Columnist Peter Benton: UNLV’s Davis named SNGA’s player of year

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003 | 9:01 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

UNLV golfer Brien Davis was named the Outstanding Player of the Year in the Championship Division at last week's Southern Nevada Golf Association awards banquet.

After an exciting and nail-biting season, Davis, with 417.5 points, edged current California State Amateur Champion Eddie Heinen, who placed second with 387 points. Brady Exber, who won the award in 1996, '98, '99, 2000 and 2001, was third with 259.5.

The Outstanding Net Player of the Year award was presented to Jim Licausi, who finished the season with 205.7 points. John Wright was second with 184.4 followed by Tony Troilo with 177.6.

Jim Saub repeated as the Senior Division's Outstanding Player of the Year with 295 points. Dave Gubler placed second with 230.3 and Brent Fenstermaker was third with 214.2 points.

U.S. Golf Association guest speaker Ron Read paid tribute to the many volunteers who give so freely of their time, both for the USGA and the local SNGA. He gave special thanks to Stu Reid, Sue May and Larry McGovern of our local association for their continuing outstanding service.

Read also was pleased to present, on behalf of his organization, a check in the amount of $44,000 to Jane Schlosser, Director of the Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association. This money will go to the First Tee Golf Program in Southern Nevada.

Playing the water-guarded, 149-yard par-3 14th hole at Las Vegas Country Club, The Pope's ball found the cup after he hit a 3-wood.