Nebraska PGA June 2015 Newsletter by David Honnens

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Don’t Miss Inside This Issue:   

Nebraska PGA Scholarship Winners...P. 4 Young Women Tee Off to Save Golf...P. 10 GRAA Award Applications Now Available...P. 13

PGA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

PGA of America Scholarship Winners Emily Nielsen – family member of Dave Williams Nicklaus Wiemers – family member of Greg Wiemers, PGA

Nebraska PGA Scholarship Winners Kennedy Cyza – family member of Ron Gunia, PGA Parker Cyza – family member of Ron Gunia, PGA Rebecca Frisbie – family member of Ron Gunia, PGA Sierra Hearn – family member of Thomas H. Hearn, PGA Jacob Hogan – family member of Kirk Hogen, PGA Nathan Kuta – family member of Brian Kuta, PGA Kelsey Petersen – family member of Jon Petersen, PGA Alison Sutter – family member of Joseph Sutter, PGA

Ladies Thursday Night League Having been at Riverside for over 24 years now, I have seen a lot of changes in our Club demographics. In 1990 we had mostly an older membership with mostly retired people that played golf 3-5 times per week. Now, our membership is much younger, with a high percentage of them having children involved in many activities. These activities have really affected rounds of golf played here and as you all know, in the whole country. These younger families may play 2-3 times per month when they can manage to find time around other activities. I noticed that Moms were probably the most affected by their busy children's schedules, and our ladies day/league had been down quite a bit starting in 2008 up until last year. Many of you know that a lot of ladies are intimidated by golf, and do not like playing in a competitive format. We converted our Ladies Thursday Night league from 1 "competitive" league into 2 separate divisions. We still have the competition for those that want it, and installed a non-competitive division for those ladies that just want to go out in a relaxed atmosphere, have a drink, and have some fun on the course with their friends. The only thing they play for are flag prizes. The first year we started it we had twice as many wanting the "fun" league than the competitive ones (36-18). This year we have over 60 Ladies in the League, and 3 years ago we were lucky to have 30-35 players. We also offer many couples events that offer similar more "relaxed" formats like scrambles, alternate shot, etc., and the ladies are much more receptive to these events. We even have a Non-competitive division for our Ladies Member/Guest Event and had a record number of entries. There is still a core group of players that want the competitive events, however we are seeing the tide sway more towards fun/social golf, and are trying to capture that part of our membership.

Dennis Fruchtl, PGA Head Golf Professional Riverside Golf Club

2015 PGA Fashion and Demo Experience

FY 2015/2016 Annual Dues Billing

You’re invited to connect with fellow PGA professionals at the 2015 PGA Fashion & Demo Experience, August 17 – 19 in Las Vegas, NV. Offering a full slate of golf education & instructional workshops, hands-on demos, a live fashion show & networking opportunities, the PGA Fashion & Demo Experience is the place to meet face-to-face to drive your business forward. Plus, you have the opportunity to earn up to 20 MSR credits!

The dues billing cycle is half-way through the 60-day payment window with 9,340 ( 2.4%) who have paid their dues. For those who have not paid their dues by the deadline date, will be put on suspension. Late fees will also be assessed at that time. The rule for the Late Fees have changed - - the late fee is $25 and cannot be waived per Article X, Section 4 of the PGA Constitution and Bylaws.

