-level of golf. Plus, our travel teams competed well and built memories of a lifetime.
Also, we launched the Southern Nevada Junior Golf Mini Tour with impressive results and schedule. The Mini Tour offers competitive structure starting at age 6—something viewed as critical to long-term development of our golfers and the SNJGA.
Perhaps the most impactful achievement of 2025 was the organization’s scholarship program. In 2025, we awarded $46,000 to young golfers, helping families offset costs and opening doors for those who may not otherwise have access to higher education—or, at least, making college more affordable for them. When the two Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame Bill and Susan Walters Scholarships are included, the total reaches $66,000.
Youth on Course, which allowed our members to play approximately 9,000 rounds at numerous courses for $5 or less, continues to make golf more accessible to kids from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Looking ahead to 2026, the focus is simple: build on our momentum. The goal remains to put clubs in more kids’ hands, provide meaningful competitive experiences, create fun and meaningful growth opportunities, and support young players as they shape their futures through all of our programming.
Junior golf, at its core, teaches discipline, fosters relationships, and prepares kids for future careers, whether in golf or beyond. This is a mission that our board and staff will stay committed to in 2026 and beyond.
Once again, thank you and we will see you on the course in 2026!
Categories
Recent Post