December 2025 Newsletter

NEBRASKA PGA NEWS

December 2025

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: NEBRASKA SECTION PGA CELEBRATES 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

THE TEAM OFFICERS/BOARD

NEBRASKA PGA STAFF

President—Mike Schuchart, PGA

Executive Director/CEO—David Honnens, PGA

Vice President—Phil Palmer, PGA

Assist. Executive Director—Seth Scollard, PGA

Secretary— Bobby O’Keefe, PGA

Managing Director—Renee Tyson

Honorary President—Dawn Neujahr, PGA

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

Administrative Assistant—Tiffany White

Phil Anderson, PGA

Development Officer—Bob Danenhauer

Incoming—Aaron Krueger, PGA

Community Relations Coord.—Margie Smith

PAGE 2  Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

ON THE TEE NE PGA CENTENNIAL 6

- CENTENNIAL WRAP UP AND CENTENNIAL GALA PICTURES

TOURNAMENTS 14

- TENTATIVE 2026 SCHEDULE

MEMBER MATTERS 16

- PGA CALENDARS - PGA MEMBER POSTERS

PGA REACH NE 17

- HOPE FOR HEROES - OPS GIRLS GOLF

JUNIOR GOLF 21

- COLLEGE GOLF NIGHT - JUNIOR LEAGUE INFO

PAGE 3  Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

Wishing You Happy Holidays Office Closure Notice In the spirit of the holiday season, the Nebraska PGA extends its deepest gratitude for everything you do each and every day for the game of golf. We wish you and your family an incredible holiday season and a Happy New Year.

Please be advised, the Nebraska PGA offices will be closed starting December 22, 2025 and will re-open on January 5, 2026. Should you require immediate assistance, please reach out to us via cell phone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

PAGE 12  Nebraska PGA News  September 2025

The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Don Germer, PGA the recipient of the Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball for the month of December

The Wilson Game Ball honors PGA Professionals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication to growing the game of golf. As the Nebraska PGA wrapped up its Centennial season, it was fitting that the final Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball of 2025 went to someone whose leadership helped define one of the most meaningful moments of the year.

Don Germer, PGA Life Member, was selected as the December recipient for his instrumental role as Chairman of the Nebraska PGA’s inaugural Hall of Fame Selection Committee. From helping establish the nominating and selection committees to guiding the criteria and process itself, Germer dedicated countless hours to ensure the Nebraska PGA Hall of Fame was launched with the integrity and significance it deserved.

“It was, of course, an honor to chair the Selection Committee,” Germer said. “I didn’t really know how our Hall of Fame would be received—truthfully, I don’t think anyone did. But after the Gala, it was such an emotional evening. Seeing what it meant to Jack Hoskins made it the coolest thing I’ve ever been a part of, and something I’ll never forget.”

That emotional impact was on full display at the 2025 Nebraska PGA Centennial Gala, held at the Omaha Hilton, where the inaugural class of six Nebraska PGA Members was officially inducted. Germer served as one of the emcee’s for the evening, welcoming each inductee to the stage and helping tell the story of their careers in front of a packed room of peers, family, and friends.

Continue Reading.

PAGE 5  Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

100 years of the Nebraska PGA Professional!

In 1925, the Nebraska Section was formed and adopted by the PGA of America.

As we celebrate this remarkable centennial, let ’s honor our journey thus far and the bright future we ’re building together.

Centennial Gala Photo Gallery Special thank you to Cloud Creative for all the beautiful photos of the evening. Please feel free to download and copy/print/share your photos from the event.

PAGE 6  Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

A Century in One Room: Nebraska PGA Celebrates 100 Years in Gala Fashion Written by Stu Pospisil | Omaha World Herald Reporter & Lead Writer In one room, a filled ballroom on a December holiday night, the past, present and future of the Nebraska Section PGA celebrated their shared 100-year heritage.

Members of the new Nebraska PGA Hall of Fame mingled with students in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Professional Golf Management program. Pros from western Nebraska engaged their counterparts from western Iowa.

All dressed to the nines (golf pun intended) on a red carpet entrance.

