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Nebraska Junior Golf Newsletter

In This Issue … Letter from NJGT Director…......2 NJGT Points Race.....…………...…3 NJGT Schedule………......….……..4 TEAM Golf Schedule..….………..5 Local Junior Golf…………………..6 PGA Junior Series………………….7 Drive, Chip & Putt………………...8 From the USGA……..…….……...11 Golf TEC’s Tour Tips..…..……….14 Photo Highlights……….….…….16 Fitness Tips…………….….………21

Welcome

From the Desk of NJGT Director Joe Canny, PGA It is finally the 2016 golf season!!! I couldn’t be more excited to begin our NJGT season and looking forward to seeing you all on the course. This year the Nebraska Junior Golf Tour will be offering over 70 events including nearly 50 NJGT stroke-play tournaments, over 25 TEAM GOLF presented by Five Points Bank events and now (2) two-day championships which will be ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard. Each year the Nebraska Junior Golf Tour with its parent organizations the Nebraska Golf Association and Nebraska PGA strive to make the experience on the NJGT better and be the best youth golf organization we can be. To improve each year we rely heavily on sponsorships allowing us to deliver a great product at the most affordable rate. Below we have a list of those sponsors: GolfTEC of Omaha—Presenting sponsor of all Premier Championships (4th Season); Farmers Mutual of Nebraska— Presenting sponsor of all NJGT Regular Season Tournaments (4th Season); Five Points Bank—Presenting sponsor of NJGT TEAM GOLF, Presenting sponsor Central Nebraska Junior Amateur (2nd Season & 4th Season respectively); PGA Tour—Supporting sponsor of the Nebraska Junior Golf Tour (2nd Season); Nebraska Golf Course Superintendents Association—Presenting sponsor of the Capital City Championship; Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers (Lincoln & Grand Island) - Supporting sponsor of the Nebraska Junior Golf Tour; LinPepCo. (Lincoln Pepsi Company) Supporting sponsor of the Capital City Championship.

I truly look forward to seeing each of you this summer on tour and encourage you to call my direct line below with any questions, concerns or assistance. Thank you for your participation and continued support of the Nebraska Junior Golf Tour. Sincerely, Joe Canny, PGA Junior Golf Director – NJGT (402) 730-8364 jcanny@njgt.org

Follow all of the latest Nebraska Junior Golf action on Facebook!

Visit www.NJGT.org to check out the 2016 schedule and more!

Questions? Contact NJGT: P: (402) 730-8364 E: jcanny@njgt.org

Race to Quarry Oaks Golf Club

This year’s 18-hole division NJGT Championship will be hosted at Quarry Oaks Golf Club, ranked as Nebraska’s #1 Golf Course by Golf Digest. The course has received such accolades as Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, Nebraska Golfer Magazine’s Most Scenic Golf Course and Nebraska PGA Facility of the Year. Known as Nebraska’s Toughest Course, Quarry Oaks will be the perfect place to crown our 2016 NJGT Champion. The top point winners in each division as of July 20th will earn their spot in the field for this majestic golf course. Invitation numbers will be posted on the points page of NJGT.org on July 1st. To keep up to date on the current points race and learn more about the NJGT Points System visit http:// www.njgt.org/background/. New for 2016, all GolfTEC Premier Championship Division Winners receive an automatic bid into the NJGT Championship.

Race to The Field Club of Omaha The 9-hole division championship will be hosted at The Field Club of Omaha once again for 2016. The oldest country club west of the Mississippi River, historic Field Club was the site of the 1941 US Amateur Championship as well as the home course for Nebraska legend Johnny Goodman. This tree-lined course will be the perfect ending to what looks to be another great season. Golfers will earn points through July 20th which will position them for an invite to the NJGT Championship. Invitation figures will be posted on the points page of NJGT.org on July 1st. You can learn more about the points system and stay in touch with your current standing at http://www.njgt.org/background/.

