August 2021
Left to Right: Jay Cottam, PGA; Nick Wanderscheid, PGA; Judd Cornell, PGA; Winner-Ryan Vermeer, PGA; Ted DiGiacomo, PGA & Steve Friesen, PGA
OFFICERS/BOARD
NEBRASKA PGA STAFF
President—Gil Russell, PGA
Executive Director/CEO—David Honnens, PGA
Vice President—Dawn Neujahr, PGA
Managing Director—Seth Scollard, PGA
Secretary—Mike Schuchart, PGA
Tournament Director—Vincent Bachteler, PGA
Honorary President—Nathan Kalin, PGA
Nebraska Junior Golf Director/PGA REACH Programming Assistant—Kurt Karcher, PGA
Board Member—Nick Wanderscheid, PGA
Operations Manager—Renee Tyson
Board Member—Joe Sutter, PGA
Development Officer—Bob Danenhauer
District 8 Director—Greg Neujahr, PGA
Digital Media Specialist—Brett Renner
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PAGE 3 Nebraska PGA News August 2021
It's almost time for the 30th Wells Fargo Nebraska Open set for September 10-12 at Elks Country Club. Before it fills up, we hope to see many of our NEPGA Professionals register for this year's edition of the tournament as it returns to normal after being impacted by the pandemic last season.
Register Now!
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PGA LEAD is accepting applications! PGA LEAD is a twoyear curated leadership development program specifically designed for those who are interested in ascending to leadership roles within Association governance. PGA LEAD identifies, mentors and progresses PGA Members from diverse backgrounds along a guided path to volunteer leadership roles at the Section and National levels of the Association. The primary goal of PGA LEAD is to establish a deep bench of PGA Members from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities who are prepared to ascend to and through volunteer leadership ranks of Association governance. PGA LEAD also assists in developing PGA Members who desire to make an impact in their communities and on nonprofit boards. The Nebraska Section has been very involved in this program over the years. Dawn Neujahr, PGA was the first of this group to step out and join this team, followed by Owen Schuette, PGA and now Al Peterson III, PGA. If you would like an up-close and personal view on their experience, please reach out to them. If you are interested in applying, contact Linnet Carty at LCarty@pgahq.com. The application deadline for PGA LEAD Cohort VII, Class of 2022-2023 is September 17, 2021 at midnight PST. All submissions are confidential and will be reviewed only by the PGA LEAD Selection Committee.
APPLY TODAY! PAGE 5 Nebraska PGA News August 2021
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Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club, winner of the Nebraska PGA Professional Championship hosted at Champions Run will lead six NEPGA Professionals to compete in the 2022 PGA Professional Championship, April 17-20, at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas. Vermeer turned in a winning total of 17-under-par to capture the Nebraska PGA Professional Champion title, which set the all-time Section scoring record for the Championship. Vermeer began the Championship with opening rounds of 66 (-6) and 65 (-7) to carry a five-stroke lead into the final day, which he never gave up. An incredible week was highlighted by twenty total birdies to go along with an eagle. Vermeer took care of the par five holes by playing them at 11-under-par which set him apart from the field. The victory is his fourth consecutive in the event and it’s his fifth in six years. Joining Vermeer in the 2022 PGA Professional Championship will be Judd Cornell, PGA of The Players Club in Omaha, Ted DiGiacomo, PGA of Golf Galaxy Omaha, Nick Wanderscheid, PGA of Morningside University, Jay Cottam, PGA of Awarii Dunes and Steve Friesen, PGA of Firethorn Golf Club. The story lies in the qualifiers where Cornell, Cottam and DiGiacomo will all make their first career appearances in the national championship come April. Continue Reading….. PAGE 7 Nebraska PGA News August 2021
Winning 7&6 at Oak Hills Country Club over J. D. Brake, PGA to capture the 2021 NEPGA Senior Match Play title… Tom Hearn, PGA of the PGA TOUR!
Congratulations to Mike Coatman of Firethorn Golf Club who claims his first NEPGA Assistant Match Play title 3&2 against Brad Bailey, PGA .
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Lincoln, NE. – Nebraska PGA’s 2021 Pro-Am schedule picked back up at Hillcrest Country Club after championship season put it on hold. Today’s event welcomed 26 teams and 104 players and they took on the challenging Hillcrest CC which features tight fairways and fast greens. Though the course played tough, ten Nebraska PGA Professionals managed to fire rounds under-par highlighted by Mike Coatman of Firethorn Golf Club with a blistering 63 (9-under) round to claim low-Professional honors. Coatman began his day with a 34 (2-under) on the front nine before catching fire in his final nine holes. He began his second nine with a birdie, eagle, birdie stretch on holes 10, 11 and 12 to get to 6-under on the day, but he wasn’t done yet. After another birdie on hole 14, he capped off an incredible round with yet another eagle on hole 18 to finish with a bogey-free 63 to lead the Professional field. Earlier in the day and also playing out of Firethorn Golf Club, Steve Friesen, PGA fired a 67 (5-under) which ended up being good enough for solo-second. Tying for third was Ted DiGiacomo, PGA of Golf Galaxy and Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club with respective rounds of 68 (4-under) while Andrew Storm of Shadow Ridge CC and Justin Herron of Oak Hills CC tied for 5th place with rounds of 69 (3-under). In the team division, Andrew Storm and his playing partners Greg Eloge (a), Chris Storm (a) and Brett Clark (a) worked well together to shoot 19-under par to win the team format. Their blemish-free card was highlighted by six eagles and seven birdies in a format that counted three balls on par 3’s, two balls on par 4’s and one ball on the par 5’s. For full leaderboard, CLICK HERE
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Sept. 21-26, 2021; Whistling Straits; Kohler, WI PGA of America Members (other than Class F) and their accompanying spouse/ partner or guest (not both) may receive complimentary PGA Member Club tickets. Members’immediate children, under 21 years of age, will also receive complimentary access. Tickets must be picked up on a daily basis from the Will Call office and all individuals (spouse/partner or guest, children) must be present and visible with the PGA Member to receive their ticket. Members must show their current PGA of America membership card and photo ID. Class “F” Members, Associates and PGA Golf Management students do not receive complimentary admission. No PGA Member Club tickets may be collected for a future day of attendance, without exception. Members may bring a different guest, to a limit of one, each day of the Ryder Cup. The PGA Member Club is located on-site, adjacent to the driving range. Food and beverage will be available for purchase and the tent will offer seating, televisions and restrooms. The PGA Member Club will be a shared venue with European PGA, LPGA and PGA Tour entities. The PGA Member Club ticket does not offer access to the International Pavilion. Public parking is complimentary and located onsite at Whistling Straits. Once parked, proceed to the Admissions office located near the main spectator admission gate to pick up daily ticket(s). For event details, including information on gate hours, items to leave at home, transportation and parking, visit www.rydercup.com/spectatorguide in August 2021. COVID-19 procedures are yet to be decided but will be finalized a week prior to the championship. For Member information, contact PGA Membership Services at (800) 742-4653.
