Leaders and board members of the Southern Nevada Golf Association and Northern Nevada Golf Association are continuing talks towards a collaboration and merger in 2026. It is a move that is fully supported and urged by leaders from the United States Golf Association.
History shows that many organizations such as the NNGA and SNGA have come together to enhance access and benefits for golf members. Now the same is possibly happening in Nevada, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal recently published an article about the possibility, following several educational articles by the NNGA and SNGA.
The potential collaboration is still pending official approval by the boards of the SNGA and NNGA.
From the Review-Journal by Greg Robertson. Check out the article here:
The Southern Nevada Golf Association and Northern Nevada Golf Association expect to merge into one organization by the end of the year.
Officials for both groups say members will notice no difference other than an increased number of benefits previously unavailable because of the membership divide.
“It’s a win-win across the board for both organizations, and from the USGA’s standpoint, they don’t have to oversee two organizations,” SNGA president Kenny Ebalo said.
The plan calls for both groups to operate under one umbrella with satellite offices in Las Vegas and Reno. Operations and staff of about a dozen employees will remain untouched.
“The main reason to do it is there are so many cost benefits for us as both organizations join together,” said Ebalo, noting both pay for duplicate services through the USGA and other companies. “Us coming together eliminates some of those costs.”
NNGA executive director Cameron MacGregor agrees it is the best way forward.
“From a day-to-day standpoint, members won’t see any differences other than they’ll see a few more opportunities,” MacGregor said.
Those include benefits such as two-for-one discounts on rounds, reduced greens fees at some courses, and discounts on travel, food and equipment at certain locations.
“Members will have increased opportunities to play and to take advantage of offers available in both locations,” MacGregor said.
Ebalo noted it presents a perfect time for golfers to join the organization. Annual dues, depending on the level chosen, are more than made up with one two-for-one deal or discounted greens fees.
He also stressed members will not lose their identity with the merger.
“If you only want to stay and play in Southern Nevada, you can stay in Southern Nevada and get all the benefits if that’s what you want to do,” Ebalo said. “You just double your opportunities by being one state with one cost without having to join both organizations.”
State golf organizations work under the umbrella of the USGA and handle tasks such as administering the handicap system, overseeing course ratings and running dozens of tournaments each year. The SNGA has about 18,000 members, with another 8,000 or so in the NNGA.