Complimentary Access to Tournaments

New for 2015 - equipment, technology, teaching tools and general golf products will now be featured USGA: 2015 U.S. Open - June 15-21 - Chambers on the Show floor among thousands of new products, Bay, University Place, Washington including the latest in golf apparel and accessories. As a courtesy extended by the USGA; Class A PGA members, Life members and Master Professional And as a PGA professional, you’re invited to members. No spouse or family members (PGA compete in the 2nd Annual Pro-Pro Tournament at members only; this offer is not extended to apprenticthe top-rated Cascata Golf Club, taking place es). Must show membership card and Photo I.D. each day. Go to Will Call to pick up daily ticket. Ticket Monday, August 17 with a $20,000 prize purse! Information (800) 698-0661. We hope that you will join us - to learn more and register for free, visit Royal & Ancient: 2015 Open Championship - July www.pgalasvegas.com/membership. 13-19 - The Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland Class A PGA members, Life members and Master Apprentices Now Have Term Professional members. No spouse or family members Life Insurance (PGA members only; this offer is not extended to apprentices). PGA members may purchase a daily Effective July 1, 2015, apprentices have Term Life ticket for their own use at the pay gate. To obtain a insurance coverage. The annual premium of $34 was refund, register at The PGA Member Marquee within included with the annual dues for fiscal year July 1, the tented village, with current membership card. 2015 through June 30, 2016. The insured’s benefit is Documentation will be issued which must be taken to based upon age at the time of death: Under Age 35 = the on-site banking unit. Only one entry ticket per $15,000 and Age 35 and over = $10,000. One of the day can be claimed and member must claim and get requirements of having a life insurance policy is to the money back on the same day. Tickets should be designate primary and/or contingent beneficiary refunded at the banking unit daily before 5:00 p.m. (ies). It is extremely important that the beneficiary and 3:00 p.m. on the final day. Refunds cannot be designation (s) be provided in a timely manissued after the event. Ticket Information +44 ner. Please click here now to access the electronic (0)1334 460000. Click Here for complete listing of form. The beneficiary (ies) designated on this form Complimentary Access to Tournaments. will remain in effect until such time as you notify the PGA of America, in writing, of any changes. Thank you for your most immediate attention to this important matter. Please feel free to contact the Membership Services Department at (800) 474-2776 with any questions. Nebraska Section PGA | 610 J Street, Ste 10 | Lincoln, NE 68508 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

What are the odds of you answering all of the questions correctly in this month's quiz, entitled "Double or Nothing"? In each of the following scenarios, the player makes the number of strokes required to par the hole, but there may or may not be a two-stroke penalty to be added to the score for the hole. Your task is to determine if the player records a double bogey, i.e., “Double,” because of an added two-stroke penalty, or makes par, i.e., “Nothing” because no penalty was incurred. Unless otherwise noted, the form of play is stroke play. Good luck! 1. Bill has a long putt to save par. As his caddie carries his golf bag around the perimeter of the green, a spectator informs the caddie that the putt breaks 3-feet to the right. The caddie conveys that information to Bill who then proceeds to sink the putt. 2. Rhonda's drive on a par-4 ends up in bounds, but there is an out of bounds stake interfering with her backswing. She removes the out of bounds stake, but then replaces it before she makes her next stroke. She plays sideways to get her ball back into the fairway. With a hybrid, she nearly holes her next shot, and then makes the short putt. 3. Simon is on the green in regulation. He marks and lifts his ball, but instead of replacing the ball, he substitutes his special "putting" ball. He holes out with that ball in two strokes. 4. On a par-5, Kathy plays her fifth stroke from a greenside bunker while her caddie attends the flagstick. The ball strikes the base of the flagstick and ends up in the hole. 5. Reggie pops his drive up in the air and it embeds in the fairway. When he takes relief for the embedded ball, he drops the ball nearly one club-length away from where the ball embedded to make sure that the ball does not return to its pitch-mark. He completes play of the par-4 hole in three more strokes. 6. In match play, Marcia plays her first stroke on a par-3 from outside the teeing ground, and her ball ends up plugged in the lip of a greenside bunker. She overcomes that misfortune by playing a miraculous bunker shot to within four feet of the hole. She then makes the putt for her par. Answers: 1.

Nothing

In this scenario, the caddie received unsolicited advice from the spectator who should be chastised for doing so. As neither Bill, nor his caddie, asked for the advice, there is no penalty under Rule 8 [Advice; Indicating Line of Play]. Rule 8 does not prohibit receiving advice, only giving or asking for advice.

Double

As soon as Rhonda removed the stake, she incurred a two-stroke penalty for improving the area of her intended swing under Rule 13-2 [Improving Lie, Area of Intended Stance or Swing, or Line of Play]. The fact that she replaced the stake prior to playing her next stroke is of no consequence. See Decision 13-2/25 [Player Removes Boundary Post on Line of Play But Replaces It Before Playing].

Double

Simon incurred a two-stroke penalty under Rule 15-2 [Substituted Ball] for substituting a ball when not permitted to do so under the Rules.