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Harris Golf Cars is super excited to announce that Spencer Haldeman of Des Moines, Iowa will be our newest member of our team. Spencer who is my nephew, and son of our Vice president Steve Haldeman, has been around the golf car business his whole life. After playing 4 years of basketball at Northern Iowa and a year in financial services we are excited he has made the decision to join Harris Golf Cars. Spencer will be the Territory Sales Representative in Central/ Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska. He is very excited to meet all of you!! I have attached his bio. Harris Golf Cars is a family owned Yamaha Golf Car distributor established in 1979 and is the largest golf car distributor in the Midwest. Harris has received several awards from Yamaha for excellence in sales, service and customer satisfaction. The addition of Spencer to our team will strengthen our position in the market and he will help us continue our growth to even more satisfied customers. 2911 courses over the last 7 years have made the switch to Yamaha Golf Cars. Spencer’s contact information is listed below and also on his bio. Spencer is always available to answer any product questions, give you a demo presentation, offer information on best industry practices and trends and present a proposal that shows why 2911 golf courses have made the switch to Yamaha from the competitor’s products over the past 7 years. Spencer Haldeman Email: spencer@harrisgolfcars.com Phone:563-590-8265
My name is Spencer Haldeman. I grew up in Peosta, Iowa and attended Western Dubuque High School. Growing up at Thunder Hills CC, I was around the game of golf all the time and worked in the bag room and pro shop all through high school. I then attended the University of Northern Iowa where I earned degrees in organizational leadership and marketing. I was a member of the UNI men’s basketball team which taught me a lot about teamwork, perseverance, passion, and achieving goals. After graduating from UNI, I was part of the financial world as a financial advisor until deciding to join the family business at Harris Golf Cars. The opportunity to join the family business is special to me and something I am very excited about. I look forward to creating relationships with many great people around the golf industry and helping each facility offer their members and customers the best possible experience possible by providing the best golf car on the market, Yamaha Golf Cars. I look forward to meeting each one of you personally as I travel through the Iowa and Nebraska area. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. I can be reached on my cell phone at 563-590-8265. PAGE 13 Nebraska PGA News August 2021
Mark Your Calendar for the 2021 Annual Dues Deadline With just over a month until the PGA Board extended due date of August 31, 2021 for this year's annual membership dues, be sure to mark your calendar to submit payment by that date. Click here to learn more and pay your dues today.
Final Year MSR Cycle MSR Cycle 16A ends as of June 15, 2022. Now is the time to start reviewing your “earned” status toward this deadline date. If you would like to submit MSR hours, please contact Renee Tyson at rtyson@pgahq.com or 402-489-7760.
Join the 2021 PGA Show Buying and Education Summit Don’t miss the first annual PGA Show Buying & Education Summit, open to buyers and PGA Professionals only. Make face-to-face connections with well-known and up-andcoming golf brands, apparel, accessories, technology, equipment and more. Click here to learn more. PAGE 14 Nebraska PGA News August 2021
Thirty years ago, the perception was that Nebraska’s golf history couldn’t fill a pamphlet. But a strange and wonderful transformation of how outsiders viewed our fairways began with the opening of Sand Hills Golf Club in 1995. About the same time, people rediscovered the story of Johnny Goodman, the last amateur to win the U.S. Open, as Tiger Woods tried to supplant him. Add in the courses that followed in the wake of Sand Hills’ acclaim and the success of the 2013 U.S. Senior Open at Omaha Country Club, and now it was worth digging for the other nuggets of history. On sale now is “Nebraska Golf — Out of the Shadows,” by World-Herald golf writer Stu Pospisil. The 240-page hardcover book tells story after story — Sand Hills Golf Club and the courses it spawned; Steve Hogan, the state’s first Black PGA Professional; women’s golf; Johnny Goodman; and the state’s Johnny Appleseed, Alex Findlay. More than 300 photos, old and new, many from Stonebridge Publishing, illustrate the book. Available for $29.95 (plus tax and shipping and handling) at owhstore.com. Contact Stu Pospisil at stu.pospisil@owh.com if interested in stocking the book in your golf shop or holding a book signing at your facility. PAGE 15 Nebraska PGA News August 2021
Check out the updated District 8 Career Services Website for references for employers and Job Seekers Head Professional/Dir of Golf/GM Assistant Professional Teaching Professional/Player Development Other Industry Jobs Jacqueline Madison, PGA Career Consultant PGA Career Services Proudly serving the IA, MN, & NE jmadison@pgahq.com Office: 612-852-4910
Check out our PGA Career Services Website and LinkedIn Page Click HERE to update your Job Preferences on pga.org Click HERE to start your personal career plan Click HERE to schedule a virtual appointment with Jacque
PAGE 16 Nebraska PGA News August 2021
