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NEBRASKA PGA NEWS

April 2026

WATCH THE IMPACT OF WHAT THE CLUBS FORE YOUTH PROGRAM IS DOING IN OUR SCHOOLS

THE TEAM

OFFICERS/BOARD

President Mike Schuchart, PGA

Vice President Phil Palmer, PGA

Secretary— Bobby O’Keefe, PGA

Honorary President—Dawn Neujahr, PGA

NEBRASKA PGA STAFF

Executive Director/CEO David Honnens, PGA

Assist. Executive Director Seth Scollard, PGA

Managing Director—Renee Tyson

Tournament Director—Derek Carlson, PGA

Board Member Tony Baranowski, PGA Junior Golf Director Kurt Karcher, PGA

Board Member Joe Wiegand, PGA

Digital Media Director Brett Renner

Director of Foundation Programs—Amber Bogle

DISTRICT 8 DIRECTOR

Aaron Krueger, PGA

Administrative Assistant—Tiffany White

Development Officer Bob Danenhauer

Community Relations Coord. Margie Smith

ON THE TEE

-PGA OF AMERICA NAMES NEW COO —PHIL ANDERSON, PGA

TOURNAMENTS

-2026 SCHEDULE -PLAYERS CLUB PROPROPRO

MEMBER MATTERS

-CHECK YOUR PGA PROFILE -DEFERRED COMPENSATION

PGA OF AMERICA NAMES CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

The PGA of America today named Phil Anderson, PGA, Chief Operating Officer, a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the Association’s strategic priorities, operational performance and PGA of America Member services.

Anderson, who was selected following a comprehensive national search, joins the Association after serving as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer at Hazeltine National Golf Club since 2022. He will report to Chief Executive Officer Terry Clark. Anderson will begin the position on April 20 and will be based at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas.

“After a rigorous search that drew an exceptional and diverse pool of candidates, Phil emerged as the top choice for Chief Operating Officer,” Clark said. “He brings a strong blend of operational excellence, strategic vision and a deep, authentic connection to our Members and their work. Phil understands what it means to serve PGA of America Golf Professionals and consistently translates that understanding into results that elevate both people and performance. His leadership will be instrumental as we strengthen operations and move the PGA of America forward. Just as important, he will be a strong voice for our Members at the leadership table, ensuring their perspective remains central to our decision making.”

Anderson’s appointment represents the first of several planned leadership additions to further strengthen the Association and position it for sustained success in the years ahead.

As Chief Operating Officer, Anderson will work closely with Clark, the Officers and Board of Directors, and the PGA of America team to execute the Association’s strategic plan, align enterprise operations and enhance programs and services that support PGA of America Golf Professionals. In addition, Anderson will oversee the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Association.

“I am honored to join the PGA of America and serve our more than 30,000 Members and Associates,” Anderson said. “I am deeply grateful to Terry, the Officers and Board of Directors, and my fellow PGA of America Golf Professionals, and look forward to working closely with my new colleagues. The PGA of America represents the very best of our profession, and together we will strengthen our culture, elevate the Member experience and guide the Association into its next chapter. I am especially committed to ensuring our membership feels heard, supported and empowered, building an environment where their voices help shape the future of the Association and the game.” Continue Reading….

The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Jeff Nielsen, PGA the recipient of the Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball for the month of April

The Nebraska PGA Section is proud to announce Jeff Nielsen, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Bent Tree Golf Club, as the April recipient of the Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball Award. This monthly honor recognizes PGA Professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to growing the game of golf.

A longtime member of the PGA of America, Nielsen’s influence reaches far beyond the daily operations at Bent Tree GC. His passion for player development, community engagement, and mentorship has made a lasting impact across the Nebraska Section.

“Being recognized by the Professionals I respect and learn from every day is truly humbling,” Nielsen said.

“There are so many talented individuals in the Nebraska PGA Section doing amazing work, so this recognition means a lot. This award is truly a reflection of our team at Bent Tree Golf Club. The environment we are building is only possible because of our team that shows up every day, takes pride in their work, and genuinely cares about others. I am blessed to be surrounded by a team that makes Bent Tree so special.”

Nielsen’s commitment to growing the game is evident through his longstanding involvement with PGA REACH Nebraska programming. Since its inception, he has played an active role in expanding opportunities for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

The Nebraska PGA’s tournament season debuted at The Players Club of Omaha with the 2026 Oakley Pro/Pro/Pro event. A record 31 teams of NEPGA trios competed in the season opener, marking the largest field in event history.

The 27-hole competition utilized both the championship course and the “Highland Nine,” with each segment featuring a different format. The front nine of the championship course was played as best ball, followed by a scramble on the back nine, while the Highland Nine featured a modified alternate shot format. The tournament began with an 11:00 a.m. shotgun start, officially launching the 2026 season.

After 27 holes of action, three teams were tied atop the leaderboard at 14-under, forcing a playoff to determine the champion.

The first playoff team consisted of Mark Foelbaek of Country Club of Lincoln, Caleb Badura of Whispering Creek Golf Club, and Jonathan Stoltenberg of Riverside Golf Club.

