Nebraska PGA July 2015 Newsletter by David Honnens

See photos and results on pages 3-4!

SONG AND THIELE CAPTURE 2015 NEBRASKA SECTION JUNIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Lincoln, NE – Sean Song of Omaha, NE and Haley Thiele of Wahoo, NE won the 2015 Nebraska Junior PGA Championship presented by Under Armour and Genesis Networks at Wilderness Ridge G.C. in Lincoln, NE. By winning the boys’ and girls’ divisions respectively, Song and Thiele qualified for the 40th Junior PGA Championship presented by Under Armour and Genesis Networks, Aug. 3-6, at Miramont Country Club in Bryan/College Station, Texas. Song, posted a final-round one-under par 70 for a two-day total of 140 and a four-stroke victory over Alex Schaake of Omaha, NE. Thiele posted a final-round three-under-par 68 for a two-day total of 138 and a 12-stroke victory over her younger sister, Hannah Thiele of Wahoo, NE. The Junior PGA Championship, Presented by Under Armour and Genesis Networks, is open to one boy and one girl champion from each of the 41 PGA Sections, champions of the nine PGA Junior Series events, select national junior tournaments conducted throughout the year and special invitees who have yet not reached their 19th birthdays as of the final round of the championship. The Junior PGA Championship has traditionally been a stepping-stone for many of today’s PGA and LPGA Tour professionals as well as current collegiate stars. Past Junior PGA Championship competitors who have gone on to successful professional careers include: Inbee Park, Luke Guthrie, Trevor Immelman, Cristie Kerr, Justin Leonard, Hunter Mahan, Michelle McGann, Phil Mickelson, Grace Park, Dottie Pepper, Jordan Spieth, Lexi Thompson, David Toms, Michelle Wie and Tiger Woods.

Top Winners & Results:

1 Sean Song 70-70--140 -2 2 Alex Schaake 73-71--144 +2 T3 Luke Kluver 80-72--152 +10

1 2 3

Haley Thiele 70-68--138 -4 Hannah Thiele 74-76--150 +8 Mary High 83-77--160 +18

1 Tyler Crandon 79-80--159 +17 T2 Josh Bartels 79-81--160 +18 T2 Jason Kolbas 81-79--160 +18

1 Megan Whittaker 82-85--167 +25 2 Lindsey Thiele 83-92--175 +33 3 Kristin Goertz 88-91--179 +37 1 Kate Strickland

33-32--65 +11

2 Lauren Thiele

34-35--69 +15

3 Neely Adler

38-32--70 +16

1 Geran Sander

31-27--58 +4

2 Andrew Whittaker 29-30--59 +5 T3 Kody Sander

32-30--62 +8

1 Connor Steichen

31-31 +4

2 Jc Kehr

41-41 +14

3 Tanner Grosse

42-42 +15

1 June Mullen

39-39 +12

2 Sarah Van Ostrand 39-39 +12 3 Julia Karmazin

41-41 +14

Benefits of Partnering with Local Businesses Operating a private club in a small town comes with some challenges. One of those challenges is being able to recruit new members from a small rural population base. Scotts Bluff County Club has partnered with Regional West Medical Center to offer corporate memberships to our club. This partnership helps the hospital recruit doctors and staff to the area, by offering a corporate membership to Scotts Bluff Country Club. Regional West Medical Center is the largest employer in the community with over 2000 employees, this provides the club with a large pool of potential members. The agreement is on a two year term and is reviewed by our Board of Directors and the hospital. This agreement benefits both the club and the hospital in numerous ways. Hospital members are not required to pay an initiation fee or purchase stock when joining the club. Hospital members pay reduced monthly dues but still receive all of the benefits that a full privilege member receives. All dues are payroll deducted by RWMC and the club receives a monthly check from the hospital. The hospital members are also responsible for a monthly food minimum and a monthly capital assessment fee. The agreement with RWMC requires a minimum of 50 members to receive the discounted pricing, the club currently has 66 corporate members. If you are looking for ways to increase your membership numbers, I would encourage you to seek out large businesses in your area and work with them to form a partnership which will be beneficial to both parties.

