December 2020
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 Digital Media Specialist—Brett Renner
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We are very pleased to share that the attached list of PGA Members has been selected for PGA LEAD Cohort VI, Class of 2021-2022. PGA LEAD is designed to mentor and assist Class A PGA Professionals from diverse backgrounds in ascending to and through the volunteer leadership ranks of Association governance. The number of PGA LEAD Members who have earned volunteer leadership roles at the Chapter, Section and National levels of the Association continues to grow. Among the highlights are one Section President, three Section Vice Presidents, seven Section Board Directors, and 15 National Committee Members (2019-2020 term). Cohort VI will come together virtually for the first time during the week of the Virtual PGA Merchandise Show to kick off a two-year leadership development experience. Simultaneously, the 15 PGA Members of PGA LEAD Cohort V will enter their second year in the program and will also meet virtually during the show.
Bridget Ackley, PGA (South Florida Section)
Jennifer Bermingham, PGA (Northern Texas Section)
Brian Bussinger, PGA (Pacific Northwest Section)
Claire Castetter, PGA (Illinois Section)
Demarkis Cooper, PGA (Middle Atlantic Section)
Jasmin Cunningham, PGA (New England Section)
Marko Hardin, PGA (Southern California Section)
Carl Hetterle, PGA (Pacific Northwest Section)
Tiana Jones, PGA (Northern Ohio Section)
Vince Juarez, PGA (Illinois Section)
Sarah Lewallen, PGA (Carolinas Section)
Patrick Oropallo, PGA (Pacific Northwest Section)
Alphonse Peterson, III, PGA (Nebraska Section)
Cassandra Prue, PGA (Northern Texas Section)
Tom Son, PGA (Southern California Section)
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Each year the Nebraska Section PGA is pleased to reward distinction and honor to PGA Professionals for their contributions to the game of golf and their communities at the Section and National level. These awards recognize extraordinary accomplishments, expertise, distinction and service. It is with great pride that the below PGA Professionals have been nominated by the Nebraska Section PGA Nominating Committee for the following prestigious awards. The Nebraska Section PGA Selection Committee will announce the winners of each of these awards on January 21, 2021. Golf Professional of the Year – The highest award our Section presents. This award is based on overall performance as a PGA golf professional, including leadership, service and promotion of the game. Nominees: Kevin Drew, PGA; Connor Farrell, PGA; Dominick Mitchum, PGA; Gil Russell, PGA and Seth Scollard, PGA.
Teacher of the Year – Awarded for excellence in golf instruction along with overall performance as a golf professional. Nominees: Kevin Boehler, PGA; Jeff Henry, PGA; James Kinney, PGA; Jonathan Mielke, PGA; Zac Morley, PGA; Sarah Pravecek, PGA and Bob Saffer, PGA.
Bill Strausbaugh Award – Awarded to an indi-
Facility of the Year – Recognizes the golf facility
vidual who by their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves in the areas that truly reflect the characteristics and qualities that Bill Strausbaugh possessed during his lifetime – service to his Association, service to his fellow PGA professionals in helping them improve their employment situations and service to the community. Nominees: Mike Antonio, PGA and Seth Scollard, PGA.
that has played an important role in Section activities, as well as promotion of the game of the golf for men, ladies and juniors. Nominees: Awarii Dunes GC, Axtell, NE; Dakota Dunes CC, Dakota Dunes, SD; Field Club of Omaha, Omaha, NE; Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE; Hillcrest CC, Lincoln, NE; Oak Hills CC, Omaha, NE; Scottsbluff CC, Scottsbluff, NE; Stone Creek GC, Omaha, NE and Tiburon GC, Omaha, NE.
Sales Representative of the Year– Based on overall performance as a sales representative including product knowledge, service, professionalism, and involvement in Section activities. Nominees: Marc Cruse, PGA, Columbia; Matt Geschke, PING; Kyle Kortebein, Travis Matthews; Tad Leistico, Cleveland/ Srixon; Tyler Schaaf, Mizuno; Stan Sheffield, FootJoy; and John Sheridan, Under Armour.
Youth Player Development – Awarded to the PGA golf professional who is a leader in junior golf, reflects the image and qualities that juniors can emulate, and provides opportunities for juniors to learn and play golf. Nominees: Jonathan Mielke, PGA; Austin Miller, PGA; Zac Morley, PGA; Sarah Pravecek, PGA and Karrie Van Ravenswaay, PGA.