The second team featured Dominick Mitchum, PGA, Alex Schaake, and Tanner Muhlecke, all representing Omaha Country Club.

The final playoff group included Jon Petersen, PGA, Carson Schaake, and Christian Hall, all representing Tiburon Golf Club.

The playoff headed to No. 9 on the “Highland Nine,” where a modified alternate-shot format was used: Player A hit the tee shot, Player B the approach, and Player C the putt before the rotation restarted.

After three playoff holes, Petersen found the fairway, Schaake hit the green, and Hall rolled in the tournament-clinching birdie. The Tiburon trio picked up right where they left off in 2025, securing another victory to open the new year.

The Nebraska PGA would like to thank Head Golf Professional Eric Tomes and the entire staff at The Players Club of Omaha for hosting the event. Appreciation is also extended to title sponsor and new season partner Oakley for providing tee gifts and strong support throughout the day.

Additional thanks go out to supporting partners Sterling Cut Glass, the PGA TOUR, Coors Light, White Claw, Twisted Tea, Bushnell Golf, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka for their continued commitment to the Nebraska PGA Section.

Next week, Nebraska PGA Professionals will head to Fremont Golf Club for the Section’s next Pro-Am event.

SCHAAKE GOES LOW, VERMEER LEADS TEAM TO FREMONT PRO -AM

WIN

Fremont Golf Club played host to 27 teams of Nebraska PGA professionals and their amateur partners in a Pro-Am presented by Miller & Sons Golf Cars (E-Z-GO). The format for today’s team event was Net and 1 Gross Best Ball while the Professionals competed in individual stroke play.

Adding to the excitement, two Tito’s Handmade Vodka Holes of the Week were in play, along with the Final Drive presented by Vinnie Krikac State Farm Insurance Agency. Tee times began at 9:00 a.m., and a beautiful April day welcomed the players.

In the Professional-only division, five players posted rounds of 69 or better led by Tiburon Golf Club’s Carson Schaake with an impressive 65 (6-under) to win Low-Professional honors. For most of the day, Happy Hollow Club’s Ryan Vermeer, PGA had the lead after carding his own 66 (5-under), but Schaake made a late charge and birdied the final two holes en route to his win.

Brad Bailey, PGA of Wilderness Ridge Country Club and Alex Schaake of Omaha Country Club recorded rounds of 68 (3under) to tie for third while Firethorn Golf Club’s Brady Schnell rounded out the top-5 with a 69 (2-under). Continue Reading….

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 -2027 NEBRASKA PGA

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Each year the Nebraska Section PGA awards scholarships to University of Nebraska Lincoln PGM students. We would like to congratulate these deserving recipients:

Travis Emory

Riley Funk

Isabella Barry

Kyle Eggers

Eli Ash

(Harrison Clements & Kai Nelles Not Pictured)

DISTRICT 8 DIRECTOR

Aaron Krueger, PGA

PGA of America District 8 Director Serving Nebraska, Iowa & Minnesota Sections

Dear Nebraska PGA Members & Associates

I hope your 2026 season is off to a great start. The spring weather hasn’t quite popped yet. Hopefully, we all have an outstanding month of weather in May that provides full tee sheets and strong business!

I began serving as the Incoming District 8 Director on the PGA of America’s Board of Directors in December 2025. Incoming Directors attend a thorough board orientation, attend board meetings, have access to past board minutes and historical documents, and receive regular association updates. The only differences are that the Incoming Directors sit behind the main board table during in-person meetings, are not allowed to provide input during a motion discussion or vote and cannot vote. This year of shadowing the sitting District Director is incredibly valuable to the Incoming Directors and provides a thorough experience of how the board operates and the association works.

My year as an Incoming Director was as the shadow of Phil Anderson, PGA from Hazeltine National of the Minnesota PGA Section. Phil is one of the most passionate, intelligent and strategic PGA professionals I have been around. This was proven when Phil was hired as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the PGA of America. Phil will be a tremendous asset to our association and alongside CEO Terry Clark (another leader from District 8), will lead our staff to great things.

With Phil’s new role as COO, my Incoming Director term was shortened, and I was sworn in as the voting District 8 Director on April 20th. I will serve the rest of Phil’s term on the PGA board, which goes to the Annual Meeting in November. I will then take a three-year term as the District 8 Director, leading an Incoming Director from Nebraska in 2029.

I am honored to now be seated at “the big table”, especially alongside At-Large Director, Dawn Neujahr, PGA. Dawn has been an incredible Director. Her perspective brings clarity, challenges others to see other sides and is member focused. I cannot thank Dawn enough for her insight, leadership, mentoring and friendship.

My goal is to represent District 8 with professionalism, transparency and integrity. I am committed to ensuring that communication from the PGA of America is effectively shared with each section, especially as I seek input from the officers and executive directors in our district. I believe that open and consistent communication is essential to aligning the PGA’s national initiatives with the unique

needs of our sections and members. That said, there are many sensitive topics that the board discusses that cannot be shared openly. In those situations, please trust I will serve our district, association and membership in the best way possible.

