LAS VEGAS, NV (July 30, 2025)–Trent Virden, representing the Northern Nevada Golf Association, recorded six birdies in the final round and rallied to win the 2025 Nevada State Amateur. The tournament was held July 28-30, 2025, at Anthem Country Club.–by Bill Bowman, Las Vegas Golf Insider
Virden came into the final round three shots behind but three birdies in his first five holes put him squarely in contention en route to a three-stroke victory.
Virden not only won the state title but the victory also earned him an exemption into the U.S. Amateur which will be held at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, CA, on Aug. 11-17, 2025.
“This was definitely my biggest win since getting my amateur status back two years ago,” Virden said. “I came down here with earning that exemption in mind. I’m hoping to take this momentum into that tournament.”
Virden said getting back his amateur status–he did make it to the second stage of Korn Ferry qualifying one year after turning pro–hasn’t lessened the quality of fields in tournaments.
“You still feel the pressure any time you play in events like this,” Virden said. “You aren’t playing for money, but playing for something like an exemption definitely brings out the best in players.”
He added this tournament, as well as the U.S. Amateur, came at a good time work-wise.
“I run a mortgage branch in Reno,” he said. “My wife allows me to practice when work is a little slower and this was the perfect storm to work on my game, come down here and play and get the exemption.”
Virden said the final round played out perfectly for him.
“The key for me was the wind,” he said. “It picked up today and it looked like it made everyone else a little tighter. I’m used to the wind, playing in Northern Nevada, so I was pretty comfortable.”
In the end, Virden said mixing golf with work and family life is working out well for him.
“I have two kids now,” he said. “It’s a lot better playing against guys who have jobs and who aren’t trying to make a living at this game. We’re all out here still trying to get the job done. I just love to compete. Whether it’s golf, pickleball or ping pong, any time I’m in the mix to win something, it’s always a great feeling.”
2025 Nevada State Amateur
Trent Virden, 69-71-69—209
Ian Fritz, 68-71-73—212
Gabriel Smith, 74-72-67—213
Matt Mitchell, 72-71-70—213
Brett Sawaia, 72-65-76—213
Avery Lazarski, 68-70-75—213