Jason Meininger, PGA Director of Golf Scottsbluff CC

2015 PGA Fashion and Demo Experience

2015 through June 30, 2016. The insured’s benefit is based upon age at the time of death: Under Age 35 = You’re invited to connect $15,000 and Age 35 and over = $10,000. One of the with fellow PGA requirements of having a life insurance policy is to professionals at the 2015 designate primary and/or contingent beneficiary (ies). PGA Fashion & Demo It is extremely important that the beneficiary Experience, August 17 – designation (s) be provided in a timely manner. 19 in Las Vegas, NV. Offering a full slate of golf Apprentices should click here to access the electronic education & instructional workshops, hands-on deform. The beneficiary (ies) designated on this form mos, a live fashion show & networking opportunities, will remain in effect until such time as you notify the the PGA Fashion & Demo Experience is the place to PGA of America, in writing, of any changes. meet face-to-face to drive your business forward. Plus, you have the opportunity to earn up to 20 MSR Groundbreaking 'Setting Up Golf Courses credits! For Success' Collaborative New for 2015 - equipment, technology, teaching tools and general golf products will now be featured on the Show floor among thousands of new products, including the latest in golf apparel and accessories. And as a PGA professional, you’re invited to compete in the 2nd Annual Pro-Pro Tournament at the top-rated Cascata Golf Club, taking place Monday, August 17 with a $20,000 prize purse! We hope that you will join us - to learn more and register for free, visit: www.pgalasvegas.com/membership.

Apprentice Term Life Insurance Beneficiary Designations

Guidebook Debuts

This guide cites the benefits of setting your golf course up for success including: Increased play among new and existing golfers, improved speed of play, increased family playing opportunities and reduced negative stigma of the various tee colors. These changes will enable players to have a more positive experience, while driving rounds and revenues higher. Click here to access the new "Setting up Golf Courses for Success" Guidebook.

Effective July 1, 2015, apprentices have Term Life insurance coverage. The annual premium of $34 was included with the annual dues for fiscal year July 1,

TruGreen Named Official Lawn Care Provider of the PGA of America and the PGA Championship PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (January 22, 2015) — The PGA of America and TruGreen today announced a multi-year partnership, with TruGreen becoming the "Official Lawn Care Provider of the PGA of America and the PGA Championship." The relationship will not only bring shared benefits and education to PGA Professionals and TruGreen associates but also combined support for community-based open space initiatives. The announcement was made at the

62nd PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida. "We are proud to welcome TruGreen to the PGA of America family," said PGA of America Chief Executive officer Pete Bevacqua. "We are especially excited about our partnership with TruGreen because of its shared commitment to growing the game by providing healthy, green spaces for youth and adults alike to enjoy active lifestyles.” Kari Rajaniemi, Chief Marketing Officer of TruGreen, noted the synergy that exists between the PGA and the nation’s leading provider of professional lawn care.

"For many, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of championship golf is beautifully manicured and cared-for green turf – and since that’s exactly our goal – a TruGreen and PGA of America partnership is ideal for both organizations," said Rajaniemi. "At TruGreen, we see ourselves as part of the community, as a true neighbor to our customers, as a steward of our outdoor green spaces and a proponent of living life outside. The PGA of America, through the efforts of thousands of local club professionals, is supportive of the same ideals."

