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2012 Nebraska PGA Award Winners

Dear Members and Apprentices: Happy New Year! This statement has so many different meanings to each of us but one that continues to resonate with me when I hear this statement is opportunity. The experiences of this past year enable us to review and see what worked and maybe what didn’t work but it’s surely an opportunistic time. Earlier this month, your Nebraska Section PGA staff, officers, and committee chairs gathered for our 2013 Business Planning Session. In that meeting we discussed plans for the 2013 season as well as evaluating the way we think about our members, guests, and staff. Simon Sinek, inspirational speaker and author of the book, Start with Why, offers some great insight into a simple but powerful model for inspirational leadership starting with his concept of The Golden Circle. This model demonstrates three distinct elements, Why, How, and What, makes any person or organization function at its highest ability. The Golden Circle is an idea that explains why some people and organizations are more innovative, more influential, command greater loyalty and are able to repeat their success over and over. Sinek says, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Please take a few minutes and watch “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” Very few organizations know WHY they do what they do. I encourage you in the days and weeks ahead to take a look at this concept and see how you can personalize it for you, your staff and facility to drive new revenues to your facility this year. I wish all of you great start to the new year and may it be filled with joy and excitement as we continue to promote and share with our members, customers and guests the greatest game ever played! Respectfully,

David Honnens, PGA Executive Director/CEO Nebraska PGA

Greg Neujahr, PGA, Director of Golf at Champions Run named 2012 Nebraska Section PGA “Golf Professional of the Year” LINCOLN, Neb.—Greg Neujahr, PGA, Director of Golf at Champions Run, was selected for the Section’s highest honor bestowed on a PGA Member as the 2012 Nebraska PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Neujahr was elected to membership into the PGA of America in 1992 and currently serves as President of the Nebraska Section PGA. Neujahr has faithfully served the Nebraska Section PGA for the past 20 years and during this time frame served as chairman for various committees including, junior golf, tournament, employment, membership and scholarship. As an officer of the Section, Neujahr was very instrumental in updating the Sections current Constitution and Bylaws and establishing a Section investment policy that diversified the Sections portfolio and resulted in considerable growth since 2010. Champions Run is also the host site for one of the premier events on the Web.com Tour, The Cox Classic presented by Lexus of Omaha. The economic impact of this event to the greater Omaha area is $9 million annually, and under Neujahr’s leaderships is host to the largest junior golf clinic in Nebraska each year featuring over 400 youth annually. These and many other contributions have resulted in Champions Run being named, Facility of the Year by the Nebraska Section PGA in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2009. As President of the Nebraska Section PGA, Neujahr played a pivotal role in expanding the reach of Nebraska Golf Day to the national stage with leaders in the golf industry including PGA of America, CEO, Joe Steranka taking part in the third annual Nebraska Golf Day in 2012. Neujahr’s desire to see the next generation of golfers come to the game is evident in the Nebraska Section PGA establishing a charitable arm through the Nebraska Section PGA Foundation that will launch in 2013.

Neujahr embodies the PGA of America’s mission in establishing and elevating the standards of the profession and growing interest and participation in the game of golf and this latest achievement solidifies these accomplishments. The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of approximately 216 PGA Members and 37 Apprentices who strive to promote the enjoyment and growth of the game of golf. The Nebraska Section PGA encompasses the entire State of Nebraska, western fifth of Iowa and a small portion of South Dakota including Dakota Dunes and Yankton. The Section office is located in Lincoln, NE and acts as a resource for local and national golf information for the golf professional and amateur player alike. Our members are often referred to as “Club Professionals”, not to be mistaken as PGA Tour Professionals. Each Nebraska Section PGA professional serves as an expert in the ever-changing business of golf. They are the leading expert players and teachers, skilled business managers, community leaders, and superior merchandisers who have dedicated their careers to the local delivery of these services. The Nebraska PGA exists to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf within the Section, and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry. Continued on page 5

