Peter Benton: Brady Exber honored

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

THE BEAUTIFUL new clubhouse at Badlands Golf Club was the scene for the Southern Nevada Golf Association's annual dinner and awards banquet.

To the delight of all in attendance, Brady Exber, the epitome of an amateur sportsman, was introduced as the association's 1996 Player of the Year.

This popular winner accumulated 251 points on the tournament leader board to narrowly edge close friend and former titleholder Frank Acker, who totaled 224. Third place with 200 points went to Lee Winston.

Jim Licausi's 148-point total eked out a narrow victory in the net division. Chris Piper (144) placed second and Tom McWillie (135) was third.

Without taking anything away from Licausi's win, it should be noted that had McWillie attended the two rules seminars during the year (worth 19 points apiece) he would have emerged as the net champion.

The senior division winner with 302 points was Mike Diehl, followed by Miles Catania with 176. Third place went to Ron Bures with 168 points.

The association's selection for Professional of the Year was awarded to Doug Anderson of Sun City Summerlin. Anderson last month received a similar award from the local PGA chapter.

His attitude and caring for the all-around betterment of golf in the community, coupled with his untiring efforts on behalf of junior, amateur and professional golf, made him the unanimous choice of the committee. Anderson's behavior and deeds best exemplify the spirit, ideas and values of the PGA.

The SNGA Board of Directors selected Larry McGovern Director of the Year while the President's Award was given to Jack Rosebush, Ernie Haupt and Jim Alexander.

Distinguished Service Awards were given by president Stu Reid to Lou Oliver, Jerry Clark, Haupt, Alexander, John Tanza, Ron Stebbens, Sue May, Jack Rosebush and Charlie Floyd.

Were it were not for the unselfishness and caring of the aforementioned folks, golf in our city would not be what it is today.

Nine course records were recorded on the PGA Tour in 1996. The first came at the TPC of Scottsdale during the Phoenix Open, when Grant Waite shot a final-round 60. Waite's 11-under par score broke the course record of 62 established by Doug Tewell in 1987.

Not only was Waite's 60 a course record, it was the lowest round on tour last year. John Huston had an 11-under 61 at the Memorial Tournament while Keith Clearwater shot an 11-under 61 at the Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic.