Nebraska PGA Newsletter December 2012

January 23 - 26, 2012 Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL

Update Your CareerLinks Profile Today!

Start using Active Now!

Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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Dear Members and Apprentices: With the weather beginning to change again its time to look back on the memories of the year and look forward to celebrating the holiday season with friends and family. I am so thankful to those of you that hosted a Section Event or Championship this past year. You were instrumental in making 2012 another record year in the Nebraska Section. Most of all, I appreciate the engagement of all 250 of you who make the Nebraska Section PGA a thriving ambassador of our beloved game.

As we look forward to 2013 we are excited about even more opportunities that you, as a PGA Professional, will have to be involved in our Section. Your first event of the season is right around the corner. We are pleased to announce the 2013 Vegas Classic will be played March 11-13, 2013 at Anthem Country Club, Dragon Ridge Country Club and the Rio Secco Golf Club. This event is a fantastic way of spending quality time with your members, customers and/or guests. For more information about this event, please feel free to visit our website or contact Thomas Harmon, PGA, Tournament Director or myself at the Section Office.

As a friendly reminder, please do not forget to do your 2013 PGA CareerLinks Profile Survey. It is of the utmost importance that you do this by December 25th to avoid being dropped from all CareerLinks communication. Also, if you haven’t already done so, please take a look at the NEW ACTIVE WorksŽ Golf 2.0 Registration Solution. This all-inclusive tool will truly enhance your player development programs. This registration tool makes it very easy for not only your members, guests and potential customers easy to access but it is easy for your staff to navigate through as well.

On behalf of the Nebraska Section Staff, we wish you, your staff and loved ones a Happy Holiday Season and Happy New Year!

Respectfully,

David Honnens, PGA Executive Director/CEO Nebraska PGA

Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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Merry Christmas! My hope is that your time with family, loved ones and friends provides meaning and joy to you. I know I love this time of the year! My daughter just got married and this happy occasion adds to the spirit of joy in my life and that of my family.

As 2013 approaches, I am hopeful your “optimistic” self is planning on putting together a banner year! I know for some of you, 2012 saw an increase in rounds played and an upswing in revenues. A sense of optimism is hopefully part of your make-up and riding the momentum into this next year creates a good feeling. I re-read the article I wrote at this time last year for the sections I cover and I used the phrase “being optimistic without being unrealistic”. A rather “guarded”, safe comment to make! Perhaps, throwing caution to the wind and letting your optimism permeate everything you do is a better way to live!

I know one thing I have learned as I go into my fourth year working as a PGA Employment Consultant.

LIFE IS UNCERTAIN! How profound is that?! Job loss, moving to a new job, children leaving, all create an uneasy feeling. HOW we move forward and HOW we address these changes will help define us.

Fill that half-full glass to the top! Approach 2013 with renewal and optimism and make this coming year one to remember!

Happy New Year!

PS- Fill out the 2013 PGA Compensation Survey and update your PGA CareerLinks Profile by December 25 in order to continue to receive job notifications without interruption!

Bruce Lubach, PGA, is The PGA of America Employment Consultant for the Iowa, Midwest, Minnesota and Nebraska Sections. blubach@pgahq.com | (402) 261-3604.

Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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2013 PGA CareerLinks Profile Survey NEW DEADLINE DATE The PGA of America developed the award-winning CareerLinks system to help golf industry employers and qualified PGA professionals connect for employment opportunities. The CareerLinks Profile is the method used to quantify the skillsets, background, experience, etc., of our PGA professionals and allows the system to search and identify matching candidates for jobs in the golf industry.

In 2009 when we made the decision to do the Compensation Survey on a yearly basis we stopped sending out The PGA CareerLinks Profile as a survey. It is a document that PGA professionals have always had the ability to update at any time so we didn’t feel the need to keep making them start from scratch. However in the past 4 years the industry has experienced change and the Survey has been enhanced with new questions based on the priorities of today’s golf industry and the needs of employers, including player development and higher level management positions.