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Nebraska PGA Award Winners for 2012 are: Golf Professional of the Year: Greg Neujahr, PGA, Champions Run, Omaha, NE Teacher of the Year: Greg Johannesen, PGA, West Nine & Learning Center, Lincoln, NE Horton Smith-Education: Scott Holly, PGA, University of Nebraska â€“ Lincoln, Lincoln, NE Bill Strausbaugh-Club Relations: Chris Cover, PGA, Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE Nebraska PGA Junior Golf Leader: Tom Jeffers, PGA, Indianhead Golf Club, Grand Island, NE Merchandiser of the Year-Public: Brian Jerred, PGA, Skyview Golf Course, Alliance, NE Merchandiser of the Year-Private: Adam Coates, PGA, Spencer Golf & Country Club, Spencer, IA Facility of the Year: Quarry Oaks Golf Club, Ashland, NE Sales Representative of the Year: Tod Puetz, TaylorMade Golf Assistant Professional of the Year: Gil Russell, PGA, ArborLinks, Nebraska City, NE

In addition to these awards the Nebraska PGA would also like to recognize the Players of the Year for 2012: Nebraska PGA Players of the Year for 2012 Nebraska PGA Player of the Year: Jon Petersen, PGA, Tiburon Golf Club, Omaha, NE Nebraska PGA Senior Player of the Year: Jim White, PGA MP, West Nine and Learning Center, Lincoln, NE Apprentice Professional Player of the Year: Ryan Vermeer, Oak Hills Country Club, Omaha, NE

All of the winners will be recognized at the Nebraska Section PGA Spring Meeting to be held Monday, March 4, 2013 at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club, Lincoln, NE.

The PGA of America requests your participation in helping to ensure that one of our Association's most powerful employment tools remains effective for you and your fellow PGA Professionals. Please click here and log in with your PGALinks username and password to complete the 2013 PGA Golf Professional Compensation Survey. PGA members who complete the survey by March 15, 2013, can receive up to two (2) Member Service Requirement (MSR) credits. Your participation is the key to ensuring that your Section's compensation information is valid and meaningful. Your support of this important PGA initiative is greatly appreciated.

Available November and Year-to-date Rounds Played and Revenue results are included in the PerformanceTrak Newsletter. Anyone who would like to discuss the program or receive coaching, please contact Nicole Ferguson at the information below: Contact Information: PerformanceTrak Customer Service 1-800-477-6465 EXT. 8574 Email: PerformanceTrak@pgahq.com Nicole Ferguson Direct Line: (561) 624-8574 Email: NFerguson@pgahq.com

Profits below par? Chart a new course for success with Oasis Out-sourcing. As a Professional Employer Organization offering integrated, cost-effective solutions for your business, Oasis brings remarkable value to you and your facility. To learn how to help stretch your facility's hardearned dollars, keeping more of them in your business visit PGALinks.com - Benefits - Facility.

Dental Insurance Plan Now Available! As a PGA Professional, you are currently guaranteed acceptance in this all-new program that helps pay some of your most expensive dental bills. To learn more about the PGA Insurance Options Group Dental Indemnity Insurance Plan visit www.pgainsurance.com.

2013 Golf Retirement Plus Checklist Currently a Golf Retirement Plus participant? Continue to receive your sponsor contributions in 2013 by completing these simple steps as soon as possible: 

Submit a 2013 Facility Authorization Agreement (required to receive sponsor contributions) 

Submit a 2013 Incentive Allocation Agreement (if applicable)



Enroll in Pepsi’s new program



Submit all sponsor annual enrollment forms

Forms are available on PGA Links. If you have questions about the program, visit PGA Links or contact a GRP Specialist at 877-RET-PLUS. Not enrolled in GRP? Don’t miss out on saving for your future—ENROLL TODAY!