It was the gala of all galas, impressive to former Husker golfer Eric Eshleman, who as secretary of the PGA of America is in line to be the first PGA President to have ties to Nebraska.

Eshleman said his invitation from Nebraska PGA Executive Director David Honnens had been a little vague.

“He said, ‘We’re going to have a little party in celebration of our 100th,’ then I got here tonight and saw the red carpet and 500 people. He didn’t quite tell me that it was going to be quite the gala.

“This is, ‘Wow.’ What a special, special evening.”

During the three-hour dinner program Dec. 5 at the Hilton Omaha, Eshleman and Honnens spoke; the evening’s master of ceremonies, Greg Neujahr of Champions Run in Omaha, moderated a panel discussion with PGA of America at-large board member Dawn Neujahr, his wife, and Nebraska Section PGA president Mike Schuchart of Wilderness Ridge in Lincoln; and the six members of the new Hall of Fame were presented.

Dave Marr Jr., the nationally recognized television golf commentator, led sit-down interviews with the honorees or their representatives after they received introductions from PGA Life Member Don Germer. Continue Reading….

PAGE 7  Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

GALA SNAPSHOTS

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CAREER CONSULTANT Kevin Drew, PGA PGA of America Career Consultant Serving the Nebraska & Iowa Sections

Dear District 8 PGA Professionals & Associates, We are excited to announce a new initiative in partnership with the University of NebraskaLincoln PGM Program and PGA Career Services, designed to connect your facility with talented PGM students seeking internships and full-time positions for the upcoming season.

We are launching the “District 8 Career Match”, a virtual platform to streamline the process of matching students with facilities across Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

How it works: 1. Submit Your Job Description: If your facility is interested in hiring a full-time staff member, a 3-month intern, or a 6-month intern, please create and complete a Job Description and upload it when you complete the District 8 Facility Form HERE. You may also email your job description to Kevin Drew at kdrew@pgahq.com or PGM Internship Coordinator Keenon Davis at kdavis37@unl.edu. This information will be shared with PGM students who are actively seeking opportunities.

2. Access to Student Profiles: Once your job description is submitted, you will receive an Excel spreadsheet containing the profiles of all participating students, including their contact information, class, hometown, and internship preferences.

3. Connect Directly: You are encouraged to reach out directly to students whose backgrounds and interests align with your facility’s needs. This approach allows for a more personalized and efficient hiring process.

Why participate?

This initiative is designed to help you find the best fit for your team while supporting the next generation of PGA professionals. By participating, you’ll have access to a pool of motivated, career-focused students eager to contribute to your facility.

If you would like to participate, please complete THIS FORM or email your job description and return it to me at kdrew@pgahq.com or PGM Internship Coordinator Keenon Davis at kdavis37@unl.edu. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your commitment to growing the game and supporting our future professionals.

PAGE 10  Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

PAGE 15  Nebraska PGA News  September 2025

DISTRICT 8 DIRECTOR Aaron Krueger, PGA Incoming PGA of America District 8 Director Serving Nebraska, Iowa & Minnesota Sections

Dear Nebraska PGA Members: I am honored to serve as the Incoming District 8 Director on the PGA of America’s Board of Directors — an opportunity I have aspired to since my time as an officer on the Iowa PGA Board. I am grateful to the Iowa PGA Board for entrusting me with this responsibility. I would like to take a moment to introduce myself — both professionally and personally — and to share a couple of goals as I begin this new chapter of service.

I became a PGA Member in 2007 and joined the Iowa PGA Board in 2009 as Tournament Chairman, also serving on the Membership Committee. In 2013, I was elected Iowa PGA Secretary and from 2017-2019, I had the privilege of being the Iowa PGA President. Following my time on the Iowa PGA Board, I served two years on the PGA of America’s Tournaments & Member Championships Committee and the Mentorship Task Force. Over the years, I have learned a great deal from Iowa PGA’s Past Presidents and from the executive directors and officers within our District. These experiences and relationships have strengthened my passion for PGA governance and deepened my desire to give back to the Association that has provided me so much.