Eight PGA Professionals to be Chronicled in CBS Special, “The Road to the PGA Championship,” Debuting on Aug. 2 Photo Link: http://mediaarchive.pgalinks.com/cgi/viewerlogin.pl?lbjobid=13536 Video Trailer: https://vimeo.com/134726374 PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (July 29, 2015) – The PGA of America’s annual CBS Special, “The Road to the PGA Championship,” focuses on eight competitors in the 97th PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, including defending PGA Champion Rory McIlroy, and 12-time PGA Tour winner Steve Stricker. CBS will debut “The Road to the PGA Championship” nationally on Sunday, Aug. 2, from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., with three separate one-hour rebroadcasts on the Golf Channel taking place Aug. 5 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Aug. 6 at 5 a.m. (all times ET). The Road to the PGA Championship chronicles the journey of two-time PGA Professional National Champion Matt Dobyns, of Lake Success, New York, whose victory at the 48th PGA Professional National Championship was highlighted by a dramatic birdie on the 72nd hole. Dobyns will be playing in his second PGA Championship. In addition to Dobyns, five PGA Club Professionals who are competing at Whistling Straits are profiled in the program, including: · Brian Cairns of Walled Lake, Michigan · Ryan Helminen of Menasha, Wisconsin · Jeff Olson of Delaware, Ohio · Ben Polland of Manhasset, New York · Bob Sowards of Dublin, Ohio Wyatt Worthington II of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, a PGA Golf Management University graduate who missed a berth in this year’s PGA Championship in a playoff, is also featured. The PGA Professionals highlighted instructing and mentoring their PGA Tour students are: · Dennis Tiziani, Steve Stricker’s father-in-law · Michael Bannon, a long-standing member of the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland, who has worked with World #1 Rory McIlroy for nearly two decades The program also features prominent representatives to speak on behalf of Whistling Straits: Herb Kohler, Executive Chairman of Kohler Co.; Pete Dye, Hall of Fame golf course designer; and Jim Richerson, PGA General Manager and Group Director of Golf for Kohler Co. The PGA Championship is one of the premier golf events conducted by the PGA of America. Others include the Ryder Cup and the Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid. The PGA Championship perennially features the strongest field, the fairest set-up and deepest international lineup of any major golf championship. The 2015 PGA Championship will feature one of the largest purses of any major championship ($10 million). Since 1916, golf's best professionals have won the PGA Championship, including: Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Raymond Floyd, Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen and Walter Hagen. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGAMediaCenter.com, follow @PGAofAmerica on Twitter and find us on Facebook. Contact: Jamie Carbone, PGA of America at 561-624-8446, jcarbone@pgahq.com Nebraska Section PGA | 610 J Street, Ste 10 | Lincoln, NE 68508 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

After what transpired during the final round of the 2015 Greenbrier Classic, the phrase "Strebing it" just might become synonymous with using a sand wedge to putt. Why? Because Robert Streb putted exclusively with a sand wedge during his final nine holes of the event. Amazingly, during that stretch of holes, Streb made five birdie putts with his wedge. By "Strebing it, Streb posted a 32 for the back-9 and earned a spot in a four-way play-off. Robert was forced to "Streb it" because he accidentally broke his putter after completing play of the 9th hole. The head of his putter broke off when Streb tossed it toward his golf bag. So why wasn’t Streb permitted to replace his putter under these circumstances? Rule 4-3b [Damage Other Than in Normal Course of Play] advises, “If, during a stipulated round, a player’s club is damaged other than in the normal course of play rendering it non-conforming or changing its playing characteristics, the club must not subsequently be used or replaced during the round.” Decision 4-3/1 [Meaning of Damage Sustained in “Normal Course of Play”] provides several examples of acts that are not considered to be in the “normal course of play.” Per this Decision, throwing a club is not in the “normal course of play.” Did Streb have to use his 56-degree sand wedge as a replacement for his broken putter? No, because the Rules do not dictate which club the player must use for any given stroke. Rule 1-1 [General] states, “The Game of Golf consists of playing a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Rules.” Although Streb chose to use his sand wedge, he was free to use any other club from those that he had selected for play in that stipulated round as a replacement for his putter. Now an interesting postscript to the “Strebing it” scenario at the end of 2015 Greenbrier Classic: When Robert Streb began the play-off, he was carrying a putter in his golf bag! How could that be given that Rule 4-3b indicates that a club which is damaged other than in the normal course of play may not be replaced during the round? The answer can be found in the Definition of “Stipulated Round.” That Definition states, in part, “The number of holes in a stipulated round is 18 unless a smaller number is authorized by the Committee.” [Emphasis added]. When Robert Streb, Danny Lee, Kevin Kisner and David Hearn began the play-off, they were commencing a new stipulated round. Decision 4-3/12 [Replacing Club for Stroke-Play Play-Off] confirms that a play-off constitutes a new stipulated round. Since Streb was beginning a new stipulated round, he was entitled to replace his broken putter. Nebraska Section PGA | 610 J Street, Ste 10 | Lincoln, NE 68508 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

