Nevada Golf Rules Experts Honored With USGA Major Selections
Brian Hurlburt
There is no higher honor for an amateur rules official than to be selected by the United States Golf Association to work a professional or amateur major. In 2026, four Nevada Golf rules officials were selected to work a variety of national events including each given the responsiblity to oversee a hole at the U.S. Women’s Open at historic Riviera Country Club. Photo: Brand, May, Beckel, Quinn.
Tim Brand, Sue May, Rusty Beckel, and Tim Quinn each were honored and have had a busy summer.
“The first thing that came to my mind was how special it was,” said Brand, Southern Region executive director. “While the rules committee for the U.S. Women’s Open is larger than amateur championships, it is still a relatively small group, so to have four rules officials from Nevada selected was remarkable. The only state with more officials represented was California, since it was hosting the championship. For four of our officials to be invited to work such a prestigious event says a lot, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “I was incredibly honored to be selected, but having four officials from Nevada there made it even more meaningful. It really speaks to the quality of the rules officials we have in our state.”
Quinn, May, Beckel at U.S. Women’s Open
May is a Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame inductee, and enjoys the actual rulings, but working a USGA event is much more than that. She has been honored to work many events over the years.
“The friends I’ve made in the last 30 years, getting to travel to fantastic golf courses and different countries with them has been so special and is what I will always cherish,” May said.
Brand noted that a lot of work and success as a rules official goes into the selection process.
“You don’t get to work an event like the U.S. Women’s Open by chance,” Brand said. “First, you have to earn expert-level certification through the USGA Rules Workshop. Then you need to build a résumé by working major championships, NCAA regionals, NCAA championships and other high-level events before you’re even on the USGA’s radar.”
Quinn, like May, Brand and Beckel, has worked events locally and nationally, and is honored each time he gets the opportunity.
“The first thing I think about when I look back is the amazing golf we witness and amazing locations we witness that golf in at each event,” Quinn said. “And it is an honor to work with a terrific group of officials.”
Brand said Nevada Golf always welcomes new officials and those wanting to advance up the ranks.
“For anyone interested in becoming a rules official, this is the pinnacle,” Brand said. “You work your way up through local and regional events, and eventually you have the opportunity to earn assignments on the national stage. We’d love to see even more officials from Nevada follow that path.”
Please email [email protected] if you are interested in becoming a rules official.
Brand makes a ruling during the U.S. Women’s Open 2026.
