Issuu

MIKE CORNELL, PGA

Mike Cornell, PGA - 2013 Nebraska PGA Golf Professional of the Year Mike Cornell, PGA, Director of Instruction at Champions Run, was selected for the Section’s highest honor bestowed on a PGA Member as the 2013 Nebraska PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Cornell was elected to membership into the PGA of America in August of 1981. Prior to joining Champions Run he was the Director of Instruction at Oak Hills Country Club in Omaha. Cornell has been recognized as the Nebraska Section PGA Teacher of the Year six times, Best Teacher in Nebraska by Golf Digest six times and Best Teacher in the region three times by Golf Magazine. Cornell’s contributions to the Nebraska Section PGA span four decades and during this time frame he has served as the President of the Assistants Association, Tournament Committee member and an at large member of the Section Board of Directors. Cornell currently serves as a Board Member on the Nebraska Section PGA Foundation and recently completed a two term stint as the Chairman of the Tournament Committee. As the Chairman of the Tournament Committee, Cornell was instrumental in overhauling the Sections tournament guidelines to ensure they created the best possible playing opportunities for the PGA Professional and their amateur guests. Under Cornell’s leadership the Tournament Committee reached outside of the golf industry to engage corporate America with the Sections programming which resulted in 94% growth in sponsorship dollars since 2010. Cornell’s true philanthropic spirit was evident in his body of work with the Sections Scholarship program and the founding of the Sections Foundation Pro-Am. Cornell created a scholarship policy to ensure that the children and grandchildren of PGA Professionals would have the opportunity for financial assistance throughout their undergraduate college years. The Sections

Foundation Pro-Am allowed for the Foundation to support junior golf through the 2013 U.S. Senior Open Junior Golf Pavilion which featured over 1,400 youth receiving a free golf lesson from a PGA Professional. Contributions from this Pro-Am also furthered the development of junior golf through the Nebraska Junior Golf Tour and the Omaha Public Schools initiative “Golf N Schools” which will reach over 4,000 youth in 2014. Cornell’s business acumen has served him well as the Director of Golf for Back Tee Sports, which is a golf first corporate entertainment business that focuses on promoting the game of golf. Back Tee Sports was very instrumental in raising the awareness and financial resources to elevate golf in Brazil which will host the 2016 Summer Olympics and the return of golf to the games. Cornell embodies The PGA of America’s mission in establishing and elevating the standards of the profession and growing interest and participation in the game of golf and this achievement solidifies these accomplishments. Nebraska Section PGA encompasses the entire State of Nebraska, western fifth of Iowa and a small portion of South Dakota including Dakota Dunes and Yankton. The Section office is located in Lincoln, NE and acts as a resource for local and national golf information for the golf professional and amateur player alike. Our members are often referred to as “Club Professionals”, not to be mistaken as PGA Tour Professionals. Each Nebraska Section PGA professional serves as an expert in the ever-changing business of golf. They are the leading expert players and teachers, skilled business managers, community leaders, and superior merchandisers who have dedicated their careers to the local delivery of these services. The Nebraska PGA exists to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf within the Section, and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry.

NEBRASKA SECTION PGA SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS Golf Professional of the Year: Mike Cornell, PGA, Champions Run, Omaha, NE Teacher of the Year: James Sieckmann, PGA, Shadow Ridge C.C., Omaha, NE Horton Smith-Education: Rick Reynoldson, PGA, Crooked Creek G.C., Lincoln, NE Bill Strausbaugh-Club Relations: Matt Shaner, PGA, Kearney C.C., Kearney, NE Nebraska PGA Junior Golf Leader: Joseph Canny, PGA, Nebraska Section PGA, Lincoln, NE Merchandiser of the Year-Public: James Rolls, PGA, Indian Creek G.C., Elkhorn, NE Merchandiser of the Year-Private: Carly Ulrich, PGA, Omaha C.C., Omaha, NE Facility of the Year: Omaha C.C. Sales Representative of the Year: Jeremy Galbreth, Mizuno USA Player Development: Chris Thomson, PGA, Wilderness Ridge G.C., Lincoln, NE Assistant Professional of the Year: Sonya Freese, PGA, Firethorn G.C., Lincoln, NE

Nebraska Section PGA Players of the Year for 2013 Nebraska PGA Player of the Year: Shane Zywiec, PGA, Highlands G.C., Lincoln, NE Nebraska PGA Senior Player of the Year: Jim White, PGA MP, West Nine and Learning Center, Lincoln, NE Apprentice Professional Player of the Year: Ryan Vermeer, Oak Hills C.C., Omaha, NE All of the winners will be recognized at the Nebraska Section PGA Spring Meeting to be held Monday, March 3, 2014 at The Country Club of Club Lincoln, Lincoln, NE.

