Larry McGovern served the United States of America for 30 years as a decorated United States Air Force pilot and leader. He also served the Southern Nevada Golf Association for two decades as a board member, United States Golf Association rules official, and executive director. He was also a leader with the Nevada State Golf Association. Photo: Larry McGovern, Sue May, Tom Kilmer, Chuck Buys.
McGovern passed away July 2, 2026, at the age of 92. Services are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to https://southernnevadajuniorgolf.com/donate/
McGovern began his USAF career in 1956 and retired as a colonel. He flew several types of aircraft and completed combat missions and tours in Germany, Holloman, Da Nang, George, Takhli, and Homestead before ending his career at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, known as the “Home of the Fighter Pilot.” There, he commanded the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, where he trained allied pilots to fly the F-4 Phantom.
“With the passing of Larry McGovern, we lost a former Southern Nevada Golf Association executive director who was a key contributor in so many ways, including helping bring handicap technology to Nevada through GHIN. He also helped increase membership and expand tournaments,” said Ann Sunstrum, Nevada Golf CEO. “He was an American hero as a 30-year Air Force veteran, and we thank him for his service. He will be missed, but his passion for Southern Nevada golf lives on with us at Nevada Golf every day.”
Sue May, a fellow USGA rules official who was inducted into the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame, was McGovern’s life partner.
“Larry loved Southern Nevada golf, and he never sought the spotlight—he just quietly did the work and made the organization better,” May said. “He took great pride in building the association and serving golfers throughout Southern Nevada. Larry was a respected USGA rules official who served on national committees and traveled to championships because people trusted his knowledge and professionalism. He’ll always be remembered for his quiet leadership. He simply wanted to help the game and to play the game he loved.”
In a VegasGolfer Magazine article in June 2005, McGovern reminisced about one of his greatest golf days, when he made a hole-in-one on a 189-yard par-3 hole at Frankfurt Country Club in Germany. He used a 4-iron. He also shared his passion for the Southern Nevada golf community.
“I enjoy working in golf and around golf professionals,” McGovern said. “Golfers, in general, are a happy bunch, and there’s nothing more invigorating than a golf course early in the morning before anyone else is out there. When we are out there setting it up for a tournament, the course is still pure and untouched.”
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