Team Idaho gets in the mix at
2026 PNGA Lamey Cup
by Shane René, IGA Administrator of Media & Communications
Team Idaho wrapped up a gritty performance at the 2026 PNGA Lamey Cup in late April, battling their way around historic Victoria (B.C.) Golf Club in a series of nail-biting singles matches. Idaho finished fourth of six teams – just a half-point behind Oregon and one behind Washington – as BC Golf dominated on their home turf for a three-point victory.
The PNGA Lamey Cup follows a two-day Ryder Cup-style format – four-ball, foursomes and singles match play – pitting mixed-gender, 10-player teams from the six PNGA member associations against each other for regional bragging rights. Hosting duties rotate between participating associations, with this year hopping the border into British Columbia.
“We fared quite well,” IGA Executive Director Caleb Cox said. “We came out a little slow in the morning four-ball, but in foursomes in the afternoon we really held our own and bounced back.”
Tetonia’s Nate Smith led the way for Team Idaho, securing wins in each of his three matches. He needed more than 13 holes just once in a four-ball match with teammate Dan Potter, and won his singles match 6&5. The former PGA Tour player has been a driving force behind Idaho’s increasingly competitive posture in the event.
“This year was exciting because we were in the mix,” Smith said. “Our team held its own and had a chance at the Cup on the last day, which is all we could ask for. Everyone contributed and fought hard for every point. Super proud of our team and excited for the future – IGA is trending!”
Hannah Holloway also leaves her first appearance at the PNGA Lamey Cup with a positive 2-1-0 record. The former NNU Nighthawk joined Smith, Kevin Murphy, and Sheryl Scott with a singles victory on Wednesday to help push the IGA to one of its most competitive showings in recent memory.
“It was an awesome opportunity to represent Idaho,” Holloway said. “The course was beautiful and we had a really solid team this year – it was a ton of fun.”
Lamey Cuppers have grown accustomed to visiting some of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated venues, and Victoria Golf Club was no different. Founded in 1893, the club claims the title of the oldest 18-hole course in Canada to remain in its original location, setting it among the oldest clubs in North America. It is one of the six founding clubs of the Pacific Northwest Golf Association, which was founded in 1899. The front nine spills out to the edge of a peninsula with breathtaking views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
“Such a fun event to be a part of, and it’s truly an honor to be invited to participate,” Smith said. “The venue this week was amazing, and the BC folks were great hosts.”
The 2026 Lamey Cup leaves Team Idaho filled with anticipation about their chances in the event moving forward. Team Idaho has just one win, in 2017 at TimberStone Golf Course in Caldwell, but faith in a second title seems to be building.
“From the top of the squad to the bottom of the squad, it didn’t matter what place you were in,” Cox said. “You just knew that players were going to compete.”
With the 2027 event scheduled to be held in Idaho, we’re looking for another win for the home team.