I am honored to serve the members of the Nebraska PGA, District 8, and the PGA of America, I look forward to connecting with you at your upcoming section meetings, and I welcome your ideas, questions, and feedback at any time.

Sincerely,

Aaron Krueger, PGA

District 8 Director, PGA of America Board of Directors

General

Manager, Wakonda Club

We are excited to share that the applications for PGA LEAD (Cohort # 11) will be available starting April 1, 2026! This is for governance leaders who are actively involved in Chapter/Section governance, or those who have expressed interest in being involved and learning more about it.

PGA LEAD Information and Details:

• Comprehensive information on PGA LEAD can be found here!

• The PGA LEAD Program is a 12-month experience including virtual monthly meetings and attendance at the PGA of America's Annual Meeting and Core Committee Meetings where the cohort will graduate.

• Below is a detailed timeline specific to Cohort 11, but serves as a framework for future cohorts as well:

-April 1, 2026 - Applications open

-August 2027 Attendance and graduation at the August Core Committee Meetings (Dallas, TX)

-August 2027 - Final presentation

-November 2026 - Attendance at the PGA of America Annual Meeting (Las Vegas, NV)

-September 2026 - July 2027 - Monthly virtual meetings with guest speakers

-August 2026 - Virtual introduction meetinJuly 2026 - Cohort 11 announced

-June 15, 2026 - Final selection of applications

-June 1, 2026 - Initial screening of applications

-May 15, 2026 - Applications close

Check Your Profile Before Dues Billing

The 2026-2027 Annual Dues Invoices will be available on May 5, 2026. Please review your PGA.org dashboard and submit any employment, class, Section, or personal contact changes here, including reviewing your Term Life Insurance beneficiary information.

New Dashboard for PGAAssociates

Are you in the PGA Associate Program (3.1) or know someone who is? A new dashboard on PGA.org makes it easy to track progress and see next steps toward PGA Membership. Log in to explore and please encourage your peers in the program to check it out!

Learn More

PGA Deferred Compensation: New Plan Year Reminder

A new plan year for Deferred Compensation has begun! Please start submitting your completed activities for points. Reminder, you can earn up to $1,500 and you must accumulate at least 200 points within the plan year to be eligible for any contribution. Submit completed activities, here, or enroll in Deferred Compensation, here.

Class F Members and Associates are not eligible for the plan at this time.

Learn More

Mark Leads as Contacted to Clean Your Inbox - Mobile App & Web

You can now mark leads as Contacted after following up off-platform, which removes them from your 'New' lead list and helps you stay focused on who still needs attention.

Auto-Replies Now Visible in Message Threads - Mobile App & Web

When your auto-reply is turned on, your automated response now appears directly in the coach-student message thread so you have a complete record of communication.

Weekly Calendar - Mobile App Only

You can now switch to a weekly calendar view in the mobile app by turning your phone sideways, making it easier to see and manage your weekly schedule at a glance.

Tap to Pay - Mobile App Only

Collect payment on the spot with Tap to Pay. Use your phone as the terminal and let students tap their contactless card or mobile wallet to pay instantly.

STAY UP TO DATE

We still need instructors! Especially for the Lincoln programs! Please sign up HERE

SYRACUSE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GOLF TEAM

BRUNING -DAVENPORT HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GOLF TEAM

Nebraska PGA Junior Shines on Golf ’s Biggest Stage at Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals

For one junior golfer from Lincoln, a dream became reality this April at one of the most iconic venues in the game Augusta National Golf Club.

Representing the Nebraska PGA Section, Country Club of Lincoln’s Jack Flynn delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, finishing in a tie for fifth place against the top young golfers in the country.

Held annually on the Sunday prior to the Masters Tournament, the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals bring together 80 of the nation’s best juniors each advancing through local, subregional, and regional qualifying stages to earn a coveted spot at Augusta.

Competing on golf’s most celebrated grounds, finalists showcase their skills across three core disciplines driving, chipping, and putting in a test of precision, composure, and creativity. The 2026 finals marked the 12th edition of the event, continuing its tradition of creating unforgettable experiences for young players and their families.

The Nebraska representative rose to the occasion, demonstrating poise well beyond their years while competing on Augusta National’s practice facilities and the famed 18th green. Battling a strong national field, the Lincoln native’s top-five finish stands as a remarkable achievement and a testament to their dedication and hard work.

Guided by PGA Coach Al Petersen lll, the junior’s journey to Augusta reflects countless hours of practice and perseverance. From early rounds of qualifying to the national stage, the accomplishment highlights both individual excellence and the strength of player development within the Nebraska PGA Section.

Beyond the leaderboard, the experience itself is what makes Drive, Chip and Putt truly special. For participants, walking the grounds of Augusta National, interacting with fellow finalists from across the country, and competing under the spotlight of national television creates memories that last a lifetime.

For this Lincoln junior, a tie for fifth place is more than just a result it’s a milestone moment in a promising young golf career and a proud achievement for Nebraska golf.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RESULTS

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE 2026 FINALS MORE ON THE NATIONAL FINALS