Our Condolences on the Passing of Wesley Malnack A member in our

Club, Omaha, NE, Miracle Hill

Nebraska Section PGA Golf and Tennis, Omaha, NE, at a family, Wesley W.

club in Texas for a brief period and

Malnack, PGA, 76 of

finished his career at Shadow

Omaha suddenly

Ridge Country Club, Omaha, NE.

passed away on

Malnack was preceded in death by

Thursday, December

daughter, Joelle Malnack. Survived

26th in Omaha, NE.

by wife, Susan Sawyer Malnack; children: Brent

Malnack attained

Malnack (Marcia Booth Malnack) and John

membership into The

Sawyer; grandchildren; sisters, Sylvia Mead

PGA of America in March of 1973. Malnack would Harrison, Pheonia Vajda and Jodi Christensen. serve as the PGA Head Professional at Oak Hills Country Club, Omaha, NE, Highlands Country

Click here to read The BIG

the

3: Game Plan to Success for having a women friendly environment!

Retain & Strengthen the Golfing Core When discussing Player Development and Golf 2.0 a lot of attention is on programs designed to attract new golfers or re-engage former golfers. These programs are great and necessary to reach the goals of Golf 2.0, but those goals are unattainable if we don’t protect the golfing core. It actually takes the creation of 9 new golfers to make up for the cost of losing one avid golfer. There are many tools available to help PGA Professionals and Apprentices retain their core golfers and encourage greater participation from the avid player. I strongly recommend reviewing the Know Your Customer Playbook for helpful hints, tools and resources that will assist you and your team in serving these high-value customers. What we are going to look at in this article are the PGA Golfer Portrait studies and resources. In 2010, The PGA commissioned a large scale segmentation study of the broad golfer market to profile America's active golfers. The results are intended to help PGA Professionals better understand and deliver products and services based on customer segments, consumer attitudes and interests towards golf and other sports and leisure time activities, demographic and lifestyle factors and media habits. Segmenting your golfers and customers is crucial in knowing who you are marketing to generate greater ROI on your efforts and marketing dollars. Recognizing these different demographics, attitudes and behaviors also allow you to improve customer service and increase spend per customer. The study was able to break up the golfers in America into eight unique segments of golfers with similar values and characteristics. The men and women who make up these segments are placed in a hierarchy of commitment in terms of skill level; desire to play golf and resources available. The eight market segments in the U.S. are as follows:

Men

Women

       

Clubhouse – Successful business leaders passionate about golf Hooked on Value – Value conscious golf lovers Chargers – Young and busy achievers On the Fence – Reluctant golfers Junior Leaguers – Affluent, working women devoted to golf Time to Play – Mature and frugal golf enthusiasts Stressed but Serious – Successful younger women, skilled but not passionate about golf Least Committed – Occasional and unenthusiastic golfers

These eight golfer segments are defined using criteria such as golf participation, attitudes toward golf programs, importance placed on golf compared to other activities, media habits, media preferences, travel habits and golfer generation. The research is great, but how can it be used to help you at your facility? This report is able to break down what percentage each segment makes up your total membership or golf customer base. Based on your facility type and fee structure you can find these percentages using the Segmentation Grid found on PGALinks. Here is an example of the Segmentation Grid for public access golf courses:

For more information on PGA Golfer Portraits, Golf 2.0 and Player Development; contact Nebraska PGA’s Player Development Coordinator Joe Canny, PGA at (402) 730-8364 or JCanny@pgahq.com. You can also access the full PGA Golfer Portrait Report by CLICKING HERE. Nebraska Section PGA | 610 J Street, Ste 10 | Lincoln, NE 68508 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

Samsung Named Official Patron of the PGA of America; Partnership to Provide Multi-Platform Support for Championships, Golfers Nationwide

Three-year Agreement spans PGA Championship and 2016 Ryder Cup Samsung Electronics America Inc., a global leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, has been named an Official Patron of the PGA of America. The three-year multi-platform agreement announced spans the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup through 2016, featuring enhanced technological support that touches the daily golfer, spectators and media at premier events. As part of the agreement, Samsung and the PGA will be working together to develop multi-screen, second-screen and interactive experiences to create the next generation fan experience. The initial focus will be on extending the experience of the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup for fans at home, on the go and attending two of golf's premier events. The PGA fan experiences will be available across Samsung's line of Smart TVs, large display monitors, PCs, connected cameras, smartphones, tablets and wearables. In addition, Samsung's line of mobile products will be used as the PGA's Official Scoring System for the PGA Championship and 2016 Ryder Cup. "The PGA of America is proud to welcome Samsung into a partnership that launches a new era in spectator enjoyment at the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup, along with elevating the golf experience for consumers," said PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Pete Bevacqua. "Over its history, Samsung has been a leader in technological progress and product enrichment. With this agreement, Samsung is making a sizeable impact on the game, which we believe will benefit PGA Professionals and all those who are passionate about golf."

2014 Compensation Survey Live on PGALinks.com Your participation is requested in helping to ensure that one of our Association's most powerful employment tools remains effective for you and your fellow PGA Professionals. Your participation is the key to producing compensation data that is valid and meaningful. Please consider the following points when contemplating filling out the survey: • The survey data is completely confidential individual information cannot be accessed • The survey contains vital information to help your brother and sister PGA Professionals in their negotiations for higher compensation • The Compensation Reports are important for the Employment Consultants as they meet with employers in the effort to drive up compensation • 100% participation is possible only if you take the time necessary to be involved! Typically, our higher wage earners do not participate which can drive the results down. • Our goal in the Illinois section is to significantly increase participation this year! • Each member has until March 23, 2014 to complete the survey and will receive 2 MSR's. Thank you for your support of this very important Association survey! Click here to complete the 2014 PGA Compensation Survey.