PGA professionals can log in to PGALinks.com to complete their PGA CareerLinks Profile. This must be filled out to remain active in CareerLinks. The NEW DEADLINE DATE is December 25, 2012. If you have questions please contact your PGA Employment Consultant or call 1-800-314-2713.

Starting on January 1, 2013, the new ACTIVE Works® Golf 2.0 Registration Solution will be the exclusive tool available for all player development programs, including Get Golf Ready. After December 31, 2012, the existing PlayGolfAmerica.com registration and event management tool will no longer be available.

ACTIVE Works is available now, and it is highly recommended that you begin transitioning your current and future events to the new solution immediately. The Golf 2.0 solution is loaded with powerful new features that will help you drive more participation to your player development programs.

To start using ACTIVE Works: Log in to PGALinks.com or PGA Pro Services with your PGA Links ID and password :www.pgalinks.com/ACTIVE or www.pga.com/pro-services/event-entry 1. Create an account with ACTIVE Network using the sign-up widget.

2. Follow through the 10 easy steps in the wizard to set up your event, including tuition, deposits, and forms.

3. Activate your event in the last step, and you're set – your first event is now posted on ACTIVE.com, PGA.com, and PlayGolfAmerica.com, and is visible to over 9 million viewers every month.

If you have any questions or need personalized assistance, please feel free to contact Bethany Denzer at The PGA of America at 561-630-1763, or Ken Clay at ACTIVE Network at 702-489-4909.

The existing PlayGolfAmerica.com registration and event management tool will be discontinued on December 31, 2012. Please transition your events to ACTIVE Works now.

Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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USGA and R&A Announces Proposed Ban on Anchoring PGA of America Statement in Response to USGA Announcement on Anchoring: "The PGA has long supported the USGA in its role of establishing the Rules of Golf governing play and equipment. We have representation on the Rules of Golf Committee and we have tremendous respect for the USGA in regard to their critical role in writing and interpreting the Rules of Golf. As our mission is to grow the game, on behalf of our 27,000 men and women PGA Professionals, we are asking them to seriously consider the impact this proposed ban may have on people's enjoyment of the game and the overall growth of the game." - Ted Bishop, President, The PGA of America For more information about the proposed ban, please review the documents below.

Letter sent from PGA President Ted Bishop to PGA Professionals The R&A and USGA Announce Proposed Rules Change to Prohibit Use of Anchored Strokes (press release issued by USGA and R&A) Anchoring the Club: Understanding Rule 14-1b (19 page powerpoint) Anchoring the Club: FAQs

PGA of America Survey of Membership Indicates Majority Concern for Rules of Golf Banning Anchoring of a Club A PGA of America survey, conducted in November among the Association's 27,000 members, resulted in 4,228 PGA Professionals responding, representing nearly 16 percent of the total membership. The survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of the respondents oppose a change in the Rules of Golf that would ban the anchoring of any golf club.

Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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Michael Breed (Master of Ceremonies) 

2012 PGA Teacher of the Year



Host of "The Golf Fix" on Golf Channel

Dave Stockton

The PGA of America's largest teaching forum emphasizes the coaching side of developing players to achieve their goals. Originated in 1988, The Summit features 16 unique and renowned presenters over a two-day schedule.

FEES PGA of America members, apprentices and PGA Golf Management University students - $550. PGA PROFESSIONALS - CLICK HERE to register for the Summit.



President/CEO of Stockton Golf



1991 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain and two-time PGA Champion



2012 PGA Distinguished Service Award recipient



(Joined by sons Dave Stockton Jr. and Ron Stockton of Stockton Golf)

Bobby Bowden 

All-Time Record Holder for Wins by a Division 1 FBS Coach



College Football Hall of Famer

PGA Teachers of the Year 

MSR PGA members who attend the PGA Teaching & Coach-  ing Summit will earn 16 PGA Education MSR credits. 

2012 - Michael Breed 2011 - Mike Malaska 2010 - Todd Anderson



2009 - Mike Bender

SCHEDULED TO APPEAR



2008 - Martin Hall

Ted Bishop



2002 - Randy Smith



1996 - Chuck Cook



1994 - Jim McLean



38th President of The PGA of America, Franklin, Ind.

Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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Each week, the editors of PGA.com post a question on the PGA.com Facebook fan page to create a discussion for our, 'A Quick Nine,' feature. The best answers we receive from our readers are then used to write the story.

By T.J. Auclair PGA.com Interactive Producer If you hadn't heard, the holiday season is here - in full swing - and Christmas is right around the corner.

It's the season of giving to be sure, but - for all you golfers out there - wouldn't it be nice to receive that golf gift you've been longing for? Maybe it's a new piece of equipment? Perhaps it's a golf trip? Could it be something that Santa can't bring you, but a PGA Professional can (you know‌ a lower handicap)?

This week we asked our friends in PGA.com Facebook Nation to fill in the blank: "Dear Golf Santa, please bring me a [fill in the blank]."

Well, as always, you responded in a big way. We received nearly 300 responses and - based on those responses - we're assuming you've all been very good boys and girls this year.

Here's a look at some of our favorite answers that you submitted.

9. A golf simulator for at home. As someone who experiences those cold, snowy, New England winters, I must say - this is an item that would certainly be at or near the top of my Christmas wish-list if money were no object! Imagine playing all the world's best golf courses without the travel expenses!

Facebook fan quotes: "The top golf simulator so I can practice all year in my house!" -- Paul Kucan "An Opti Shot Golf Simulator & A Foursome Dream With The Champions Tour Players: Corey Pavin,Fred Funk and Fred Couples."

-- Brian Davis 8. Lessons from a PGA Professional. People are always wondering how they can get better at this difficult game. Wouldn't it make sense to seek advice from the experts?

Facebook fan quote: "A lesson of the Golf Fix golf pro." -- Chris Sanders 7. Tickets to a major golf event. The atmosphere at a major golf event is incredible and provides a deeper appreciation for just how good the world's best players are.

Facebook fan quotes: "Ryder Cup tickets for life!" -- Mike Vance "Tickets to the Masters." -- Dave DePicciotto "Fully paid trip to the Masters! I don't ask for much!" -- Tamera Slay Wattenbarger "Pass to get into all 4 majors (Masters, British open, PGA Championship, U.S. Open)." -- James Sealey Jr 6. A better all-around game. Of course, this probably goes along with No. 8 on our list. The best advice we can give is this - the only way to improve is to be willing and able to put in the time.

Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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Facebook fan quotes: "Consistent game so I can win more money from my friends." -- Ben Carranco "A confident putting stroke." -- Brice Alexander Duke "The ability to be a scratch golfer! Please." -- Dominic KLuender "A scratch handicap for me and my friends." -- Sean Poulter Ellis 5. A golf membership. I'm sure it sounds outrageously expensive, but believe it or not many courses have made them more affordable than ever before. In an effort to get more people playing golf (and to generate more business for the course, obviously), many people in the course management business have gotten creative with the way they run memberships. Look into it a little. You'd be surprised.

Facebook fan quotes: "A membership anywhere." -- Jared Oxborough "A membership at my local course. Thanks Santa baby!" -- Greg Baker 4. A hole-in-one. Ah‌ the old go-to answer when it comes to wishes for Santa - the ace. Many, many of our friends in PGA.com Facebook Nation had this request.

Facebook fan quote: "A hole in one." -- Ty Aulger 3. New equipment. This one is always high up on the list. Everything from a new driver, putter, irons, wedges, you name it.

Facebook fan quotes: "Scotty Cameron putter!" -- Cooper Arsenault "A new set of irons and golf bag!" -- Shaun Farroll "Taylor Made RBZ Driver." -- Brandon Michael Mack "A replica of Bubba Watson's pink driver." -- Nicholas van der Lee-Saichin "Set of new Vokey wedges this year SM4 please. 52,56,60 oil can." -- Taj Grills 2. More time/opportunities to play golf with family. That's what it's all about, anyway. Right?

