August 2024 Newsletter by David Honnens

President Dawn Neujahr, PGA

Vice President Mike Schuchart, PGA

Secretary— Phil Palmer, PGA

Honorary President—Gil Russell, PGA

Board Member Nick Wanderscheid, PGA

Board Member Chris Cover, PGA

Board Member—Greg Neujahr, PGA

DISTRICT 8 DIRECTOR

Phil Anderson, PGA

Executive Director/CEO David Honnens, PGA

Assist. Executive Director Seth Scollard, PGA

Managing Director—Renee Tyson

Tournament Director—Derek Carlson, PGA

Junior Golf Director Kurt Karcher, PGA

Digital Media Director Brett Renner

Development Officer—Bob Danenhauer

Community Relations Coord.—Margie Smith

Administrative Assistant Tiffany White

PGA Works Fellow Amber Bogle

Country Club!

Since the pot has now been emptied, it's time to fill the pot back up for the NEW Hole -in-One club. Entry into the club is only required one time until the next Hole-in-One is made.

Entry fee is $20.00.

Career Consultant MidSummer Update

I am writing to bring your attention to a few important matters that warrant your prompt attention and action.

1. Compensation Survey

Our annual Compensation Survey plays a crucial role in helping us understand how compensation trends are evolving within our section. By filling out this survey, you contribute valuable data that helps us advocate for fair and competitive compensation for our members. This information is instrumental in ensuring that we all stay well-informed and can benefit from a more transparent and equitable industry.

Your input is extremely important, and I urge you to take a few moments to complete the survey. The insights gathered will also aid in negotiating better benefits and resources for all professionals within our section. You will also receive 1 PDR for completing the survey.

You can update/ complete your COMPENSATION PROFILE BY CLICKING HERE (step-by-step instructions attached)

2. Career Services Survey

In our continuous efforts to better serve you, I am conducting my own personal Career Services Survey. Your feedback will guide me in tailoring services that meet your career growth needs more effectively. Whether it's through professional development programs, compensation, resume review, or mentorship opportunities, I want to ensure that I am offering services that truly add value to your professional journey.

Please share your thoughts and experiences by completing the survey. The survey is completely confidential, your name/email will not be attached to your answers. Your input is invaluable and will directly impact the enhancement of career services provided to all members.

You can access the SURVEY BY CLICKING HERE

3. Updates to the New Department of Labor Law (Effective July 1)

Finally, I would like to update you on the recent changes to the Department of Labor law that went into effect on July 1. These changes may have significant implications for our field, including updates in employment standards, wage regulations, and compliance requirements. It is imperative that all members familiarize themselves with these updates to ensure continued compliance and to leverage any new provisions that may benefit you or your organization.

Several organizations are conducting informational sessions and providing resources to help you navigate these changes effectively. If you would like more information on these sessions or like to discuss the new Labor laws, please don’t hesitate to reach out. However, I encourage you to reach out to your state labor department to seek counsel.

Highlights from the 2024 Committee Meetings

Last week, over 175 PGA of America Golf Professionals united to discuss pivotal initiatives and membership matters at the 2024 Committee Meetings. Attendees had the opportunity to listen to the four Secretary candidates and received insightful updates from our leadership.

Explore More

Ticket Registration for 2024 Presidents Cup

Ticket registration for the 2024 Presidents Cup opens for PGA of America Members on September 2, 2024. If you are interested in attending, click here to view your access and learn how to request tickets.

Learn More

Update on CEO Search

PGA of America President John Lindert provides an update on where things stand in the search process for the next CEO of the PGA of America.

Read Update

The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Tony Driscoll, PGA of Whispering Woods as their Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball recipient for the month of August.

The mission statement of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is to ignite the true potential in every athlete, and no one does it better than PGA Professionals when it comes to growing the game of golf. That mission has been carried out by Driscoll throughout the entirety of his career as a PGA Golf Professional and now golf course owner.

For the past 14 years, Driscoll has been a member of the PGA of America and he’s been involved within the Nebraska Section PGA and it’s Foundation PGA REACH Nebraska. Driscoll is currently serving on the PGA REACH Nebraska board and has played an instrumental role in the growth of the Foundation over the course of the past decade.