Double

Rule 17-3 [Ball Striking Flagstick or Attendant] points out that the player’s ball must not strike the flagstick when it is attended, otherwise the player incurs a two-stroke penalty in stroke play and the ball must be played as it lies.

Double

Rule 25-2 [Embedded Ball] requires that the player, when taking relief for an embedded ball, drop the ball as near as possible to the spot where it lay but not nearer the hole. When Reggie played his ball after dropping it several feet away from the pitch-mark, he incurred a two-stroke penalty for playing from a wrong place.

Nothing

Rule 11-4a [Playing from Outside Teeing Ground – Match Play] states, “If a player, when starting a hole, plays a ball from outside the teeing ground, there is no penalty, but the opponent may immediately require the player to cancel the stroke and play a ball within the teeing ground.” In this scenario, Marcia’s opponent did not require her to cancel the stroke.

Download the free GAME GOLF TRACKING APP, with new features designed to help golfers enjoy their game. PGA Professionals can follow students on GAME GOLF to extend the lesson, deepen the engagement and develop coaching opportunities for business growth. Learn More Through the end of June, two GAME GOLF users will enjoy a dream golf trip to Ireland with a friend. Download the new app, and upload three rounds to enter into the sweepstakes. Download it today: IOS Android

MSR Earning Opportunity with the Symetra Tour! Click the image below to view the full PDF for more info

Young Women Tee Off to Save Golf Participation in golf is stagnant across the board, except for one key group: girls ages 6 to 17, whose interest in the game is actually growing By Matthew Futterman Updated June 10, 2015 9:18 p.m. ET These are edgy times for golf in the U.S. Even with the rise of American stars like Masters winner Jordan Spieth, participation is stagnant. Sales for some of the largest equipment manufacturers are plummeting. Underused courses around the country are being ripped up. The news has been pretty dim across the board, except for one unlikely group: girls. As the LPGA Tour arrives at the Westchester Country Club in Harrison, N.Y., this weekend for the Women’s LPGA golfer Stacy Lewis, left, receives a group PGA Championship, with a record $3.5 million purse, girls ages 6 hug from the kids in Girls Golf, a program for golfers under 17 years old, at a tournament in to 17 have become something almost as rare as a hole-in-one—a 2013. Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images demographic whose interest and participation in the game is actually growing. And the reasons for that growth just might prove instructive for the rest of the industry as it tries to plan a future in which golf becomes cool and accessible for kids, rather than a sport people play once they get old, if at all. “It’s actually one of the few good stories about participation in the game today,” said Mike Whan, the commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour since 2010, during a recent interview.

‘The game is dying. What the LPGA is doing here is being proactive rather than reactive.’

According to industry trade group the National Golf Foundation, golf participation remained flat in 2014, with about 25 million people playing at least one round. On the bright side, the number of beginners reached 2 million, about 100,000 more than in 2013, likely a reflection an improving economy. Also, 32.3 million people who don’t play expressed an interest in the game, according to NGF surveys, the highest figure since 2011.

—Teaching pro Nancy Bender

A closer look, though, revealed that avid players are playing more, while less committed players are drifting away. A recent NGF report said future growth will rely on retiring baby boomers taking up the game. In the recent sports participation study by the Physical Activity Council, golf cracked the top 10 activities only among people 65 years old and older. And yet, Girls Golf, a girls-only program for golfers under 17 run by the LPGA and the U.S. Golf Association, is booming. Launched in 1989 by Phoenix-area teaching pro Sandy LaBauve, Girls Golf enrollment has increased tenfold since 2010 to some 50,000. Overall, girls and women account for about 20% of golf participation, but girls now represent 25% of junior golfers, compared with 23% in 2011, according to the NGF. Like most successes in women’s golf these days, the recent surge among girls circles back to Whan, who was a sports equipment executive before arriving at the LPGA five years ago. Whan has pulled the LPGA Tour out of its death -spiral following the financial crisis, when corporate sponsors cut much of their marketing expenses. Michelle Wie, who has played a big role in the surge in popularity of women’s golf, practices Wednesday at Westchester Country Club ahead of this weekend’s KPMG Women's PGA Championship in Harrison, N.Y. Photo: David Cannon/Getty Images Click here to continue reading.

