NEW WASHOE CITY, NV (June 26, 2026)–Emily Byrne (Gross) and Joni Taylor (Net) won titles in the 2026 Northern Nevada Women’s Mid-Amateur. The tournament was also the qualifier for the 2026 Silver Cup team for the North. The two-day tournament was held June 25-26, 2026, at Toiyabe Golf Club.–by Bill Bowman
2026 Northern Nevada Women’s Mid-Amateur
Gross
Emily Byrne posted a one-under-par back nine in the final round–including an eagle on the 10th hole–in winning the Gross Division by one stroke.
It was Byrne’s second individual title of 2026 to go along with two team crowns.
“I’m so excited,” she said. “I didn’t expect to win this one at all.”
She said the eagle was one of the top bright spots of her tournament.
“The 10th hole was downwind and that helped me out a lot,” she said of the par-5 in the final round. “Somehow I got a lot of roll out of it and only had a pitching wedge in. That really got me going on the back nine.”
She added two birdies on the back nine and wound up with an even-par 72 for the day.
“I’ve never shot 72 before so that’s exciting,” she said. “Especially on a windy day. My putter really helped me out. I had a couple of long putts go in that really helped my confidence.”
She said her victories in 2026 came down to her mindset.
“I feel pretty confident out there,” she said, “I’m having fun and enjoying the game. I’m learning a lot of new things and just trying to be more consistent.”
And some of the new things she’s learning?
“I just want to stay calm in pressure situations,” she said. “I want to keep my head together especially after a bad shot. I try to take deep breaths and just focus on the next shot.”
Gross
Emily Byrne, 78-72—150
Christy Atencio, 74-77—151
Carolyn Smith Cressey, 78-76—154
Net
Joni Taylor posted three net eagles over the two days in winning the Net title.
It was Taylor’s first individual win of 2026. She teamed up with Sue Stacey to win the Flight 2 Gross crown in the 2026 Hat Cutler Women’s Team Series four-ball event.
“I don’t know how this happened,” Taylor said. “But it’s very exciting. It keeps me wanting to stay in the game and not give up.”
She said her game was solid over the two days but she added some parts of her game still need work.
“I’ll probably never get my distance back off the tee but my short game and putting are always things I need to practice…and prayers,” she said with a laugh.
She said the net eagles were a welcome sight on the scorecard.
“I didn’t realize I had three,” she said. “I’m getting more pops these days than I’m used to and I have to accept that.”
She said the tournament scene in the North seems to be getting better every time out.
“It’s always nice to come out and meet new ladies every tournament,” she said. “There’s a lot of new blood in these events and that’s great to see.”
Net
Joni Taylor, 72-70—142
Lynn Greer, 76-70—146
Cindy Hall, 75-73—148
2026 Silver Cup Qualifier
Katie Keller, North Co-Captain of the Silver Cup team along with Dana Chaiken, welcomed 20 players to this year’s team.
“We have some nice new blood on the team as well as some very good veterans,” Keller said. “We’re looking forward to coming down to Vegas and retaining the Cup.”
The yearly tournament will be held Nov. 8-10, 2026, at Las Vegas Country Club. The North won in 2025 snapping a two-year winning streak by the South.
Keller said playing on the road does present a challenge.
“We won’t be as familiar with the course as the South team but that’s the nature of the Silver Cup,” she said. “It will be interesting. We have a united group of ladies and we will figure out who matches up the best. We’re looking forward to that. It will be a fun experience.”
Qualifiers For The 2026 North Silver Cup Team
Tracy Mimno-Wirshing, Jeong Kendall, April Hackett, Carolyn Smith Cressey, Ruthie Maxwell, Lori Elliott, Elaine Walker, Cindy Hall, Lynn Greer, Christy Atencio, Janice Campbell, Joni Taylor, Emily Byrne, Katie Keller, Dana Chaiken, Carol Colwell, Anita Mackey, Irene Reznick, Lori Grace, Laura Smith.
Alternates: Angie Folk, Joey Pearlman, Jeanmarie Walsh, Sheri Bradley.
