February 2024 Newsletter

OFFICERS/BOARD

NEBRASKA PGA STAFF

President Dawn Neujahr, PGA Executive Director/CEO David Honnens, PGA

Vice President Mike Schuchart, PGA Assist. Executive Director Seth Scollard, PGA

Secretary Phil Palmer, PGA Managing Director Renee Tyson

Honorary President Gil Russell, PGA Tournament Director Derek Carlson, PGA

Board Member Nick Wanderscheid, PGA Junior Golf Director Kurt Karcher, PGA

Board Member—Chris Cover, PGA

Digital Media Director—Brett Renner

District 8 Director TBD Development Officer Bob Danenhauer

Community Relations Coord. Margie Smith

Lawrence "Larry" Wheeler passed away at Heritage Estates Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

Larry was born December 1, 1939, in Scottsbluff to George and Linda (Henkel) Wheeler. Larry graduated from Scottsbluff High and soon followed his dream to play golf. He became a member of the PGA in 1962. This led to time working as Assistant Pro at the Old Course in Loveland, Colorado. Head Pro at Broomfield Country Club. Assistant Pro at James River Country Club, Newport News, Virginia. And Director of golf at the Golden Horseshoe in Williamsburg, Virginia. He played on the PGA Tour, the PGA Senior Tour, and Senior Series Tour. This passion for golf kept him in the business well into his retirement, giving lessons, selling, and repairing clubs at Wheelers golf shop and mowing at Monument Shadow Golf Course, Gering.

Larry is survived by his children. Teri (Ed) Rodenas, Brandy (Mike) Robinson, Kelly (Amber Pattison). 2 grandchildren, brother, Roger (Vicki) Wheeler, 2 nephews and extended family. A family graveside service will be planned for a later date. Memorials will be made to Panhandle Junior Golf Tour. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.geringchapel.com.

All inductees will be celebrated at the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame Awards Banquet on May 5, 2024.

• July 22-July 23 - Section Championship at Champions Run

• August 5 - Monday Qualifier for the Pinnacle Bank Championship at Bent Tree and Highlands GC

• September 13-15 - Nebraska Open at Elks CC

• October 8-11 - Stage 1 Q School at Wilderness Ridge CC

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these events this season, please email Renee Tyson at rtyson@pgahq.com or call 402-489-7760.

Thank you for your willingness to help!

Presented by Callaway Golf, Harris Golf Cars – Yamaha and Vinnie Krikac’s

State Farm Insurance Agency

Why it is important to make a 5 year career plan

It may seem like a lot of work to make a 5-year career plan, but it’s hard to get where you want to go without a clear roadmap. Instead of just taking whatever job comes along, it makes sense to take the time to evaluate what you like to do, where you want to live, how much money you’d like to make, etc. and then make thoughtful decisions that will help get you there. As you begin making your plan, be sure to write down how you will reach your goals and be willing to revise as new opportunities present themselves.

So how do you get started? Let’s look at these five steps:

STEP 1: Set goals Most career coaches recommend you sit down and figure out some goals. What hours do you want to work? Do you eventually want to become General Manager at a private club or be a Director of Golf at a resort or own your own facility? What kind of leisure time do you want to have? How much money do you want to make? Do you want to work in a resort or a private or semi-private facility? Set your priorities and break your long-term goals down into short term decisions that are stepping stones to reaching the next goal.

Of course, your goals have to be somewhat realistic and measurable. Being the next billionaire in 2 years is probably not attainable. Instead, perhaps you’d like to be a General Manager at a club within the next seven years – that’s attainable and measurable. Similarly, a goal of “being happy” or “living in a nice place” is not specific enough.

STEP 2: Evaluate your current situation What are your strengths that relate to your goals and what challenges lay ahead that might get in the way? Do you have the skills you need or will you need to get further education, or maybe a certification? Are you single or are you married? If you are married, is your spouse totally supportive of your goals and can your family easily relocate if an opportunity arises? And remember to be honest with yourself not only about your strengths but also about your weaknesses.

STEP 3: Identify your interests It doesn’t make sense to plan for a future job without thinking about what you really enjoy doing. Take the time to meet with fellow professionals who are already doing that job and ask about what it’s like. You may find that the job isn’t what you thought and you’d be happier moving in another direction. Make a list of all the things you’ve accomplished and enjoyed working on so far. Look at all parts of your life, not just work and then select the top seven most important items. Imagine what job you would do if money were no object.

STEP 4: Start planning Here is where you sit down and come up with the steps you need to take to begin meeting your goals. They should be actions that can be completed in a short period (no more than several months) and be realistic. You’ll also need to set a timeline for each step. Of course, there will be times when you don’t meet a timeline because of unexpected events, but try to stick to the plan. Remember, you’re investing in your future and these steps are helping you get there. Keep track of the dates you planned to complete each step as well as the actual date you’ve completed it.

STEP 5: Stay committed Once you’ve devised your plan, share it with mentors, friends or family and allow them to support you along the way. This plan is your road map to your future success. By taking charge of your career choice and moving purposefully in the direction of your dream job, you will set yourself apart from the masses and achieve the milestones that get you where you want to be.

Career planning five years ahead can seem time-consuming and a little intimidating, but mapping out your career plans will equip you to notice when great opportunities match up with your plans and move you forward toward your goals. However, your five-year plan is not cast in stone and you should be willing to re-evaluate it regularly to see if it’s still the right path for you. Your plan will help you steer toward what you value most and give you the tools you need to seize the moment when you can and track your progress toward the ultimate goal.

Kevin Drew- Career Consultant Website

Kevin Drew, PGA,ARWC

PGA Career Consultant Iowa & Nebraska

402-670-2973

kdrew@pgahq.com

Book a Meeting: Kevin Drew's Meeting Calendar

Explore What's Available To You

As the new year unfolds, we encourage you to review the PGA of America's Member Programs and Offerings. From lifelong learning opportunities to a wealth of perks & discounts, discover the resources available to you offered through your PGA of America Membership.

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PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Program

Are you a PGA of America Member with a child or grandchild who is applying for or attending college? The PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship provides scholarships based on evidence of academic achievement during high school or college. The application for the 2024-2025 school year is officially open and will be available until April 10, 2024. All funding comes from contributions made by PGA of America Members.

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Complimentary Access to Events

Championship season is upon us! Enjoy one of the many benefits of PGA of America Membership by attending events such as the Masters, PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, KPMG Women's PGA Championship, and more!

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Are you ready to help make a difference? PGA HOPE continues to positively impact our Veteran's lives through the game of golf. We are excited for another record-breaking year in 2024 with the PGA HOPE Program. We currently have over 200 Veterans on a waitlist to sign up for 2024 programming. We need your help, and it all starts by getting PGA HOPE Adaptive Trained.

Attached is a list of the Nebraska PGA Professionals and Associates who are currently trained. As a reminder, you MUST complete this training to help instruct during a PGA HOPE program.

EVENT REGISTRATION COMING SOON

2024 Member registration opens March 1st. The Spring, Summer and Fall event schedules can be found on the NJG website.