Michelle Wie, who has played a big role in the surge in popularity of women’s golf, practices Wednesday at Westchester Country Club ahead of this weekend’s KPMG Women's PGA Championship in Harrison, N.Y. PHOTO: DAVID CANON/GETTY IMAGES 10

Date May 23-25 May 29-31 Jun 5-7 Jun 12-14 Jun 19-21 Jun 25-27 Jul 7-9 Jul 13-15 Jul 20-22 Aug 3-6

Tournament

PGA Golf Club PGA GC - Ryder - Port Saint Lucie, FL Kearney Hill Golf Links Kearney Hill Golf Links - Lexington, KY Tierra Verde Golf Club Tierra Verde GC - Arlington, TX Columbia Country Club Columbia CC - Ridge/Tall - Blythewood, SC Carlton Oaks Golf Club Carlton Oaks CC - Santee, CA Bayonet & Black Horse B & BH - Bayonet - Seaside, CA Taconic Golf Club Taconic - Williamstown, MA Westbrook Country Club Westbrook CC - Mansfield, OH ArborLinks ArborLinks - Nebraska City, NE 40th Junior PGA Championship Miramont CC - Bryan, TX

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The value of excellent teaching and the importance of high-quality practice/ learning facilities can’t be understated in today’s market. That is why the GRAA annually cites the contributions of the top performers with the Golf Range Association of America “Top 50” Awards. You can start the application process by visiting www.GolfRange.org/2015-awards-applications. Applications are due by October 1 and will then be reviewed by the GRAA. Award winners will be announced in the December issue of Golf Range Magazine and winners will be invited to pick their awards up at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida.

2015 OMEGA Holes Of The Week Schedule Date

Event

OMEGA Holes OMEGA Holes

July 6

Whispering Creek Pro 3-Am

#13 Par 4

July 13

Golf 4 The Troops

#4 Par 3

July 18-19

Green Valley 36 Hole Pro 3-Am

#2 Par 5

July 27

Shadow Ridge C.C. Pro 3-Am

#13 Par 3

August 17

Oak Hills C.C. Pro 3-Am

#8 Par 5

#10 Par 4

*1st Place Tie Breaker1. Player who has played the greater amount of Omaha Steaks Holes of the Week 2. Player with the greater amount of Cup Series Points 3. Coin Flip

CLICK HERE to view OMEGA Holes of the Week leaderboard!

Vermeer Captures Club Car/Cutter & Buck ProAm Lincoln, NE. – Perfect scoring conditions welcomed the field at the Club Car/Cutter & Buck ProAm at The Country Club of Lincoln. Ryan Vermeer of Tiburon G.C. capitalized on these conditions to post a bogey-free two-under-par 70 to capture the low professional title. Vermeer’s lone two birdies came on the par 5 #11 and par 4 #15. Finishing one stroke back at one-under-par 71 was reigning player of the year, Shane Zywiec, PGA of Seward C.C. Rounding out the top three with his best professional results of the year was Jon Casey, PGA of Wildwood G.C. The team competition was a run-away with the team of Jon Petersen, PGA of Tiburon G.C. and his amateur partners, Carson Schaake, Tony Roth and Bill Richards posting 17-under-par in the two-net best ball format. Schaake was red hot making five birdies and two eagles on the day to post a tournament low score of seven-under-par 65. Finishing a distant second was the team of Jon Casey, PGA of Wildwood G.C. and his amateur partners, Dustin Kreifels, Mike West and Clint Carlson. View more. Walker Captures The All Star Pro Golf ProAm

Final National Car Rental PGA ProAm Series Event Finishes In A Shootout

Fremont, NE. – Perfect scoring conditions welcomed the field at the All Star Pro Golf ProAm at Fremont G.C. Bob Walker, PGA of Floyd Park Golf Course capitalized on these conditions to post even-par 71 to capture the low professional title. Walker’s round did not start out promising as he started his round with a double-bogey six on his first hole. Walker settled in and bounced back with a birdie on the third hole and added an eagle on the par five eighth hole. Walker made the turn and finished with three pars, three bogies and three birdies on the back nine. Finishing one stroke back at one-over-par 72 was Jim White, PGA MP of Firethorn G.C., Chris Wiemers, PGA of Happy Hollow Club and Tom Hearn, PGA of the PGA TOUR. View more.

