After nearly two years or collaboration, the boards of the Southern Nevada and Northern Nevada golf associations are nearing completion of an agreement to become on Nevada Golf in 2026. Here is an excerpt of an upcoming article in Las Vegas Golf and Leisure Magazine that details the new deal. We will publish part two once the magazine is out.
You can visit www.LasVegasGolfandLeisure.com for more details
Silver State Amateur Golf Comes Together
The North and South don’t always get along—but Nevada’s amateur golf associations are proving that theory wrong.
By Brian Hurlburt
Big things are happening in Nevada amateur golf. As of Jan. 1, 2026, the Southern Nevada Golf Association (SNGA) and Northern Nevada Golf Association (NNGA) will officially tee off a new collaboration to unify the game across the Silver State.
Welcome, Nevada Golf!
But the question remains: Why Nevada Golf?
According to Nevada Golf officials, golf is #BetterTogether in 2026.
A new, unified board has been working behind the scenes for 12–18 months to make this happen, with the support of the United States Golf Association (USGA). Both the SNGA and NNGA are official USGA Allied Golf Associations, and a recent national trend has seen similar organizations collaborating to streamline USGA operations. A graphic included in this article highlights many of these partnerships—but now, all eyes are on Nevada as this major transition begins.
SNGA President Kenny Ebalo has attended several national USGA events in 2025, where Nevada’s amateur golf evolution has become a hot topic. Ebalo and NNGA President CJ Meert—along with SNGA Executive Director Ann Sunstrum and NNGA Executive Director Cameron MacGregor, PGA—are leading the charge.
Las Vegas Golf and Leisure Magazine writer Brian Hurlburt sat down with Kenny and CJ to learn what this change means for current and future members, for golf in Nevada, and for the future of the game in the Silver State. Hurlburt assists the SNGA and the state organization with writing and content.
For more details or to join, visit the new website: NevadaGolf.org.
The Big Picture
Q: What’s the first thing that comes to mind about this merger?
Ebalo: We are reestablishing the identity of the entire state. For too long, Nevada golf has been split. Unifying under “Nevada Golf” is good for our members and sets a strong example nationally.
Meert: Increased access for all players—both North and South. In Northern Nevada, our golf season usually ends in September or October due to the climate, and we freeze handicaps at that point. This merger allows our members to play year-round by participating in events in Southern Nevada without needing to join two separate associations. The same goes for Southern Nevada golfers, who can come north in the hot summer months.
Q: Why is this merger important?
Ebalo: The SNGA and NNGA are the arms of the USGA in Nevada—their boots on the ground. By coming together, we strengthen our role and become a more valuable partner to the USGA. It also streamlines membership, marketing, and business operations, making everything easier and more impactful. Combining our staffs also means more USGA-trained expertise, which is crucial for retaining Allied Association status.
Meert: It just makes sense. Combining reduces administrative costs and adds value for our members. If we can deliver better tournaments and services, it’s a win for everyone.
Member Benefits
Q: Why is this important for members?
Ebalo: Membership benefits expand significantly. Instead of being limited to regional offerings, members across the state can now share in all opportunities. For example, tournaments in both the North and South are now open to everyone. Benefits that once served 18,000 (South) or 10,000 (North) now serve nearly 28,000 golfers statewide.
Partnership with the USGA
Q: How does this merger strengthen Nevada Golf’s relationship with the USGA?
Ebalo: A unified Nevada Golf makes us a stronger, more valuable partner. The USGA offers a range of benefits—both business-related and for members. This also increases our visibility when the USGA considers hosting events, conferences, or other initiatives in our region. Communication and messaging from the USGA are much more effective when delivered through a single, unified organization.
Growth and Partnerships
Q: What excites you beyond the logistics?
Meert: We’re excited about new partnerships and marketing opportunities. By uniting, we’re combining strengths with other sports, community groups, and businesses statewide. That increases visibility and opens doors for our members. I’ve been impressed with the South’s growth model under Kenny’s leadership—more members, more partnerships. I’m excited to learn from that and also apply it in the North, while continuing to build on our own successes.
Tournaments and Events
Q: Will tournament schedules change?
Ebalo: The North and South regions will maintain their own schedules, but under one membership, golfers can now play in either region. The biggest change is that members can compete statewide. Our current “state tournaments”—our most prestigious events—may even expand, with better venues and increased visibility.