Lydiatt and Vermeer Post Impressive Rounds In The HCIS ProAm

13th Siouxland Charities Pro-Am at Nebraska City, NE. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Whispering Creek G.C. Perfect scoring Shane Zyweic, PGA of conditions welcomed Seward C.C. managed the field at the Health his game well and posted three-under-par 69 to Care Information capture the low professional title. Zywiec finished his Systems (HCIS) ProAm round strong by making an eagle three on the par 5 at ArborLinks. Chad #16 and birdie four on the par 5 #18. Ryan Norman, Lydiatt, PGA of Awarii PGA of GolfTEC-Omaha had his best finish of the Dunes G.C. and Ryan season by finishing second at one-over-par 73. Mike Vermeer of Tiburon G.C. capitalized on these condi- Cornell, PGA of Champions Run rounded out the top tions to post 4-under-par 68 to share the low profesthree with a two-over-par 74. View more. sional title. Lydiatt got off to an impressive start by White Captures The Golf FORE birding four out of the first five holes. Lydiatt finThe Troops ProAm ished with one birdie and two bogeys on his final nine holes. Vermeer continued his steady play this season Lincoln, NE - Temperatures by making five birdies and one bogey on his round. reaching over 100 degrees Finishing two strokes back in solo third place at two- proved to be a great test of under-par 70 and his best round of the season was Ted golf at the 9th Golf FORE DiGiacomo, PGA of Council Bluffs C.C. The Troops Pro-Am at Firethorn G.C. Jim White, The team competition featuring a one-net and PGA MP of Firethorn G.C. one-gross format was a runaway with Jon Petersen, managed his game well and PGA of Tiburon G.C. and his amateur partners, Bill posted a very impressive Richards, Tony Roth and Alex Schaake posting a three-under-par 68 to capture the low professional tournament best 21-under-par. Petersen fired an title. White made four birdies and one bogey on his even-par 72 while Schaake had the low round of the round. Finishing one stroke back was Ryan Vermeer day by an amateur golfer with three-under-par 69. of Tiburon G.C. who posted two-under-par 69. View more. Vermeer made five birdies on the day but some untimely bogeys on his final nine holes hurt his Zywiec Captures Siouxland Golf Charities Pro-Am chances of catching White. Rounding out the top Sioux City, IA. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; By far the toughest scoring three was Alex Carper of Hidden Valley G.C. who conditions of the season with rain on and off and shot four-over-par 75. gusty winds proved to be a great test of golf at the Nebraska Section PGA | 610 J Street, Ste 10 | Lincoln, NE 68508 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

The team competition featuring a one-net and one-gross format on the front nine and two-net on the back nine finished in a shootout with the team of Mike Shuchart, PGA of Wilderness G.C. and his amateur partners, Scott Tridle, Alan Friesen and Greg Sohl and the team of Ryan Vermeer of Tiburon G.C. and his amateur partners, John Dietrich, Joe Falcone and Matt Carsey posting a tournament best, 14-under-par. In the shootout from 100 yards on the #18 hole, Schuchart and his amateur partners hit some shots close and they captured the overall team title. View more. Vermeer Comes From Behind To Capture TaylorMade ProAm Sioux City, IA. – Ryan Vermeer’s hot putter helped him come from behind to post a five-under-par 67 and finish at seven-under-par 137 to win the low professional title at the TaylorMade Pro-Am at Green Valley G.C. Vermeer got off to a hot start birding four out of his first seven holes. Vermeer finished the day with seven birdies and two bogeys. Round one leader, Nick Wanderscheid, PGA of Green Valley G.C. posted one-under-par 71 on the day. Bob Walker, PGA of Floyd Park G.C. posted four-under-par 68 on the day to finish in a tie for second with Wanderscheid at five-under-par 139 for the tournament.

