Three Holes-in-One, Close Team Scoring Highlight 27th WNC Foundation Golf for Education Tournament

Western Nevada College News

Western Nevada College Foundation's 27th annual Golf for Education tournament will be remembered for many things: generous supporters, competitive golf, a record book-worthy hole in one and, yes, even a donut hole-in-one.

The Sept. 25 fundraiser at Toiyabe Golf Club brought together businesses and individuals to raise critical funds that help WNC students prepare for meaningful careers while strengthening the workforce and Northern Nevada communities.

The generosity on the course was matched by some remarkable shotmaking.

Topping the list was the shot every golfer dreams of making - a hole in one.

Greg Nauman recorded his first career ace on the 167-yard par-3, hitting a seven iron into a left-to-right wind.

"No, I didn't think it was possible today, especially since I've never had one before," Nauman said. "It certainly wasn't going to happen on that hole of all holes."

But it did.

Nauman's shot landed about 2 feet from the cup, leaving a pitch mark before rolling slightly left and disappearing into the hole. He wasn't sure it had gone in because the hole was located on a spine, but the celebration began on the green moments later, complete with whoops, high-fives, a hug and a kiss from his wife, Staci.

"Staci and I have talked about them for quite a while, and we were both convinced that she would have one before I would," Nauman said. "I started taking lessons this summer, but I also play a lot."

Nauman received a $500 gift card for his ace. Despite the milestone, he said it won't change his approach to the game.

Greg and Staci Nauman

"I'm going to stay grounded, and I know my game, so anything close is good."

There was another ace of sorts before the tournament even began.

Phil Cowee was already entered in the Michael Hohl Putting Contest through an ALL-IN package, but he paid the entry fee again for three attempts at an 80-foot downhill putt. The slippery, challenging putt proved no match for Cowee, who drained it after calculating a number of factors that were required to sink the lengthy putt.

His prize? Half of the entry fees collected.

His response? Donate the winnings to the WNC Foundation.

And then there was the donut hole-in-one.

On the first hole, Michael Brown of Spanish Springs Construction chipped a glazed donut hole into a ring of its own, creating a snack-sized version of the day's theme. His reward: a camouflage hat.

All of the unusual feats didn't take away from an intensely competitive 18-hole tournament. Five teams finished within one shot of each other, with the championship ultimately decided by a USGA tiebreaker settled by the team with the best back-nine score.

The foursome of Sean Davison, Howard Houghton, Vince Christenson and Connor Morze fired a 29-under-par 43 to claim the tournament title.

Runner-up honors went to the Joe & Darcy team of Darcy Johnson, Joe Spencer, April Higuera and Brandon Bruzzese.

Other prize winners included April Higuera, Women's Long Drive; Greg Raleigh, Men's Long Drive; April Higuera, Women's Closest to the Pin; and Greg Nauman, Men's Closest to the Pin (hole in one).

"The Golf for Education tournament is a wonderful example of what happens when our community comes together with a shared commitment to WNC students," said WNC Foundation Executive Director and Chief Advancement Officer Niki Gladys. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who played, sponsored, volunteered and supported this event. Their generosity creates opportunities for students to gain the education and skills they need to build their futures, and that is something worth celebrating."

The tournament also featured WNC nursing students providing free blood pressure checks and World Long Drive Championship participant Andrew "Thor" Herbert helping foursomes with their drives on the par-5 ninth hole.

From a career-first hole in one to an 80-foot putting ace, a donut that found its way through a ring and a championship decided by a tiebreaker, the 2026 Golf for Education tournament certainly gave everyone plenty to remember.

"The success of Golf for Education goes far beyond the golf course," said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. "Every sponsorship, registration and contribution represents an investment in our students and in the future of the communities we serve. We are grateful for the businesses, organizations and individuals who continue to believe in the power of education to create opportunity and strengthen Nevada's workforce."

WNC nursing students provided blood pressure checks to players at the 2026 WNC Foundation Golf for Education tournament. They are pictured with WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe.