Nebraska PGA August 2014 Newsletter by David Honnens

As the “Experts in the Game and Business of Golf” the power of education is the single most important way to help enhance and transform our industry. Many of today’s thriving industries outside of the golf industry have alluded to the fact that there is a strong correlation between the economic viability of an industry and its education attained by those who work in it. It is a priority of the Section to provide meaningful educational opportunities for you to meet these requirements. To review your current MSR status, please go to www.pgalinks.com and login. Under “your membership data” will be your current credits earned and what is still required. To receive MSR’s for your Player Development Program, please complete the “MSR Report Form” and submit it to Nebraska Section Player Development Coordinator, Joe Canny, PGA at jcanny@pgahq.com or by fax 402-489-1785.

WHAT:

Online Education - Golf 2.0

WHAT: 2014 Merchandise Show

INFO:

Click Here for Log In

WHEN: October 26, 2014

MSRs:

3 MSRs - Toward PGA Required WHERE: Champions Run, Omaha

MSRs:

2 MSRs

WHAT:

Fall Education

WHAT: 2014 Fall Meeting

WHEN:

October 26, 2014

WHEN: October 27, 2014

WHERE:

Champions Run, Omaha

WHERE: Champions Run, Omaha

MSRs:

TBD

MSRs:

WHAT:

Nebraska Golf Summit

WHEN:

November 6, 2014

WHERE:

Hillcrest Country Club, Lincoln

MSRs

TBD

3 MSRs

As a new twist to our business model this year we added the concept of FootGolf to our offerings for the summer. FootGolf is basically golf played with a soccer ball to a 21" cup that is cut short of the green in the fairway. Wilderness Ridge is the first and only facility to offer the program and become accredited with the American FootGolf League. So far, the new game has drawn great attention from the community and we have had players from all ages play the fun 9 hole layout. FootGolf is offered 4 days a week for 2 hour time slots. So, from 1pm - 3pm on Tuesday and Thursday you can play or Saturday and Sunday from 3pm 5pm. Since its inception at Wilderness Ridge in late May, there have been in excess of 1400 rounds played in "off peak" golf times. In terms of marketing, the sky is really the limit. We have had individuals, corporate outings, leagues and kids birthday parties. The birthday business continues to explode as kids want to host their party here and play FootGolf, have some pizza, cake and fun. I only anticipate FootGolf growing in popularity in the future! Chris Thomson, PGA District 8 Director Wilderness Ridge GC Director of Golf

Are You Involved in an Annual Review? The importance of an annual written review is paramount to your success at your facility. Not only is it important for your employer to understand your performance, but it is also important for you to understand what your employer wants and how they evaluate you as a part of the team. As we move toward Labor Day and the golf season slowing down a bit, it is time to start thinking about what you need to do to prepare for your annual review. (If you have not had a written annual review by your employer in the past, now is the time to request it and get it planned out with your employer.) Here are a few items to consider when getting ready for and how to excel at this annual event. 

If your employer does not have a written format for a review there is a great document available to you on PGALinks for this purpose. You can get it by clicking HERE.



Set up a date for this review or ask for this event to happen. If you have not had one before, discuss the review’s importance to the success of the facility for your department.



Start by putting together all of your accomplishments for the year in each aspect of the operations you are responsible for or participate in as an employee. If you have been using the Employer Communication Plan found on PGALinks during the year, these accomplishments should be easy to find. 

Operational successes you were in charge of or a part of.



Staff accomplishments (if you are a manager).



Customer service highlights – quotes or notes from customers/members.



Financial successes.



Weather information for the year – pertaining to the effects on the operation, good or bad. To be fair and honest, you should also consider making a list of challenges/problems encountered during the year and if they were resolved or are ongoing.

 

Create a list of all of your responsibilities and write your own performance review of each one. Thinking through what you have done will prevent you from overreacting to feedback you receive in your meeting with your employer.



Formulate your goals for the next year and also for the facility in areas of importance to the employer.



Anticipate any negatives that may come up in the review. Good preparation in this area will reduce any anxiety. If you receive negative comments, do not be confrontational. Rather, thank your employer for the feedback and discuss ways to improve. Turn the negative into a positive and turn this situation into something better for the future.



When you receive positive feedback in the review, you can use this as a springboard for something you need or want. Build on the positive feelings by stating you want to further excel in 2015. Share in the prosperity and potential! Many times, great performance reviews can lead to compensation and/or benefits increases. Always remember to keep the narrative aimed at the benefits that you provide to the employer.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about this information or any other employment related matters. Bruce Lubach, PGA, is the PGA of America Employment Consultant for the Colorado, Iowa, Midwest, Minnesota and Nebraska Sections. He can be reached at: blubach@pgahq.com or (402) 261-3604.

TEAM GOLF Championship Aug. 6, 2014

NJGT TEAM GOLF Championship at Fremont Golf Club, August 6th Top 3 Finishers

Total Score

Happy Hollow Club Hotsticks (White)

Wilderness Ridge Eagles

West Nine Niners

and Kyle Schellpeper of Oak Hills C.C. finished tied for third at six-under par. Schellpeper has been playing really good golf as he recently won the Nebraska Nebraska City, NE Section PGA Assistants Championship. The team – Nick Wandercompetition was a shootout with four teams who finscheid, PGA of ished at 20-under par for the 27 hole format. Green Valley G.C. in Sioux City, IA The Presenting Sponsor, Scott Harris of Harris Golf captured the 2014 Cars (Yamaha’s largest distributor) is family owned Nebraska Section business started in 1979. Their distributorship covers PGA Professional Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Click here to Championship, at view more. ArborLinks. Wanderscheid will lead four Section Wanderscheid Wins Again! PGA Professionals to compete in the 48th PGA Professional National Championship, June 28-July1, 2015, at The Philadelphia Cricket Club. Omaha, NE. – Wanderscheid turned in a winning total of 10-under- Nick Wanderpar to capture the Nebraska Section PGA Professional scheid, PGA of Champion title. Closely on his heals was Bryan Green Valley Hughett, PGA of Norfolk, NE who carded an G.C. in Sioux impressive four-under par 68 to finish at eight-under- City, IA par 208. They are joined by Ryan Norman, PGA of continued his Omaha, NE and Chris Wiemers, PGA of Omaha, NE. stellar play by Wiemers posted the low round of the day with a capturing the seven-under-par 65. Click here to view more. TaylorMade/adidas/Ashworth Pro-Am Monday at Oak Hills C.C. Wanderscheid took advantage of the modified stableford event by making seven birdies on Petersen Captures Inaugural Harris the day to propel him to 30 points. Golf Cars Pro Am Nick Wanderscheid, PGA Captures Nebraska Section PGA Professional Championship

Grenta, NE – Jon Petersen, PGA of Tiburon G.C. utilized some home course knowledge to post an impressive 10-under par total to win the inaugural Harris Golf Cars Pro-Am. Petersen posted threeunder par 33, six-under par 30 and one-under par 35 in the 27-hole event. Finishing three shots back at seven-under par was Chris Wiemers, PGA of Happy Hollow Club. Shane Zywiec, PGA of Highlands G.C.

Another recent champion, Kyle Schellpeper of Oak Hills C.C. who won the National Car Rental Nebraska Section PGA Assistants Championship made two eagles and two birdies on the day to finish three points back at 27. Jim White, PGA MP of West Nine and Learning Center and Shane Zywiec, PGA of Highlands G.C. finished tied for third with 26 points. This was the first event for Wanderscheid who captured his first Nebraska Section PGA Professional Championship earlier in the month at ArborLinks. Click here to view more.

Nebraska PGA 2014 Tournament Schedule Date

Tournament

Info

Sep 2

All Star Pro Golf Team Championship Beatrice Country Club - Beatrice, NE

Info

Sep 8

Laser Link Golf Pro - 3 Am Fremont GC - Fremont, NE

Info

Sep 12-14

Wells Fargo Nebraska Open Elks Country Club - Columbus, NE

Info

Sep 22

Nebraska PGA Cup Series Championship Info Quarry Oaks - Ashland, NE

Sep 29

Nebraska PGA Rookie/Veteran Challenge Info Wild Horse Golf Club - Gothenburg, NE

Oct 13

Club Car / Cutter & Buck Pro-3 Am The Country Club of Linco - Lincoln, NE

Info

Registration

PGA NAMES JEFF PRICE CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Jeff Price, former president and publisher of Sporting News, who also served as president of SI Digital and head of sponsorships for MasterCard, has been named the Chief Commercial Officer of the PGA of America. Price, who officially began on Aug. 1, will be based at PGA Headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and will report directly to PGA CEO Pete Bevacqua.

FY2015 Budget Approved The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2015 budget, which runs from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Bishop said the new review process for the PGA budget created a level of transparency that is “clearly in the best interests of all PGA Professionals.” The board approved $65 million dedicated to growth of the game, Section support and member programs. Among the key new initiatives included in that figure are: 

A $2.5 million increase in Section ADP funding, and



$1.35 million allocated for the redesign of PGALInks.com and its relaunch as PGA.org

Price will oversee the primary commercial areas of the organization, including media, sponsorship, Redesign of Member Website Approved merchandising, marketing/communications and PGA members have made it clear that PGALinks.com international. was difficult to navigate, was disorganized, and with 17,000 components, presented competing priorities. While at the helm of Sporting News from 2010 to Click here to continue reading. 2013, Price drove the digital transformation of the iconic brand. His efforts culminated in Sporting THE PGA OF AMERICA HONORS News’ joint venture with London’s Perform PLC, to PRESIDENT CLINTON form Sporting News Media, the largest digital sports video company in the United States last year. Bill Clinton To Receive the 2014 PGA Distinguished Additionally, this will not be Price’s first term in the golf industry, having relaunched Golf.com during his Service Award. time at Sports Illustrated and overseeing golf sponsorships while at MasterCard. Click here to con- The PGA of America is awarding president Bill Clinton, founder of tinue reading. the Clinton Foundation and 42nd BUDGET FOR 2015 APPROVED BY President of the United States, its PGA OF AMERICA BOARD 2014 PGA Distinguished Service Total of $65 million will be dedicated to growth of the Award recipient for his lifetime love of golf and his commitment to health and game, Section support and member programs. wellness. The PGA of America Board of Directors gathered Begun in 1988, the PGA Distinguished Service Award June 20, for its annual meeting held in conjunction honors outstanding individuals who display leadership with the PGA Professional National Championship. In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the Board reviewed and humanitarian qualities, including integrity, a lengthy agenda that PGA President Ted Bishop said, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the game of golf. President Clinton will receive the Association’s high“reflects a highly active and energetic organization that is committed to examining many ways to further est annual honor in conjunction with the 96th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, grow our game and better serve all PGA Kentucky. Previous honorees include Bob Hope, ByProfessionals.” ron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Patty Berg, Jack Nicklaus, The meeting was highlighted by six key areas, which and former presidents Gerald Ford (1991) and George H.W. Bush (1997). Click here to continue reading. follow: Nebraska Section PGA | 610 J Street, Ste 10 | Lincoln, NE 68508 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

COMMON SENSE RELAXED RULES DESIGNED TO MAKE GOLF MORE FUN FOR RECREATIONAL PLAYER Simple Set of Seven Rules Debuted Today on Morning Drive Builds Upon Success of 2013 Pace of Play Initiative ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 15, 2014) – “It’s OK, golf is about fun.”

footprints, away from tree roots and any other dangerous lies.

This simple approach underscores a Golf Channel series of segments called Relaxed Rules, which debuted today on Morning Drive with the help of Charlie Rymer and Matt Ginella, who are serving as the leading voices for this series that boils golf down to just seven common sense rules.