amateur partners, Jerry Gengler, Angelo James and Dan Lewis. View more. Petersen Propels His Team To The E-Z-GO Facilities Championship Omaha, Neb.– Jon Petersen, PGA of Tiburon G.C. got off to a hot start by birding three out of his first four holes to motivate his amateur team to capture the E-Z-GO Facilities Championship presented by Miller & Sons. In the one net and one gross format amateur team member Tony Roth feed off Petersen’s start to post one of his best rounds of the season to finish at even-par 72. Roth posted one-under-par 35 on the front nine and then birdied #10, #11 and #12. Amateur partner, Bill Richards had a timely birdie on #17 to help the team finish at 15-under-par. Finishing five strokes back at 10-under-par was the team of Nick Wanderscheid, PGA of Green Valley G.C. and his amateur partners, Gary Wanderscheid, Shane Reed and Duane Herbst. View more.

The team competition featured a two-net format and there was a shootout with the team of Brett Evans, PGA of Elks C.C. and his amateur partners, Josh Peck, Wesley Merrill and Erik Merrill posted 18-under-par on the day to extend their lead and capture the team title. Closely on their heels just three strokes back was Gerry Fitzpatrick, PGA and his Nebraska Section PGA | 610 J Street, Ste 10 | Lincoln, NE 68508 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

2015 Nebraska PGA Tournament Schedule Date

Tournament

Info

Aug 3

Nebraska Assistants Championship Riverside GC - Grand Island, NE

Info

Aug 3-4

NE PGA Senior Professional Championship Riverside GC - Grand Island, NE

Info

Aug 10-11

Nebraska PGA Professional Championship ArborLinks - Nebraska City, NE

Info

Aug 17

E-Z-GO/Bushnell/Bolle Pro 3-Am Oak Hills - Omaha, NE

Info

Aug 24

Club Car Pro - 3 Am Champions Run - Omaha, NE

Info

Aug 31

Laser Link Foundation Pro-Am Happy Hollow - Omaha, NE

Info

Sep 11-13

Wells Fargo Nebraska Open Elks Country Club - Columbus, NE

Info

Sep 21

Nebraska PGA Cup Series Championship Quarry Oaks - Ashland, NE

Info

Sep 28

All Star Pro Golf Team Championship Fremont GC - Fremont, NE

Info

Jesse Schellen, PGA

A-8

Crooked Creek Golf Club

Cale Cournoyer

Thomas Jeffers, PGA

Dale Giebler, PGA Steve Diehm, PGA Mike Antonio, PGA Evan R Erickson David L. Johnson, PGA Christopher D. Wise Benjamin L. Johnson, PGA Greg D. Neujahr, PGA Nick A. Colabello, PGA

A-8

8/3 8/5 8/6 8/7 8/8 8/9 8/10 8/10 8/11

Iron Horse Golf Club

Rodd T. Slater, PGA Don Dravland, PGA Jeffrey R. Henry, PGA Derrick D. Thompson, PGA Anthony J. Driscoll, PGA Thomas H. Hearn, PGA Marc Cruse, PGA Jared R. Keenan, PGA

8/11 8/21 8/21 8/22 8/23 8/25 8/26 8/31

STAFF David Honnens, PGA Executive Director dhonnens@pgahq.com

Sean Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill, PGA Tournament Director soneill@pgahq.com

Joe Canny, PGA Junior Golf Director/ Player Development Coordinator jcanny@pgahq.com

Renee Tyson Operations Manager rtyson@pgahq.com