Jacob Dexter, representing the Northern Nevada Golf Association, won the 2023 Nevada State Mid-Amateur Championship. Dexter posted a three-day total of 71-71-70—212 to win the event which was held Aug. 10-12, 2023, at Red Hawk Golf and Resort’s Lakes Course.–by Bill Bowman, Las Vegas Golf Insider
It was Dexter’s first state title as he won the crown by five strokes over Daren Johnson, representing the SNGA.
For Dexter it came down to staying focused…despite plenty of ups and downs over the three days.
For the tournament, Dexter had an eagle, 11 birdies, six bogeys and three double bogeys. Add that up and you get one-under-par for the tournament.
“The biggest thing was staying mentally in the game,” he said. “I’d be playing well and then make a silly double bogey somewhere and then have to work my way back up.”
He added his mental attitude was really put to the test but he fought through it.
“It was tough to not get frustrated at times,” he said. “But in the end I was making a lot of birdies and I had tons of looks at birdies so I just tried to stay mentally in it the whole time.”
He said winning his first state title shows hard work pays off.
“I’m proud of myself,” he said. “It was an awesome three days despite a few bad shots. It was definitely a grind. I’m glad it’s over.”
Dexter added his job of being a real estate agent in Northern Nevada is also a positive for his golf game.
“I have very flexible hours so when I’m not doing showings or in meetings, I’ve got time to work on my game,” he said.
In the end, he said one hole stands out over his three-day run.
“It’s got to be the par-3 17th,” he said. “I played all of the par 3s really well but the 17th was really key. I parred it all three days. It’s long and it’s over water and you can’t go long because there’s a hazard behind it. I got up and down from a bunker twice for par and hit a good shot today and two-putted. The other two guys in my group double bogeyed it today so that really was big.”
2023 Nevada State Mid-Amateur Championship
Jacob Dexter, 71-71-70—212
Daren Johnson, 71-75-71—217
Grant McKay, 71-74-73-218