During my tenure on the Iowa PGA Board, I worked with several outstanding District 8 Directors - Jeff Smith, Chris Thompson, Jeff Drimel, Dave Schneider and Greg Neujahr – each of whom has served as a mentor and source of inspiration. I am also grateful to continue learning from PAGE 12  Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

current District 8 Director, Phil Andreson, and at-large Director, Dawn Neujahr, during my shadow year on the PGA of America Board. It is exciting to note that District 8 will have three representatives in the boardroom this year — more than any other District.

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.

On a personal note, I grew up in Fulton, Illinois, where golf played an integral role in my family and upbringing. I graduated from the University of Iowa, playing on the men’s golf team under coach & PGA member, Terry Anderson. My wife, Tonya, and I have been married for 22 years, and we have one daughter, Lydia, a freshman at Iowa State University studying Graphic Design. Professionally, I have worked for great PGA mentors and learned from each of them, including former District 8 Director, Dave Schneider. I am currently in my 15th season as the Director of Golf at Wakonda Club in Des Moines, hosting the Principal Charity Classic on the PGA Tour Champions since 2013. From lifelong relationships with PGA colleagues to competing in the 2014 PGA Championship, I am deeply grateful for the many opportunities my PGA membership has provided.

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 Incoming District 8 Director, PGA of America Board of Directors Director of Golf, Wakonda Club PAGE 13  Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

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PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Application Are you a PGA of America Member with a child or grandchild applying for or attending college? The PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship is open now and provides scholarships based on evidence of academic achievement during high school or college. The 2026-2027 school year application deadline is April 9, 2026.

How to Apply in 2026-2027 APPLY HERE

Important Dates • •

December 9, 2025 - Scholarship application is open.

April 9, 2026 - Deadline for submitting Application and Supporting Documents •

June 2026 - Notification of Selection Results •

July 2026 - Funds Disbursed

The PGA Financial Assistance Fund was established in 1986 and provides college scholarships to the children and grandchildren of PGA of America Members based on evidence of academic achievement during high school or college. All funding for the scholarships comes from contributions made by the PGA Members. Since its inception, the PGA of America has awarded a little over 4,500 scholarships totaling $9,997,500.00. For the 2024-25 school year, 185 students were awarded academic scholarships totaling $400,000.

PAGE 15  Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

2026 Downloadable Appointment Calendar The appointment calendar is available now for PGA of America Golf Professionals! Download it for free and print on your own or purchase now from one of our trusted partners, ODP, and stay ahead in your professional journey.

Download Here

New PGA Member Poster, Same Passion At the PGA Annual Meeting, President Don Rea, PGA, unveiled the updated PGA Member Poster, refreshed with the slogan, “A Game We Love, A Profession We Live.” This effort, led by the Membership Committee, updated the poster to highlight the many roles PGA of America Golf Professionals proudly take on as they lead, mentor, and grow the game.

Get Yours Today

Grow Your Business at the PGA Show PGA Show education offers insights, strategies, and tools to help advance your career. PGA of America Members enjoy exclusive discounted rates, making it easy to build expertise and earn PDR Credits.

Register Today

Annual Meeting Recap Delegates from all 41 Sections gathered in Frisco, TX, for the 109th PGA of America Annual Meeting. Among the many memorable moments were Captain Charlie Plumb’s keynote address and Peter Broome’s Honorary Membership conferral—videos of both are available to watch here.

We also celebrated our PGA of America National Award recipients and Hall of Fame inductees; congratulations to all who were honored!

Watch Presentations PAGE 16  Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

In 2025, we are celebrating ten years of PGA HOPE and all that the program has done to serve our Veteran communities and Active Duty Service Members. From sea to shining sea, PGA HOPE has shown up for Veterans who are looking for things we all long for – community, friendship, a second chance, something to look forward to, a new beginning, and so much more. You can help us build a community where Veterans can thrive through the game of golf.

Give Today PAGE 17 Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

Celebrating a great year with the OPS Girls' Golf Teams We had a special night at Topgolf! More than 65 girls from Omaha Public Schools joined us for a night of smiles, swings and great camaraderie! Thank you to all the coaches who continue to be tireless advocates for the game of golf. Your commitment to growing girls’ golf is opening doors, building confidence, and inspiring the next generation of young women to discover what’s possible through this game.