Dear Nebraska Section Members and Associates, Welcome to September and Fall Golf! I hope you are all having success wrapping up your final few events of the season and reaching for the finish line. A big year in the golf business as rounds and merchandise sales continue to be strong. This can also be a challenging time of the year since many of your staff have gone back to school. Thank you for what you do on a daily basis to grow the game and provide life long memories for your customers and members. The biggest sporting event of the year is also happening this month so wanted to share some information and thoughts as we get ready to host the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straights in Wisconsin! The dates of the event are September 21st - September 26th and hope you are planning to attend. PGA members receive complimentary admission along with one guest. You will need to go to the main admissions box office with your member ID card and the one guest of the day of attendance. The guest must be present with you when you pick up the tickets. The plan as of right now is to have full attendance for fans each day and full corporate hospitality. On September 8th Captain Steve Stricker will make his final 6 picks to fill out the team and announce the pairings at the opening ceremonies Thursday of Ryder Cup week. Media for the week will be promoting the PGA Professional and the many programs that are ran by each of you to grow the game of golf. PGA Reach, PGA Works, PGA Hope, PGM programs and Make Golf your Thing are just a few that will be highlighted. Here are a few numbers to put in perspective the scope of the event: -$135 million economic impact to the region -1.3 million square feet of temporary structures built -4,000 volunteers -350,000 beers sold! -7 miles of chain link fence -58,000 square feet merchandise tent -2 teams -1 trophy! (Go USA) If you are planning to attend, please reach out to me if you need any assistance or want to watch some golf! I know the staff has been working hard to get ready for this premier event and I know you will proud of your association…..The PGA! Be well…..Stay safe and GO USA! Sincerely, Greg Neujahr, PGA District 8 Director – National PGA
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PGA JR. LEAGUE REGIONAL FINALS Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa & Colorado Teams September 3rd-5th, 2021 The Ridge Golf Club The winner will advance to the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ, October 7-10, 2021.
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PGA REACH Announces 2021-2022 PGA WORKS Golf Management University Scholarship Recipients Students at Clemson, Coastal Carolina, Eastern Kentucky, Methodist, Nebraska-Lincoln, UCCS and UNLV Earn $8,000 Scholarships Editors: For photos of the scholarship recipients, please click here. PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Aug. 30, 2021) – PGA REACH has awarded scholarships to 10 students through the PGA WORKS Golf Management University Scholarship Program for the 2021-2022 academic school year. These $8,000 scholarships are designed to improve the recruitment and retention of talented and motivated students from diverse backgrounds, who are pursuing PGA Membership through PGA Golf Management University Programs nationwide. The PGA WORKS initiative is designed to evolve the demographic composition of the golf industry’s workforce and the PGA of America’s Membership. Scholarship recipients will pursue full-time undergraduate studies at one of the 18 accredited PGA Golf Management Universities during the 2021-2022 academic year, with an ultimate goal of obtaining PGA Membership. “The PGA WORKS Golf Management University Scholarship enables these highly talented students to earn their college degree, as they follow their dream of becoming a PGA Member,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “The golf industry is experiencing historic growth, which provides a valuable opportunity for these students to pursue a career in the game and business of golf.” Scholarship recipients were selected on the basis of: Academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors and work experience, a statement of goals and aspirations, unique personal or family circumstances, an outside appraisal, demonstrated active participation in the game of golf and playing ability.
2021-2022 PGA WORKS Golf Management University Scholarship Program Recipients Natalie Brosig Erie, Pa. Methodist University PGA Golf Management University Program Class of 2025
Nathan Koch Franksville, Wis. Coastal Carolina University PGA Golf Management University Program Class of 2023
Brianna Fleming Monaca, Pa. Coastal Carolina University PGA Golf Management University Program Class of 2022
Emily Gustafson Holdrege, Neb. University of Nebraska – Lincoln PGA Golf Management University Program Class of 2024
Mark Howard Lexington, Ky. Eastern Kentucky University PGA Golf Management University Program Class of 2023
Jerrell Parrish Hyattsville, Md. University of Nevada, Las Vegas PGA Golf Management University Program Class of 2023
Leah Im Las Vegas University of Nevada, Las Vegas PGA Golf Management University Program Class of 2023
Elizabeth Roch Hebron, Ky. Eastern Kentucky University PGA Golf Management University Program Class of 2022
Brayden Kelley Fruita, Colo. University of Colorado, Colorado Springs PGA Golf Management University Program Class of 2024
Rachel Wohn Savannah, Ga. Clemson University PGA Golf Management University Program Class of 2022
To ensure success and perpetuity of the program, as well as objectivity in the selection process, PGA REACH retained Scholarship America as a third-party administrator. Scholarship America is the nation's largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals.