Date 31-May 1-Jun 1-Jun 2-Jun 6-Jun 7-Jun 7-Jun 8-Jun June 8-9 9-Jun 10-Jun 13-Jun 14-Jun 14-Jun 15-Jun 15-Jun 16-Jun 16-Jun 20-Jun 20-Jun 21-Jun 22-Jun 22-Jun 23-Jun 23-Jun 24-Jun 27-Jun 28-Jun 28-Jun 29-Jun 30-Jun 5-Jul 6-Jul July 7-8 11-Jul 11-Jul 12-Jul 12-Jul 13-Jul 14-Jul 14-Jul 18-Jul 19-Jul 19-Jul 20-Jul 20-Jul 27-Jul 1-Aug

2016 NJGT Schedule

Site York CC Indianhead Council Bluffs CC Quail Run GolfTEC Premier @ Norfolk CC Elmwood Park River's Edge Whispering Creek NGCSA Capital City Championship (Mahoney & Highlands) Warren Swigart Golf Club @ Table Creek GolfTEC Premier @ Kearney CC River Wilds Westwood Heights Meadowlark Hills Tregaron Green Valley Eagle Run Sunset Valley Lake Maloney Wildwood North Bend Wild Horse Benson Park Wayne CC Centura Hills GolfTEC Premier @ Ashland CC Holmes Park Old Dane Awarii Dunes Two Rivers Beatrice CC Fox Run Five Points Bank CNJA (Jackrabbit Run & Riverside) Tara Hills Woodland Hills Pioneers Tiburon Crooked Creek Indian Trails Willow Lakes GolfTEC Premier @ Pines CC Hidden Valley Eagle Hills College Heights Stone Creek NJGT Championship @ Quarry Oaks NJGT Championship @ Field Club of Omaha

City York, NE Grand Island, NE Council Bluffs, IA Columbus, NE Norfolk, NE Omaha, NE North Platte, NE Sioux City, IA Lincoln, NE Omaha, NE Nebraska City, NE Kearney, NE Blair, NE Omaha, NE Kearney, NE Bellevue, NE Sioux City, IA Omaha, NE Omaha, NE North Platte, NE Nebraska City, NE North Bend, NE Gothenburg, NE Omaha, NE Wayne, NE Cairo, NE Ashland, NE Lincoln, NE Dakota City, NE Axtell, NE North Sioux City, SD Beatrice, NE Council Bluffs, IA Grand Island, NE Papillion, NE Eagle, NE Lincoln, NE Omaha, NE Lincoln, NE Beemer, NE Bellevue, NE Valley, NE Lincoln, NE Papillion, NE Crete, NE Omaha, NE Ashland, NE Omaha, NE

Deadline 23-May 24-May 24-May 25-May 29-May 30-May 30-May 31-May 31-May 1-Jun 2-Jun 5-Jun 6-Jun 6-Jun 7-Jun 7-Jun 8-Jun 8-Jun 12-Jun 12-Jun 13-Jun 14-Jun 14-Jun 15-Jun 15-Jun 16-Jun 19-Jun 20-Jun 20-Jun 21-Jun 22-Jun 27-Jun 28-Jun 29-Jun 3-Jul 3-Jul 4-Jul 4-Jul 5-Jul 6-Jul 6-Jul 10-Jul 11-Jul 11-Jul 12-Jul 12-Jul Invitation Invitation

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TEAM Golf Leaderboard Presented by: Often called Nebraskaâ€™s Home for Junior Golf, Fremont Golf Club is the host of the NJGT TEAM GOLF Championship. A 16-team field of our top TEAM GOLF teams competed in a pooled competition ending in a round robin championship for the coveted NJGT TEAM GOLF Championship Belt.

2016 TEAM Golf Schedule Date 1-Jun 7-Jun 10-Jun 14-Jun 15-Jun 16-Jun 21-Jun 22-Jun 24-Jun 28-Jun 29-Jun 30-Jun 5-Jul 6-Jul 11-Jul 12-Jul 13-Jul 14-Jul 19-Jul 20-Jul 21-Jul 25-Jul 28-Jul 3-Aug

Site Crooked Creek Shoreline The Bluffs Knolls Council Bluffs CC Wilderness Ridge - Talon Course Miracle Hill Floyd Park Riverside Hidden Valley Tara Hills Jackrabbit Run Elmwood Park Jim Ager Fox Run Awarii Dunes Dodge Riverside Sioux City CC Pacific Springs HiMark Two Rivers Mahoney Lochland CC Championship @ Fremont Golf Club

City Lincoln, NE Carter Lake, IA Vermillion, SD Omaha, NE Council Bluffs, IA Lincoln, NE Omaha, NE Sioux City, IA Grand Island, NE Lincoln, NE Papillion, NE Grand Island, NE Omaha, NE Lincoln, NE Council Bluffs, IA Axtell, NE Council Bluffs, IA Sioux City, IA Omaha, NE Lincoln, NE North Sioux City, SD Lincoln, NE Hastings, NE Fremont, NE

Deadline 24-May 30-May 2-Jun 6-Jun 7-Jun 8-Jun 13-Jun 14-Jun 16-Jun 20-Jun 21-Jun 22-Jun 27-Jun 28-Jun 3-Jul 4-Jul 5-Jul 7-Jul 11-Jul 12-Jul 13-Jul 17-Jul 20-Jul Invitation