Facebook fan quotes: "A round with my brothers, we live 200 miles apart." -- Robert Michel "Dear Santa, Please will you have my kids ask me to play golf with them on Saturday afternoons this year." -- Gary Bebelaar 1. A golf vacation. Hopefully, on some small level, this is an indication of the economy bouncing back. We've been creating lists like this around the holidays for years now and we can't ever remember a "golf travel" item dominating the No. 1 spot. Sure, some of the answers below are pie-in-the-sky, but others are very much a possibility.

Facebook fan quotes: "A chance to play at Cypress Point once in my life." -- Kyle Hoffa "Even though it is out of the question, a trip to The Greenbrier would be great." -- Corey Ryan Forrester "Golf trip with the guys to Myrtle Beach!" -- Jeff Petruski "A round of golf at pebble beach... when it's sunny and 70." -- Cathy Erickson "Trip to San Diego to play Torrey Pines!" -- Chris Lange "A holiday to Mission Hills." -- Tyrone Byrnes "An all-expense paid week-long trip for my foursome to Pebble Beach." -- Steve Thomas "Dear Golf Santa, please bring me a chance to play a round at St. Andrews." -- Chris Woodard

Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Program Fact Sheet 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 that takes into account the following depending on the class level of the student: High School Graduating Senior  High School Cumulative Grade Point Average – must be at least 3.4 (60% of the scholarship weighting scale). This number is to be an unweighted GPA based on a 4.0 scale.  ACT and/or SAT test scores (30% of the scholarship weighting scale)  Extracurricular activities in high school such as sports, clubs, student government, community service, part time employment, etc. (10% of the scholarship weighting scale).

Current College Student (has not reached their senior year in college)  College Cumulative Grade Point Average – must be at least 3.4 (60% of the scholarship weighting scale)  Most recently completed college semester or quarter GPA (30% of the scholarship weighting scale)  Extracurricular activities in college such as sports, clubs, student government, community service, part time employment, etc. (10% of the scholarship weighting scale) The amount and number of scholarships is determined by the availability of funds, and may vary from year to year based on these factors and IRS guidelines. In 2012 eight $5,000 scholarships were awarded and 126 $2,000 scholarships were awarded out of 848 applications. Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the PGA Scholarship Committee. The scholarship is for accredited Universities or Colleges in the United States only.

The application process is live online (www.PGALinks.com) between November 15, 2012 and March 15, 2013 and students are asked to wait until they are in possession of their most current grade report (first semester) or transcript before applying. The applicant must enter the students Social Security number and the PGA affiliated parent or grandparents PGA ID number to gain access to the application.

After submitting the online application, the applicant must have postmarked by March 15,2013 to the below address a sealed official school grade transcript that shows their GPA information and ACT/SAT test scores (if a high school applicant) to: PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Program Attention: Linda Bennington Grant and Scholarship Specialist 100 Avenue of the Champions Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418 888.532.6661; 561.624.7612 or e-mail: lbenning@pgahq.com PGA members can check out the Scholarship Search Tips for additional listed websites to help you with your scholarship search by visiting the homepage of PGALinks.com/Personal Benefits/PGA Scholarship Program.

Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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

Updates between 11/26--12/17

TRANSFERRED MEMBERS Thomas Harmon, PGA Tournament Director tharmon@pgahq.com

Name

Date Change

Maureen Farrell, PGA Wilderness Ridge

Class A-1

NEW APPRENTICES

Renee Tyson Administrative Assistant rtyson@pgahq.com

Name

Date Change

Class

Gregory Gilg

The Fox Run GC

B-13

To the family of Marvin E. Nelson on his passing.

Justin J. Arlt, PGA Ryan W. Norman, PGA Ryan T. Vermeer Tony Pesavento, PGA Matthew L. Nice, PGA Dennis E. Fruchtl, PGA Scott F. Brunzell, PGA Dale R. Hardy, PGA

1/1 1/6 1/11 1/12 1/13 1/14 1/21 1/21

Steve M. Ritz-Woller, PGA Matthew W. Shaner, PGA Michael J Stone Bill Thomas, PGA Scott Carlson, PGA Michael U Stolarskyj Matthew J. Meuret, PGA Terry D. Heskett, PGA

1/21 1/21 1/21 1/22 1/23 1/25 1/27 1/30

Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

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