Stephen Sear hoists Nevada Amateur trophy for second straight year
(SNGA Photo)

Recent UNLV graduate AJ McInerney jumped out to an early advantage in the first round with a 1-under front nine, leading to a 3-under par 69. McInerney, who is turning pro in the near future, had plenty of company atop the leaderboard as past champions Ed Fryatt and Stephen Sear trailed by one shot after posting 2-under rounds of 70.

Coming into the second round, high winds and poor scoring conditions were expected, which led to many players dropping back in the field. First round leader McInerney had his game in cruise control on the front nine before a stumble on the back nine resulted in a 4- over 76.

This left the door open for fellow UNLV teammate Ben Davis and Andrew Chu to vault up the leaderboard by shooting impressive 2-under 70’s. Including Chu, five other players were hanging around the top of the leaderboard, all within five shots.

The final group in round three featured plenty of firepower with 2015 champion Stephen Sear, 1992 champion Ed Fryatt, and UNLV golfer Ben Davis. Even though winds were blowing early in the morning, players felt they had an opportunity to put the pedal to the metal and force the other players in the field to play catchup.

Making the turn onto the back nine, Davis and Fryatt held a share of the lead with the defending champion trailing by one shot. After an eagle on 16 and bogey on 17, Stephen Sear (-1 thru 17) knew he only had to make par to join the select group of back-to- back Nevada State Amateur Champions as McInereny was in the clubhouse with an even-par 216. After a solid two-putt, Sears accomplished his goal and hoisted the State Championship Trophy for the second year in a row.

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