Player Memo Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Information

Local Junior Championships Boy's 2016 Championships NEBRASKA JUNIOR MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Girl's 2016 Championships NEBRASKA GIRLS' MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

June 20-23, 2016 The Pines Country Club, Valley Register on NebGolf.org

Jne 20-22, 2016 The Pines Country Club, Valley Registration on NebGolf.org

conducted by the Nebraska Golf Association

NEBRASKA SECTION JUNIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP (13-18)

July 19-20, 2016 Fremont Golf Club, Fremont Registration on NebraskaPGA.com

conducted by the Nebraska PGA

NEBRASKA SECTION JUNIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP (12 and Under)

June 29, 2016 Jim Ager Golf Course, Lincoln Registration on NebraskaPGA.com

conducted by the Nebraska PGA

NEBRASKA JUNIOR AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

NEBRASKA GIRLS' AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Aug 1-3, 2016 Champions Run, Omaha Registration on NebGolf.org

Aug 1-2, 2016 Champions Run, Omaha Registration on NebGolf.org

conducted by the Nebraska Golf Association

LITTLE JUNIOR AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP (6-11)

June 26-27, 2016 Site: Sunset Valley Country Club, Omaha Age Divisions 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 Registration on NebGolf.org

conducted by the Nebraska Golf Association

Pictured Above: PGA Junior Series alum, Jordan Spieth

Drive, Chip & Putt

Local Qualifiers: Saturday, June 4, 2016 - Hillcrest Country Club, Lincoln Friday, July 8, 2016 - Riverside Golf Club, Grand Island Saturday, July 9, 2016 - The Players Club, Omaha

Sub-Regional Qualifiers: Saturday, August 13, 2016 - Highlands Golf Course, Lincoln 8

USGA Handicap System Q & A Q. Did I Play to My Handicap? A. To acquire a better understanding of the USGA Handicap Systemâ„˘, wouldn't it be nice to know what "Playing to Your Handicap" means and whether you should do this every time? The system is built around the concept of Course Ratingâ„˘, which impacts us all even though its definition ties to a "scratch" golfer. When you are given handicap strokes, you receive the number of strokes necessary to play to the level of a scratch golfer. If the scratch golfer is supposed to shoot the Course Rating, then those handicap strokes relate to the Course rating as well. We use the phrase "target score" regarding playing to your Handicap. How is a target score determined? First, go through the normal process of converting a Handicap Index to a Course Handicap. Then add that Course Handicap to the Course Rating. For example, a player with a USGA Handicap Index of 16.3 decides to play a course with a USGA Course Rating of 68.9 and a Slope Rating of 129. That player converts the 16.3 to a Course Handicap of 19 (using Course Handicap Tables or "Conversion Charts"), then adds 19 to 68.9, for a total of 88 (rounded). If the player shoots 88, that player has played to his or her Handicap. So playing to your handicap is not exclusively a matter of whether you have hit the ball well or the number of putts you had, but a measurable number. It is NOT how your net score relates to par. How often should a player do this? Recognize that your worst scores are not truly utilized in the calculation of a Handicap Index; only the best 10 scores are utilized and the worst 10 are disregarded, then the best 10 are averaged. This ratio tells us playing to a handicap happens less than half of the time. Including all of the handicap formula, the resulting probability is that playing to your handicap happens only once out of four to five rounds. The USGA isn't out to discourage you, but in order to maintain a semblance of equitable competition for players with differing skills in varying formats, we have determined this probability as the best choice for our formula. If we used all scores, those players with higher handicaps would see their values increase significantly, while those with lower values would not increase as much. This would tip the balance of the system heavily toward higher handicap players. We believe there should be an incentive toward improving one's game. We can't all be scratch golfers, but we can set a target to strive for to play to our handicap - and we can determine what that means. And don't get discouraged if you only play to your handicap 20-25 percent of the time.