For many years, Driscoll was the Head Golf Professional at Bent Tree Golf Club in Council Bluffs, IA. With the help from investors, he has moved and purchased formerly named Fox Run Golf Club. Owning and operating a golf course has always been a dream of his, but now, it’s a reality.

“This was an opportunity for me to prove my ability and do something for my family that they can be proud of”, said Driscoll.

When Driscoll took over and purchased the property, he did it knowing there would be challenges and in all reality, it would be an uphill battle. The property itself wasn’t in great condition and the equipment across the property was poor. In addition, the reputation of the golf course among the surrounding public golf community was poor as well. When his team took over, they knew they would have to work hard to accomplish their goals. Continue Reading…..

PGA REACH Nebraska is excited to announce that 2023 PGA HOPE Nebraska Graduate Amber Bogle has been selected as a national Ambassador for the program. She’s set to attend the 2024 PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week, marking the fourth Nebraska graduate to do so.

Just over a year ago, Bogle, who considered herself a softball player for life, had never really golfed before. Golf wasn’t a part of her life, yet. Until one day while sitting at home scrolling on her phone, an email notification popped up. It was from the Department of Veterans Affairs. “Free golf for Veterans”, Bogle read to herself.

During a time when she needed something the most, she decided a new hobby could be beneficial. It was that very decision, to sign up and give both golf and PGA HOPE a try, that changed her life forever.

Bogle counted down the days and while not knowing really what to expect, she went into the first week of the program with open eyes, an open heart and a very nervous stomach. During the sixweek stretch, she not only caught the golf bug, but she discovered the full potential of PGA HOPE and what it could bring to her life. New motivations, a new purpose, a new community and even a new career path.

Korn Ferry Tour Players Brandon Crick, a Nebraska native and Kyle Westmoreland, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, spent time on the range with PGA HOPE Nebraska graduates on Tuesday of Championship week. Swing tips, stories, and autographs were included in the fantastic evening on the driving range.

On Saturday of the championship week, PGA HOPE hosted a watch party where lunch and prizes were provided by PGA REACH Nebraska. The Patriot Outpost, sponsored by NP Dodge, Sampson Construction, and the Wounded Warriors Family Support, provided all veterans, active duty military personnel, and first responders with the chance to enjoy some camaraderie with each other while watching professional golf on number nine green.

The Pinnacle Bank Championship Presented by Woodhouse tournament kicked off with a ceremonial tee-off shot on August 8th. U.S. Army veteran Randy Squier has been selected to kick off tournament play.

Squier’s journey began when he joined the Army in July 1976. After completing Basic Training, he was stationed in Erlangen, Germany for two and a half years, followed by a tenure at Fort Riley, Kansas with the 701st Maintenance Battalion. He then returned to Nürnberg, Germany for another three years. His service continued at Fort Ord, California, where he served as the Maintenance Shop Foreman, overseeing a team of over 50 mechanics in support of Fort Ord’s mechanized battalions.

In July 1984, Squier sustained an injury and was honorably discharged from the Army as a Staff Sergeant in 1985. Throughout his military career, he earned numerous Service Ribbons, including the Army Good Conduct Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

“That was awesome! I am very honored to be a part of the tournament. It’s a great opportunity to showcase what we have done with PGA HOPE. The adaptive equipment changes the whole game. A game you didn’t think you could participate in, and now you're a part of it; you’re back in the game, that’s adaptive sports.” Randy Squier - U.S Army Veteran

Offering a fall season of PGA Jr. League keeps the fun going longer, keeps kids on the course and meets the demand of parents and players. Plus, for coaches like you, it’s an additional revenue stream.

Ready to add fall leagues to your programming? PGA Jr. League offers the flexibility you need to ensure your programming fits the needs of your players, families and facility.

• Older players involved in other fall sports? Focus on a smaller group and make it a developmental program. Consider marketing your fall league to your youngest players (4-7 years old) as a way to spark their passion for the game and focus on skill development. Check out our ADM training for age-appropriate activities.

• Target players who didn’t make their school teams. Use your fall programming to help players grow their skills so they make the team next year or create space for them to enjoy golf on a recreational level. The goal is to create lifelong golfers!

• Too cold or not enough daylight in the fall? Consider running a simulator league. Watch this webinar for more information.

Watch our recent webinar to learn more about the value of hosting a fall season of PGA Jr. League.