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Merchandiser of the Year/Private Facility – Recognizes the PGA golf professional that has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf. Nominees: Ky Molholm, PGA; Jon Moore, PGA; Nick Muller, PGA and Brandon Wedding, PGA.
Merchandiser of the Year/Public Facility – Recognizes the PGA golf professional that has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf. Nominees: Jake Burling, PGA and Matt Shaner, PGA.
Assistant Professional of the Year – This
Patriot Award – Recognizes the PGA Profession-
award is based on overall performance as an assistant professional, including leadership, service and promotion of the game. Nominees: Brad Bailey, PGA; Jake Burling, PGA; Brian Fauss, PGA; Justin Henry, PGA; James Weaver, PGA and Brandon Wedding, PGA.
al who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America. Nominees: Mike Antonio, PGA; Owen Schuette, PGA and Seth Scollard, PGA
PGA Professional Development Award –
Player Development – Based on the PGA golf
Bestows special recognition for outstanding service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA golf professional. Nominees: Greg Neujahr, PGA and James Sieckmann, PGA
professional’s growth of the game leadership commitment at the Section and National levels and the impact made at the facility. Nominees: Tony Baranowski, PGA; David James, PGA; Alex Janssen, PGA and Sarah Pravecek, PGA.
JANUARY 8, 2021—NOMINEE DIGITAL PACKETS DUE JANUARY 20, 2021—SELECTION COMMITTEE MEETS JANUARY 21, 2021—WINNERS ANNOUNCED
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PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Program Academic Scholarships for College The PGA Financial Assistance Fund was established in 1986 and provides college scholarships to children and grandchildren of PGA Members based on evidence of academic achievement during high school or college. Since its inception, the PGA of America has awarded over 3,000 scholarships totaling $7,595,500. For the 2020-21 school year, 183 students were awarded academic scholarships totaling $396,000. 2020-2021 The PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship application will be available December 1, 2020. High school students without ACT or SAT scores will be able to apply. While scores are not required for the 2021-22 program year, we do recommend submitting them if applicable. Students must have at least a 3.4 cumulative GPA, unweighted. Be a child or grandchild of a PGA Member in good standing. You can access the application by clicking this link. Scholarship applicants will be able to monitor their progress through the application process. Applicants will be able to upload their supporting documents to their scholarship application. Support will be available to the applicants via email, chat online, phone or use of the online contact form. The applicant can contact ISTS through the login page. Important Dates • • • • • •
March 23, 2021 – Deadline for submitting Application March 23, 2021 – Deadline for submitting Supporting Documents May 2021 - Notification of Selection Results July 2021 - Funds Disbursed August 2021 - Deadline date for photo submission October 2021 - The PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship recipients will be in PGA Magazine and PGA Magazine digital version. ISTS will manage the application process while the PGA Scholarship Committee will continue to oversee the process, and the criteria will remain the same. Please contact Valerie Johnson at vjohnson@pgahq.com if you have questions. About International Scholarship & Tuition Services (ISTS) Founded in 1985, International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS) provides comprehensive scholarship and tuition reimbursement program management for corporations, foundations, associations, unions and trusts worldwide.
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2021 Teaching & Coaching Summit, Presented by OMEGA We’re going virtual! The 2021 summit will bring together leaders in golf and sport to discuss the value of coaching and its future. Click here for registration info, pricing and more.
PGA Coach Profiles We created Coach Profiles to help grow your business. Now ADM-certified PGA Professionals can be discovered on PGA.com, which attracts millions of visitors ranging from golf fans, the media, influencers and golfers all looking for coach-
PGA Trade-In Network Benefits Follow these steps to increase revenue at your facility: Click here to activate or login to your account, trade-in your product and receive a yearend bonus check! PGA Professionals receive The Highest Trade-In Values. Every Day. Guaranteed.
SupportLinc: New Year, New You This month’s online seminar, “Healthy Living: Strategies to Improve Your Overall Wellbeing,” will be available on-demand beginning December 1st. The online seminar can be accessed by visiting the SupportLinc website here!