USGA Handicap System Q & A Q. Can I Post My 9-Hole Score? A. Playing a nine-hole round of golf is not only a fun way to stay connected to the game we all love, it is also very easy to post for handicap purposes. Each golf course that has an 18-hole USGA Course Rating™ and Slope Rating® also has nine-hole Ratings. These can be found in the USGA Course Rating and Slope Database™. Since most players have an 18-hole Handicap Index®, the first step is to determine a nine-hole value by cutting it in half (rounding to nearest tenth as applicable, e.g., 14.5 / 2 = 7.25, 7.3 rounded). Next, multiply that value by the respective nine’s Slope Rating and divide by 113 to determine a nine-hole Course Handicap™ for that side (e.g., 7.3 x 131 / 113 = 8.4, 8 rounded). Golf courses have Course Handicap Tables posted on site and a Course Handicap can also be determined using the USGA’s Course Handicap Calculator. Players who are really crunched for time will be glad to know that nine-hole scores can be posted for handicap purposes after playing as few as seven holes. If a player needs to leave after seven or eight holes the “par-plus” method can be used to compute a nine-hole score. This is done by taking par for the hole(s) not played and adding a stroke(s) if the player is entitled to them according to their nine-hole Course Handicap. Using a player’s nine-hole Course Handicap as 8 from the example, and only playing eight holes, that player would determine a hole score of bogey on the ninth hole if it were one of the first eight handicap-stroke holes on that nine. (Note: Handicap-stroke holes may need to be re-allocated 1-9.) A score of par would be recorded if it were the ninth handicap-stroke hole. The policies and procedures for posting a nine-hole score can be found in Section 5-2 & 10-5 of the USGA Handicap Sys-tem. In addition, the answers to many of the most common inquiries regarding the USGA Handicap System™ can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the USGA’s Handicapping page.

USGA Rules of Golf Videos

Tour Tips Here at GolfTEC of Omaha we have worked with many NJGT Golfers this winter and are excited to get to play some golf outside. We wish you all the best of luck this season. Spring golf is fun but can also be frustrating as you try to relocate your game or implement new swing changes. Here are a few tips we have for you as you begin the 2016 season: Make sure your equipment is ready for the season – Your golf game and swing will change as you grow older and season to season so make sure your shafts are the correct flex, your driver loft is ideally set and even your set make-up matches your game. Start with the short swings and move up to the full swings – Find your rhythm in your putting and chipping. From there you move into the full swing with short irons and eventually those harder to hit long irons and woods. Set goals for the season – Having definable and achievable goals each season guide your practice and will help you focus on the process. Find some help – All great athletes have a coach. Here at GolfTEC of Omaha we have GolfTEC Certified Coaches which can help with all the above and more. We will once again be presenting the GolfTEC Premier Series this summer at four of the state’s top private facilities.

If you need more assistance with your game make sure to visit our PGA Professionals and GolfTEC Certified Instructors. To Learn more about GolfTEC of Omaha please Click Here.

Site Director Spotlight This year’s Site Directors are: Lincoln Market: Hap Gay (4th Season) Mike Cobelens (4th Season) Kendra Trumbley (3rd Season) Omaha Market: Mimi Ramsbottom (4th Season) Terry Hexum (4th Season) Derrick Thompson, PGA (2nd Season) Central Market: Luke Grossnicklaus (3rd Season) Northeast Nebraska, South Dakota and Northwest Iowa Market: Kevin Peterson (4th Season) West Market: Job Vigil (1st Season) Interns: Cassie Trumbley – Midland University Women’s Golf Team & NJGT Alum Trey Petitt – Creighton University Men’s Golf Team & NJGT Alum Bios on each will be included in future newsletters!

Looking back at 2015 and looking forward to 2016!

Fitness Facts PGA Sports Academy Fitness Tips Each newsletter we try and educate our young athletes on stretches, exercises and nutrition tips which can help take your golf game to the next level. We have a lot of new items for the 2016 season but don’t want to jump in all at once. In our cold weather climate we often don’t get all the exercise we need in the winter months. To avoid injury and prepare for a full season it is important to start out slow and work your way up in the spring season. Here are a few tips as you get started with your season and some good ideas before you try the exercises to come in future newsletters:  

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Slow but Steady – Before going all-out this summer ease in with light and moderate exercise to build that solid base. Don’t Exercise in Pain – As you begin to train for another season you may feel some muscle aches or soreness. This means you are working and that is awesome! But if you feel pain then ease up and if it continues see a professional. Cross Train – Vary that workout to reduce injury risk, avoid overuse and work a variety of muscles. A variety of activities will make you a better athlete. Cut Yourself Some Slack – In your golf game and training don’t expect to be at full-speed this early. Plenty of summer to get your game right! Train with Family & Friends – They will keep you encouraged and on track. Also having friends to workout with will help your chances of continuing your training program.

Remember to have fun both on the course and in the training room. You are all amazing athletes and we look forward to helping your reach your golfing goals through fitness and nutrition once again this season.

To find a PGA Sports Academy program near you, visit PlayGolfAmerica.com.