For most senior golfers 55 and over, qualitying for the U.S. Senior Amateur is a lifelong dream. Once there, advancing to the match play portion following stroke play is the goal, prior to attempting to win the prestigious event. For Nevada Golf members Stephen Sear, Joe Sawaia, and Michael Ketchham, they each had a successful week in 2026.
The 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur was played Baltimore Country Club (East Course) in Lutherville, Md. August 29 – September 3.
Joe Sawaia (photo above), a Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame inductee, followed up his quarterfinals run in 2025 by making it to the final 16 prior to losing to Corby Segal 1 down.
Michael Ketcham, also from the Southern Region of Nevada Golf, advanced to the round of 32 with a victory over Lousiana’s Robby McWilliams in the round of 64. Ketcham lost to eventual champion Mike Sposa 2 and 1.
Stephen Sear, from Northern Nevada and the defending Nevada State Senior Amateur Champion, advanced to the round of 64 but wos knocked out by Iowa’s Jon Brown.