PAGE 18 Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

2026 Clubs FORE Youth Application is Now Open Deadline is Wednesday, February 4th at 11:59 pm

Apply Today!

Our objective is to fully equip all High School Girls Golf Programs needing resources and equipment assistance. As our research shows, Nebraska high school girls' golf programs aren’t afforded the resources, equipment, or training needed to succeed at a high level. The majority of High School Girls’ golf programs use substandard equipment or do not have equipment. PGA REACH Nebraska is committed to bridging this gap and providing these female scholar-athletes with a level playing field.

Our Impact Since 2021: •

44 total high schools

•

257 sets of brand-new clubs and pushcarts have been given

•

Over 325 high school girls given PGA Professional instruction

•

Over $262,000 worth in value

For more information, visit our website

PAGE 19 Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

PGA HOPE Adaptive Training

Sixteen Nebraska PGA Professionals and Associates stepped forward to complete PGA HOPE Adaptive Training, strengthening a section-wide team of 123 trained instructors dedicated to serving our Veterans as PGA HOPE continues to expand. This training was held at Miracle Hill Golf Course in Omaha, NE, and the training was led by National HOPE Trainer, JP Lunn, PGA. Instructor signups for our 2026 PGA HOPE programs will be sent in March.

PAGE 20 Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

College Golf Night at UNL East Campus We had a great group of students gather for our Annual College Golf Night on November 14th.

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January 13th —> Register HERE January 14th —> Register HERE *Deadline to register for each webinar is 4pm the day prior PAGE 22  Nebraska PGA News  December 2025

NEED TO KNOW The new 9u age division is built upon the success of an established 13u program. It provides an opportunity to organize your programs into multiple age divisions, while helping you create a fun-focused, ageappropriate introduction to the game!

Consider the benefits of adding a 9u division: • The 9u division creates an opportunity for developmental leagues where younger players (ages 4-9) can play with their peers.

• The 9u division is built upon the principles of the American Development Model (ADM) and designed to keep younger players engaged, learning and loving the game with age- and stage-appropriate activities.

• The new division helps Coaches create a funnel for kids to continue their PGA journey, moving through the age divisions (9u, 13u and 17u) as they mature.

The 9u division is designed for local leagues only and does not include an All-Star Season. Coaches don’t have to create a 9u division and can still include younger players in their 13u programs if desired.

LEARN MORE

Hosting a simulator season is a great way to keep the fun going in the winter months, while simultaneously driving deeper engagement with your facility. PGA Jr. League simulator season runs from December 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Register your program and include “Simulator League” in your program description, then set a schedule that works for you and your players. Join the fun: tackle four featured courses using stroke play aggregate format, post your team’s scores on the interactive leaderboard and compete for prizes in each age division!

LEARN MORE

SIMULATOR SEASON FAQs

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CELEBRATE QUARTER CENTURY MEMBER MATT SHANER, PGA January Birthdays Justin Arlt Alex Janssen, PGA Nathan Brandt Teague Stewart Ryan Atchley Ryan Norman, PGA Samuel Martin, PGA Kurt Karcher, PGA Jacob Hellman Ryan Vermeer, PGA Tony Pesavento, PGA Matthew Nice, PGA Dennis Fruchtl, PGA Nicholas Murcek Stuart Moore Shane Hess

1/1 1/1 1/4 1/5 1/6 1/6 1/8 1/9 1/10 1/11 1/12 1/13 1/14 1/15 1/17 1/18

Craig Marsh, PGA Steve Ritz-Woller, PGA Scott Brunzell Sr., PGA Matthew Shaner, PGA Bill Thomas, PGA Scott Carlson, PGA Santiago Garcia Keegan Lyon, PGA Derek Jensen, PGA Andrew Sahling Ryan Douglas, PGA Scott Larson, PGA Casey Wroot, PGA Amber Bogle Terry Heskett, PGA Jeffrey Brake, PGA

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