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

First off, Happy New Year, everyone! With a new year comes a new start and the opportunity to set some new goals. We reached out to you, our dedicated friends in PGA.com Facebook Nation this week and asked you to answer the following: What is YOUR main golf goal for 2013? As always, the feedback was tremendous. Here's a sampling of some of the answers we found to be among the best and most entertaining. Enjoy and best of luck in accomplishing your golf goals this year! 9. Work out a problem area in your game. What's that old saying? "Practice makes perfect." Dedicate yourself to fixing that weakness and turn it into a strength. Facebook fan quotes: "To get rid of the shanks." -- Patrick Gormandy "Fix my slice with my driver. Should bring me down to around a 10-15 handicap consistently." -- Kevin Waller 8. Pick up the game and learn the right way to play. If you haven't started playing yet, what took so long?! On the other hand, welcome. Get yourself some lessons from a local PGA Professional, learn how to play the game the right way and then enjoy it for the rest of your life. Facebook fan quotes: "Learn how!" -- Mary Johnson "Take some lessons, straighten out my slice and tighten up my short game." -- Dino Kusulas 7. Shooting/breaking a milestone score. Facebook fan quotes: "Break 80 at five different courses." -- Robert Soldwish "Break 80 for the first time." -- John W. Munson "Break 80!... 2012 for me under 100, teasing the low 90 score... time to get serious and break 80!" -- Joseph M Halliday "Break 90 on an over 7,000 yard course." -- Tim Hirt "Break 100." -- Robert Bass "Break 90!" -- Linda McCormack "Play more and break 80." -- Niels Bredahl "Break 85." -- Matt Delle Donne

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6. A hole-in-one. Ahhh... the Holy Grail of golf shots. Hopefully you play enough golf in 2013 to have many, many opportunities at snagging an ace of your own. Facebook fan quotes: "A hole-in-one after 45 years trying." -- Steve Andres "An Ace... and try to instill in the young kids playing that it's not about 300 yard drives or a score. It's a game. Enjoy it." -- Joe Backen 5. Take your game more seriously. You always want golf to be fun, but -- let's face it -- the more you play the better you get and the better you get the more fun you have. Facebook fan quote: "Get more serious about my game." -- Don Harrison 4. Get your handicap into single digits. And, once you get it there, maintain it. Facebook fan quotes: "Reach single digit handicap." -- Serge Palin "Get down to a single digit handicap." -- Jess Allen 3. Keep an even keel on the golf course. Don't get too high and don't get too low. A great attitude is worth at least a few shots saved over the course of any given round. Facebook fan quote: "Maintain an even temperament." -- Eric Eisnor 2. Improve your short game. This sure makes sense and we were surprised that more people didn't chime in with this. After all, most of the shots you hit in a round are from 100 yards and in. Facebook fan quote: "Better short game." -- Tim Wacker 1. Play more golf. When it comes to accomplishing any goal in golf, it means you need to play more. So, making that the No. 1 goal for 2013 seems like a hole-in-one! Facebook fan quotes: "Play more golf... and dedicate myself to getting back to 'scratch.'" -- Rodger Cooper "Golf more!" -- Margie Movalson "Play more GOLF!" -- Kelly B. Brockman "Play at least twice a month once the weather starts to break." -- Andre Walker "PLAY MORE GOLF!" -- Chris Mendoza

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.

Updates between 12/17--1/25

NEW MEMBERS Name

Date Change

Trevor Chestnut, PGA

Scotts Bluff CC

Class A-8

NEW APPRENTICES Name

Date Change

Alex Carper

Hidden Valley GC

STAFF

To the family of Jerry Wilke, PGA on his passing.

Class B-8

David Honnens, PGA Executive Director dhonnens@pgahq.com

Rob Brown, PGA

2/1

Michael W. Ten Eyck, PGA

2/3

Ryan P Corcoran, PGA

2/5

Bentley G. Benson, PGA

2/8

Sid Holtmeier, PGA

2/12

Scott A. Beard, PGA

2/14

Joseph C. Goar, PGA

2/14

Christopher S. Hartman

2/16

Brett J. Mayo, PGA

2/24

Mark W. Aulerich, PGA

2/25

Steve T Boveia

2/25

Scott S. Holly, PGA

2/25

Ron Gunia, PGA

2/26

Robert G. Saffer, PGA

2/26

Thomas Harmon, PGA Tournament Director tharmon@pgahq.com

Renee Tyson Administrative Assistant rtyson@pgahq.com