Are You Interested in Attending a PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop?

If you plan to attend a PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop in 2014, you can register online or via phone through the USGA. PGA members will receive 16 MSR credits (Education Category) for the 2-day workshop and 24 MSR credits (Education Category) for the 3-day workshop. View the schedule.

"Samsung is all about providing innovative solutions that connect people to their passions," said Tim Baxter, president of Samsung Electronics America. "We look forward to working with the PGA to redefine the ways that golf enthusiasts can engage and get deeper access to the game they love across our network of devices, at home and on the go." Nebraska Section PGA | 610 J Street, Ste 10 | Lincoln, NE 68508 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

The PGA of America and Golf Channel Partner with Technology Company GAME GOLF

Game-changing technology captures real on-course golf data to make golf more fun and interactive, allowing golfers to “compete” virtually both on and off the course, independent of location with friends worldwide

GAME GOLF announced a joint partnership with the PGA of America and Golf Channel, two of the most influential forces in all of golf, to revolutionize the way golfers play, compete, socialize and improve their game. GAME GOLF, a wearable device and integrated software platform which tracks and displays rounds of golf in a dynamic, socially driven interface, officially launched the product’s availability to consumers and retailers at the 61st PGA Merchandise Show. Through this partnership, the PGA of America will provide broad outreach of GAME GOLF’s engaging, social-centric, and universal appeal among its channels of business influence. GAME GOLF has the potential to serve as the next generation of teaching application for PGA Professionals. In tandem, Golf Channel will showcase GAME GOLF’s game-changing product attributes, including on the network’s instructional programming. In addition, Golf Channel will leverage GAME GOLF’s social media platforms to connect with viewers. “GAME GOLF will revolutionize the game by changing the way we socialize about golf and reveal how we are actually playing the game,” said John McGuire, CEO of GAME GOLF. “Much like the introduction of plastic cleats changed the culture of the game, we are doing the same by making golf more social and bringing a golfer’s data to life.” GAME GOLF utilizes sensors on each club and a tag-and-go wearable device sensor on the player’s belt. Vital performance data is synced to the cloud from the device and viewable on GAME GOLF’s website (www.gamegolf.com) within a player’s profile or on the player’s mobile device. From there, a player can view a dynamic interface displaying each shot and round data such as club selection, fairways hit, greens in regulation and distance, in addition to other stats and trends important to the player. In addition to enabling golfers to view their game, GAME GOLF features a social media hub where players can share their round, compare it to others, and virtually compete with friends or colleagues across the country and around the world. Among the PGA Tour professionals working with GAME GOLF to develop the product are 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood and, most recently, 2003 U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk. McDowell has been testing and providing feedback on the product for the last two years. “The PGA of America is utilizing technology to grow the sport, make it more accessible and, ultimately, bring people closer to the game," said Pete Bevacqua, CEO of the PGA of America. "The technology GAME GOLF has developed will not only make the game more enjoyable, but can be a tremendous asset to our PGA of America members as it relates to training and instruction. Click here to view more.

PGA Financial Assistance Scholarship Program Fund

Graduating high school seniors and college students who are the children or grandchildren of PGA members are invited to apply online at the home page (before you log in) of PGALinks.com to be considered for financial support for college through the PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Program. The scholarship program is an academic based scholarship program.

For more information click on the links below

Fact Sheet

College Scholarship Preparation Search Tips Assistance

An important note â€“ there are two changes this year: Up to 20% of funding will take into account financial need, please see details in Financial Need Section of application (this will be for students that fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and receive a SAR (Student Aid Report) that has an EFC (Effective Family Contribution) number on it. They must still have a 3.4 cumulative GPA. Beginning with 2014 graduating high school seniors (incoming Freshman in Fall of 2014) the total number of scholarships a student can receive will be limited to 2 total scholarships over the 4 years of undergraduate college attendance. For more information you may contact the Section office OR: PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Program Attention: Linda Bennington 888.532.6661; 561.624.7612 e-mail: lbenning@pgahq.com Grant and Scholarship Specialist 100 Avenue of the Champions Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418

February Birthdays Rob Brown, PGA

Thomas G Parker

2/23

Michael W. Ten Eyck, PGA 2/3

2/1

Brett J. Mayo, PGA

2/24

Bentley G. Benson, PGA

2/8

Steve T Boveia

2/25

Sid Holtmeier, PGA

2/12

Scott S. Holly, PGA

2/25

Christopher S. Hartman Nickolas J. Muller, PGA

2/16 2/20

Ron Gunia, PGA Robert G. Saffer, PGA

2/26 2/26

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

Thomas Harmon, PGA Tournament Director tharmon@pgahq.com

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

Renee Tyson Administrative Assistant rtyson@pgahq.com