RENO (June 7, 2026)–Nick Wood (Scratch) and Sam Bruketta (Net) won titles in the 2026 Northern Nevada Men’s Mid-Am. The two-day tournament was held June 6-7, 2026, at Sierra Sage Golf Course.–by Bill Bowman
Scratch
Nick Wood breezed to a 10-stroke victory in the Scratch Division, putting seven birdies on the scorecard over two days with just a pair of bogeys.
It was Wood’s first win since 2024 when he won the Nevada State Match Play as well as the Nevada State Mid-Amateur.
“It was a very good two days,” he said. “Yesterday it was real windy so that was a great round. Today wasn’t as good. I didn’t make as many putts.”
Wood said the key to his win was simple.
“I hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens,” he said. “That made it a pretty easy two days.”
But he added there’s still work to be done on his game.
“It’s frustrating when putts don’t fall,” he said. “But I did have a lot of tap-ins for par. The putter came out for the first time for the last few rounds but it may have to go back into hibernation.”
Wood said this win also bolsters his confidence as he prepares for the final stage of qualifying for the U.S. Senior Open.
He was medalist at a first stage qualifier and is now set to tee it up on June 15 for the chance to make it into the field for the prestigious 2026 U.S. Senior Open which will be held July 2-5, 2026, at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, OH.
“That’s my major goal, to get into the U.S. Senior Open,” he said. “I just need to keep hitting it straight, hit it on the green and make more putts. It’s exciting to have this chance.”
Scratch
Nick Wood, 68-69—137
Scott Diel, 75-72—147
Sean Goshert, 75-72—147
Net
Sam Bruketta played the first five holes of the final round in four-under-par (two net birdies, a net eagle and two pars) in winning the Net Division.
It was Bruketta’s first victory.
“One of my friends, Ryan Cadaret, said I should join Nevada Golf and play in tournaments and it was great,” he said. “I’ve played in a couple of the two-man events but this was my first individual tournament.”
He said he also had a little moral support.
“Another friend, Chris Detsch, came out today and caddied for me,” he said. “There’s just something about being out there with a friend. It was just another afternoon of golf and took off some of the pressure.”
Bruketta said his final round opening stretch was a welcome feeling.
“It was just an awesome start,” he said. “I just tried to hit the best shots possible and played pretty well. And the putter was hot and that really helped.”
Net
Sam Bruketta, 71-67—138
Arturo Estrada, 69-74—143
Daniel Cheeney, 70-76—146
