RENO, Nev. (AP) - The NCAA has fined Nevada $1,500, placed its men's and women's golf teams on probation for three years and taken away a scholarship but cleared the university's other sports programs of any rules violations.

An NCAA investigation that began more than two years ago determined that former golf coach Rich Merritt bought athletes beer, paid for meals and lodging, and helped cover expenses for one to fly to Colorado to try to qualify for the U.S. Open.

Nevada Athletic Director Cary Groth suspended Merritt for three matches after an internal investigation confirmed the allegations regarding meals and the $300 airline ticket. He resigned in May 2008.

University President Milt Glick said the penalties announced Thursday are appropriate.