Lincoln, NE. – Area amateur and PGA Professional golfers teed off for the final National Car Rental PGA Pro-Am Series event in the Nebraska Section PGA at Wilderness Ridge G.C. Professional and Amateur golfers competing in one of Nebraska’s largest Pro-Am’s of the year were treated to near perfect golfing conditions. Ryan Vermeer of Tiburon G.C. capitalized on these conditions to capture the low professional title at three-under-par 68. Vermeer had it to four-under-par through #12 but made an untimely bogey on #13 and a double-bogey on #14. However, Vermeer bounced back and finished with birdies on #16, #17 and #18. Finishing two strokes back at one-under-par 70 was Scott Holly, PGA of The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Professional Golf Program and Tyler Lane of Stone Creek G.C. View more.

2015 Nebraska PGA Tournament Schedule Date

Tournament

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Jul 1-2

Nebraska JR PGA Championship (13-18)

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Jul 3

Nebraska JR PGA Championship (12 & U

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Jul 6 Jul 13 Jul 18-19 Jul 27 Aug 3 Aug 3-4 Aug 10-11 Aug 17 Aug 24 Sep 11-13 Sep 21 Sep 28 Aug 17 Aug 24 Sep 11-13 Sep 21

Siouxland Golf Charities Pro - 3 Am Whispering Creek - Sioux City, IA Golf Fore The Troops Firethorn GC - Lincoln, NE TaylorMade 36 Hole Pro - 3 Am Green Valley GC - Sioux City , IA E-Z-GO Facility Championship Shadow Ridge CC - Omaha, NE Nebraska Assistants Championship Riverside GC - Grand Island, NE NE PGA Senior Professional Championship Riverside GC - Grand Island, NE Nebraska PGA Professional Championship ArborLinks - Nebraska City, NE E-Z-GO/Bushnell/Bolle Pro 3-Am Oak Hills - Omaha, NE Club Car Pro - 3 Am Champions Run - Omaha, NE Wells Fargo Nebraska Open Elks Country Club - Columbus, NE Nebraska PGA Cup Series Championship Quarry Oaks - Ashland, NE All Star Pro Golf Team Championship Fremont GC - Fremont, NE E-Z-GO/Bushnell/Bolle Pro 3-Am Oak Hills - Omaha, NE All Star Pro Golf Team Championship Beatrice Country Club - Beatrice, NE Wells Fargo Nebraska Open Elks Country Club - Columbus, NE Nebraska PGA Cup Series Championship Quarry Oaks - Ashland, NE

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Register Closes Thu Jul 2 Register Closes Thu Jul 9 Register Closes Mon Jul 13 Register Closes Thu Jul 23 Opens 11/28/2015

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Opens 09/21/2015

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Opens 09/21/2015

Kalan Fread, PGA

A-8

Awarii Dunes Golf Club

Thomas D. Johnson, PGA A-8

Champions Run

Casey L. Wroot, PGA

Bayside Golf Course

A-1

Gary Gabrielson, PGA 7/1 Richard Gilliland, PGA 7/5 Joseph J. Canny, PGA 7/6 John L. Frillman, PGA 7/7 Rich W. Skinner, PGA 7/9 Michael D VunCannon, PGA 7/11 Robert S. Spomer, PGA 7/13 Daniel A. Johnson, PGA 7/16 Mark E. Nygaard, PGA 7/16 Maxwell A Hadenfeldt 7/17 Brent A McGrew 7/18 Gene Johnson, PGA 7/21

Tad M. Petersen, PGA 7/21 Ross A. Eickhoff, PGA 7/22 Shane M. McClure, PGA 7/24 Mark A. Ruhga, PGA 7/25 Brad A. Bosh, PGA 7/27 David S. Honnens, PGA 7/27 Scott A. Bruha, PGA 7/29 James K. Sieckmann, PGA 7/29 Thomas K. McAndrew, PGA 7/30 Phillip J. Palmer, PGA 7/30 Don Germer, PGA 7/31

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