5. CONCEDED PUTTS: putts may be conceded with your playing partners’ consent.

After Golf Channel’s widely praised Pace of Play series that Rymer and Ginella spearheaded in 2013, the Relaxed Rules series is the next phase of network’s Pace of Play and Grow the Game efforts. In preparation for this series, Golf Channel commissioned research that revealed 85 percent of avid golfers and lapsed golfers are in favor of specific “relaxed rules” for recreational play.

6. EQUIPMENT: no restrictions, including number of clubs. 7. COMMON SENSE: when in doubt, use common sense and fairness.

Relaxed Rules are being supported by Golf Channel on air, online and through social media, featuring the #GolfIsFun hashtag and GolfChannel.com’s Growing the Game page. A collection of videos featuring “Doctor” Charlie Rymer, who claims a PhD in Relaxed Rules, and Matt Ginella, as the hapless Knucklehead who is consumed by what he sees “on Tour,” will highlight situations on the golf course “When there’s nothing on the line but fun, recreational when Relaxed Rules can help alleviate confusing golf should be an enjoyable experience,” said Rymer, situations and speed up play. Each video will premiere former PGA TOUR player and co-host of Morning on Morning Drive, which is serving as the on-air hub Drive. “Trying to remember and decipher the official for the campaign. Morning Drive also will feature rules can get in the way of a good time.” expert guests, who will provide commentary and strike “We’re not suggesting that golfers ignore the official compelling discussion about how these Relaxed Rules rules. They should continue to be used for any type of are good for the game. competitive play,” said Ginella, co-host of Morning Videos Featuring Morning Drive’s Charlie Rymer and Matt Drive and senior travel editor for GolfAdvisor.com. Ginella Use Humor to Highlight Situations When Relaxed “But when it’s a match among friends, Relaxed Rules Rules Can Help can make the game easier, faster and more fun. These simply are common sense practices for avid amateurs, and it’s how the majority of the game is being played anyway.” These unofficial Relaxed Rules are simple and short – seven rules for the vast majority of recreational golfers who just want to enjoy a round of golf with a spouse, family members, friends, etc. – and they govern all play:

Relaxed Golf: Seven ways to make golf more fun

1. MAXIMUM SCORE: double par (i.e. 6 on par-3s, 8 on par-4s….) 2. PENALTIES: all are 1 stroke, including out of bounds, water and lateral hazards, lost ball and unplayable lie. Drop a ball near where the original was lost and play on.

PGA president Bishop: Big Fan of Relaxed Rules

3. SEARCH TIME: 2 minutes to look for your ball. If lost, proceed under Rule #2. 4. UNFORTUNATE LIES: with your playing partners’ consent, balls may be dropped out of divots or

Relaxed Rules, No. 2: All penalties, 1 stroke

September Birthdays Randy Carlson, PGA

9/1

Joseph R. Madsen, PGA

9/16

Bob VanderZee Jr., PGA

9/3

Trevor J. Austin, PGA

9/17

Brian R. Kuta, PGA

9/5

Anthony P. Thiner, PGA

9/18

Kevin Chesnut, PGA

9/6

Jeffrey R. Nielsen, PGA

9/20

John O. Craw, PGA

9/9

Ted P. DiGiacomo, PGA

9/21

Jerad M. Palmer, PGA

9/9

Nicholas J. Onken

9/22

Brian P. Winge, PGA

9/11

Tim J. Fox, PGA

9/25

Sean T. Riley, PGA

9/13

Scott A. Ethington, PGA

9/29

Bradley V. Goetsch, PGA

9/14

Devon E Kastler

9/29

Skip Tredway, PGA

9/14

Jonathan D. Benson, PGA 9/30

Daniel J. Fox, PGA

9/15

Adam L. Coates, PGA

Don G. Graham, PGA

9/16

9/30

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

Sean Oâ€™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