Limited Edition Ryder Cup Wine PGA of America and Revel Wine Club have partnered to offer a commemorative 2020 Ryder Cup wine via Silver Spur. Limited-edition Ryder Cup wine is the perfect holiday gift for the golf enthusiast. For member discounts click here! PAGE 10 Nebraska PGA News December 2020
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Virtual summit 2020
Up to 5 MSRs
Cost: $0
More Info
Cost: $0
More Info
Pga show connects engagement hub:
1 MSR per webinar
Pga.org 2020 videos
1 MSR per video PGA Required
Cost: $0
More Info
Pga.coach
3 MSRs PGA Required
Cost: $0
More Info
PGA Required
Usga for pga rules of golf seminars
TBD
Cost: TBD
More Info
2021 teaching & Coaching summit
TBD
Cost: TBD
More Info
PAGE 16 Nebraska PGA News Aug/Sept 2020
2020 U.S. Doubles Golf Am Champions – Women’s Division Congratulations to Nebraska’s Jen Hansen & Lindsey Petska We are bringing Doubles Golf® to Nebraska! Co-founded by Jack Nicklaus and the originators of Junior League Golf, Doubles Golf® is the first format in the history of golf created in the USA. This relaxing format is a re-branding of the two-player scramble, which allows for a less stressful approach to golf in both recreational and competitive play. Doubles Golf® teams can see where they rank at their course, statewide, and nationally by posting their scores on the Doubles Golf® scoring app. PGA Professionals can host Doubles Golf® Club Championships in Men’s, Women’s, Senior and Mixed Divisions, which is the first step in qualifying for the 2020 US Doubles Golf® Am Championships in November. For more information CLICK HERE PAGE 13 Nebraska PGA News December 2020
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Educational PGA Jr. League webinars will be presented in January for those who are interested in learning more about PGA Jr. League. If you are just in the curious phase or looking to start PGA Jr. League at your facility, please take advantage of these learning opportunities. There are three webinars available and you are welcome to sign up for any that work in your schedule and you can sign up for multiple as well. The registration links are below. The deadline to sign up for each webinar is the day before each webinar at 5pm. There will be 1 MSR credit available for each session.
Register for January 11th Webinar
Register for January 19th Webinar Register for January 21st Webinar
PAGE 15 ď ¨ Nebraska PGA News ď ¨ December 2020
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Clark L. Smith, PGA—Territory Manager Ahead/Kate Lord 515-202-2951 clark.smith@aheadsales.net PAGE 19 Nebraska PGA News December 2020
Thank you for your support of PGA REACH Nebraska and helping our mission to positively impact people’s lives through the game of golf. As 2020 presented everyone with many challenges, we are excited to share that we were able to execute several of our programs in a limited, but impactful way! Your support has allowed us to provide several opportunities within our three core pillars of focus; Youth, Military, and Inclusion. Here are a few highlights from the 2020 season! - PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Nebraska continued two programs this fall providing 25 local Veterans the chance to learn the game of golf is a safe environment which helped enhance their mental, social, physical, and emotional well-being. - PGA HOPE Nebraska strives to keep the Veterans engaged throughout the year and in 2020 we provided the inaugural PGA HOPE Nebraska Cup. Thirty PGA HOPE Graduates participated in the event as team Lincoln played against team Papillion in a Ryder Cup style event. The event was full of great memories and most importantly another opportunity for our Veterans to be on the golf course together. - We were so excited to have the opportunity to pilot the Clubs FORE Youth program this summer. The Clubs FORE Youth program is to provide high school aged girls with necessary golf equipment and resources needed to compete and experience the game’s most important characteristics. In 2020, two Omaha high schools received six sets of brand-new golf clubs, PGA Professional instruction, and access to golf courses for their players. - The Omaha Outreach program continued in 2020 as PGA Professionals provided 64 young athletes at the NorthStar Foundation an opportunity to learn the game golf and be exposed to all the life values the game offers. PGA REACH Nebraska will continue to make a positive impact in our communities. With your continued support, we can shape lives, change lives, and possibly save lives. Thank you again for your support and we look forward to sharing more stories with you soon. Happy Holidays and all the best to you in the year to come! Sincerely, PGA REACH Nebraska Board of Directors
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Make sure to follow us on our social media channels to stay up-to-date with PGA REACH Nebraska! PAGE 21 ď ¨ Nebraska PGA News ď ¨ December 2020
-Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Robert Pirsig How do you define “quality”? Whatever the definition, it is probably shorter than Robert Pirsig’s 1974 novel in which he tried to articulate the “metaphysics of quality”. That’s deep thinking, and I’d rather discuss what you can do to produce “quality” application documents (resume, cover letter, etc). For the modern job applicant, both the game and the rules have changed. While traditional, black & white versions of resumes are still acceptable, additional options are now available to the job applicant. Central to the “modern” resume concept is that the document isn’t merely a resume, but instead a marketing document, as it explains the benefits of the product you are offering (YOU!). I invite you to listen to Episodes 1 & 2 of Consultant Conversations, where Jason Boaz, Mike Mueller, Todd Smith, and I discuss the things that we believe make “quality” application documents. You can find it on your favorite podcast platforms:
Anchor | Breaker | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Radio Public Spotify We'd also welcome the opportunity to have you submit topics for the four of us to bounce around over a good cup of coffee. I can't wait to hear what you have in mind. Searching for quality,
Keith Soriano, PGA PGA Career Consultant Serving the Colorado, Nebraska, & Utah Sections of the PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com PAGE 22 Nebraska PGA News December 2020
Hello Nebraska Section PGA friends, Mother Nature has given us a little break due to the snow on the ground, so I hope you are getting a chance to spend some time with your families or loved ones. It is a great time of the year to reflect on what you accomplished in 2020 and how you navigated your business through the COVID pandemic. Remember you made a dramatic difference in peoples lives over the last ten months by providing access to the great game of golf. I know many of you are planning your schedules and programming for 2021 so it is an important time to set your facility up for success. It is hard to predict what the Spring season will look like, but I know we all will be more prepared. Please reach out to your peers and exchange ideas or best practices as you do your planning. We are all a part of this great association that creates a bond to push forward and be the leaders at our facilities. Thoughts and updates from National: Career Services – I am happy to report that an offer has been made to our future Career consultant and currently working through the hiring process details to confirm. The section will send out information as soon as the candidate is on board and ready to help you with any of your employment needs. National Committee – President Richerson is finalizing the national committee structure and happy to announce the following PGA members of the Nebraska section involved starting in 2021 – David Honnens, PGA – Executive Director Committee Dave Schneider, PGA – Employment Committee Co-chair Dawn Neujahr, PGA – Membership Committee Ryan Vermeer, PGA – Tournament Committee Alphonse Peterson III, PGA – PGA LEAD Greg Neujahr, PGA – Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, member of the Special Awards Committee and Merchandiser of the Year Committee. Congratulations for being selected and I know National is looking forward to your leadership and input. PGA Show and Teaching Summit going VirtualThe PGA show and teaching summit will be virtual this year so it is a great chance to sit at home or in your office to tune into all the cool content. The teaching summit will be held on January 25th from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. and has a fantastic line up of presenters to learn from. The PGA show content and schedule will be coming out soon so please watch your inbox for updates. Congratulations to all of those who were nominated for a section award this past month and I know the selection committee is looking forward to seeing your presentations. This is always a fun time of the year to honor our section professionals for all their hard work and passion. Enjoy the process of putting your materials together and share the successes with our staff. I hope you had a great holiday season and here is to health and happiness in 2021! Sincerely, Greg Neujahr, PGA District 8 Director – National PGA
PAGE 23 Nebraska PGA News December 2020
Brad Goetsch Wins Omtvedt Innovation Award for Teaching
Congratulations to Brad on this well-deserved honor! Read full article HERE
PAGE 24 ď ¨ Nebraska PGA News ď ¨ December 2020
Justin J. Arlt, PGA
1/1
Craig R. Marsh, PGA
1/19
Alex N. Janssen, PGA
1/1
Matthew W. Shaner, PGA
1/21
Ryan W. Norman, PGA
1/6
Scott F. Brunzell, PGA
1/21
Samuel T. Martin, PGA
1/8
Bill Thomas, PGA
1/22
Casey J. Richardson, PGA
1/8
Scott Carlson, PGA
1/23
Kurt E. Karcher, PGA
1/9
Derek N. Jensen, PGA
1/25
Ryan T. Vermeer, PGA
1/11
Michael Grof, PGA
1/25
Tony Pesavento, PGA
1/12
Scott E. Larson, PGA
1/29
Matthew L. Nice, PGA
1/13
Terry D. Heskett, PGA
1/30
Dennis E. Fruchtl, PGA
1/14
Jeffrey D. Brake, PGA
1/31
William J. Peers
1/15 PAGE 25 Nebraska PGA News December 2020
Contact Mark Morrissey 402-968-5845 morrisseym59@aol.com