Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Playoff birdie clinches area amateur title

John Vornsand

Courtesy photo

John Vornsand displays his award for winning the Clark County Amateur golf tournament.

When Henderson golfer Josh Vornsand beat Matt Edwards in a sudden death playoff for the Clark County Amateur title on Nov. 16, it didn't feel like a pressure situation.

The two had been teammates on Coronado High's state championship teams in 2002 and 2003, which made the weekend round at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City seem like old times.

"I was really glad to be in this group because Matt and I have played so many rounds together that there was no pressure," Vornsand said. "It was just a fun day."

After tieing Edwards with a two-round 140 on the par-72, 7,298-yard course, Vornsand birdied the first hole in the playoff to get his second Southern Nevada Golf Association win of 2008.

Vornsand was five shots behind Edwards after shooting a 73 on the first day. He recovered by shooting 5-under par in the second round.

"I took my time hitting off the tee to get it on the green and then I made the putt," Vornsand said. I have been working so hard on my putting and chipping that it was nice to see it pay off."

Both Edwards and Vornsand plan to compete at the Nevada Open Golf Championship Dec. 9 to 11 in Mesquite, and then compete in the PGA's Gateway Tour, a developmental tour on the west coast that is comparable to Double-A minor league baseball.

The Coronado-themed weekend continued as the school's coach, Joe Sawaia, took third behind his former golfers with a 144.

Exber won the senior division, held Nov. 13 and 14, however he was disappointed with his performance in the windy conditions during the scratch tournament.

"I have played enough golf in the wind to know how to handle it, so there are no excuses," Exber said. "In this game you have to be your toughest critic. You have to be honest with yourself or you're never going to get any better."

Henderson golfer Mark Easton won the net division with 137 on an 11 handicap.

"My putting was awesome on both days," Easton said. "This is really special for me. I was a longshot coming into this."

Sean Ammerman can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].

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