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Being involved with the Nebraska Section PGA has been a passion of mine since I first started in the business as an Assistant Professional at Oak Hills CC under the mentorship of Bob Vermeer, PGA. My first involvement was with the Assistants Association and helping to organize the Assistants Championship raising funds and gift items for the tournament. I was then asked by a number of different professionals that were serving as President of the Nebraska Section PGA to be the Junior Golf Chairman, Employment Chairman, Membership Chairman and finally Tournament Chairman. All of these roles gave me the opportunity to interact with many quality professionals in our section and increased my desire to run for section Secretary. Being an officer in our section opened up a whole new group of professionals on a National level and increased my knowledge about the Association. Helping to start our PGA Section Foundation with Mike Antonio, PGA was a great learning experience and created an opportunity to share with other professionals in our section what we can do as golf professionals to help our community and give back. In 2020 I was honored to be selected as the next District 8 representative taking over for Dave Schneider, PGA representing Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota on the National board. Sitting in the board room and being able to help shape the future of the PGA of America is something that I never would have imagined. Being able to learn and listen about the direction of the PGA and sharing and educating the professionals in our District is a chance of a lifetime to give back. To be selected as the 2020 PGA Professional Development Award is an honor and I encourage all PGA members to get involved with the section and give back some of your time. I know that I have received way more back than given out and it has been so rewarding on every level. We need future leaders to help grow the game and promote the PGA member! Greg Neujahr, PGA Director of Golf/District 8 Director Champions Run, Omaha, NE PAGE 20 Nebraska PGA News August 2021
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Seven Juniors from the Nebraska Section are headed to Colorado Golf Club for the Drive, Chip and Putt Regional qualifier!
Zeke Smith Leo Hong Tyler Hanna Shea Clanton Prestin Vilai
Halle Rech Kenna Rech One last step to competing at Augusta before the Masters Tournament! PAGE 23 Nebraska PGA News August 2021
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Congratulations to Michael and Nash Malone of Kearney on winning the 2021 Nebraska PGA Doubles Golf Championship in the Parent/ Junior category. The Championship was held at Jim Ager Memorial Golf Course in Lincoln, NE. Team Malone shot a 23 (-4) for their round and captured the title! They will represent the Nebraska Section PGA at the U.S. Doubles Golf Am Championships held at The Bears Club in Jupiter, Florida this November. Good luck and to the Malone’s!
See Full Results HERE PAGE 27 Nebraska PGA News August 2021
Randy Carlson, PGA Bob VanderZee Jr., PGA Judd M. Cornell, PGA Brian R. Kuta, PGA Owen J. Schuette, PGA Kevin Chesnut, PGA Jerad M. Palmer, PGA John O. Craw, PGA Jacob J. Wright, PGA Seth C. Svejda, PGA Jacqueline R Stevens, PGA Brian P. Winge, PGA Sean T. Riley, PGA Kirk Stanzel, PGA Skip Tredway, PGA Bradley V. Goetsch, PGA Daniel J. Fox, PGA Don G. Graham, PGA
1 3 5 5 6 6 9 9 10 10 10 11 13 13 14 14 15 16
Jayde H. Curley Anthony P. Thiner, PGA Casey A. Schiel, PGA Dakota A. Loudner, PGA Austin J. Miller, PGA Jeffrey R. Nielsen, PGA Ted P. DiGiacomo, PGA Daniel E Shull, PGA Nicholas J. Onken Paul F. Murcek, PGA Joe J. Protexter, PGA Timothy J. Fox, PGA Michael J. Zadalis, PGA Joseph R. Baldwin Devon E. Kastler, PGA Scott A. Ethington, PGA Adam L. Coates, PGA Jonathan D. Benson, PGA
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