LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Aug. 5, 2018)–For Michael “Mick” Godfrey and Al Kueker, it was the ultimate golf marathon. The two played 36 holes of stroke-play qualifying followed by two heads-up matches in the match-play rounds before meeting in the finale of the 2018 Nevada State Net Amateur. In the end, it was Godfrey winning the crown with a 2-up victory. — By Bill Bowman, Las Vegas Golf Insider staff.
The tournament was held Aug. 3-5, 2018, at Las Vegas National Golf Club.
Godfrey was the No. 1 seed heading into the match-play portion while Kueker, who plays out of Desert Willow in Henderson, was the No. 2 seed so it was only fitting they would square off in the finale.
“You never think you’re going to win but I thought I could be competitive,” Godfrey said. “I just kept plugging away and doing my best. With such a talented field, anyone could have won. Lucky enough, it was my weekend.”
The finale was a see-saw affair with Kueker going 1-up through four holes before Godfrey won three straight holes to take a 2-up lead of his own.
Kueker returned the favor, winning back-to-back holes and the players headed to the back nine all-square. Heading to the 17th tee, the match was still even.
Godfrey then won the final two holes for the victory.
“My short game and putting were good all weekend,” Godfrey said. “My short game did disappear for a few holes (the first few holes of the title match) but I got it back together at the end in time to win.”
Godfrey also won the 2017 Southern Nevada Championship crown (Net Division), also played at Las Vegas National, his home course.
“I think this is my favorite course,” he said with a laugh. “I think maybe every tournament should be played here.”
2018 Nevada State Net Amateur
Quarterfinals
Michael Godfrey def. Robert Taylor, 8-and-7
Jason Buckholz def. Jim Cail, 20 holes
Al Kueker def. Allen Grant, 2-and-1
Hendra Wijaya def. William White, 4-and-2
Semifinals
Godfrey def. Buckholz, 2-up
Kueker def. Wijaya, 2-up
Finals
Godfrey def. Kueker, 2-up