January 2021
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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Gil Russell, PGA, Assistant General Manager at Happy Hollow Club in Omaha, NE was selected for the Section’s highest honor bestowed on a PGA Member as the 2020 Nebraska Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year. A native of Grant, Nebraska, Russell was a 2011 graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln PGA Golf Management with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Russell was elected to membership into the PGA of America in May of 2011 where he began his PGA journey at ArborLinks in Nebraska City under famed PGA Professional Jeff Porter, PGA. Under the mentorship of Porter and working closely with the Landscapes Unlimited Management Group, Russell’s duties and responsibilities would blossom as he was exposed to the General Manager and Head Professional roles. Through this dynamic role, Russell would work with an Agronomy team, Food and Beverage, Accounting Department, Human Resources, Payroll and Membership Sales. These opportunities drove Russell to learn more about the business of golf realizing his passion of leading a team. In 2017, Russell became the General Manager at Norfolk Country Club where he would spearhead the club’s largest facility renovation project to the clubhouse and pool. In the fall of 2019, Russell accepted the Assistant General Manager position at Happy Hollow Club where he would be instrumental in leading an $8 million dollar Activity Center project that was recently completed. Growing the game and giving back to his community is another trait that has played a key role in Russell’s PGA Career. In the fall of 2013, then Nebraska PGA President Mike Antonio, PGA asked Russell to serve on the Player Development Committee, an experience that ignited his interest in running for office. In the fall of 2015, Russell became the Nebraska PGA’s youngest officer in its history and hit the ground running. Under Russell’s leadership, the Nebraska PGA launched a strategic plan of creating a digital footprint with a hired internship that today has resulted in a full-time Digital Sports Director. As Russell ascended through the officer chairs, the Nebraska PGA continued its growth in growing the game through junior golf and in the rebranding of its foundation to PGA REACH Nebraska aligning its mission and vision with the PGA of America’s foundation. In 2020, the Nebraska PGA was the recipient of the Herb Graffis Award, given to a PGA of America Section that has shown tireless dedication to growing the game of golf and furthering player development programming in the community. Russell’s belief in growing the game at the grassroots level and driving engagement through digital media was front and center of this prestigious award and one that represents the tireless efforts of nearly 300 men and women who are dedicated to growing the game of golf.
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The other Nebraska PGA Award Winners for 2020 are: Golf Professional of the Year: Gil Russell, PGA, Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE Teacher of the Year: Jonathan Mielke, PGA, Oak Hills Country Club, Omaha, NE PGA Professional Development: Greg Neujahr, PGA, Champions Run, Omaha, NE Bill Strausbaugh: Mike Antonio, PGA, Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE Youth Player Development: Jonathan Mielke, PGA, Oak Hills Country Club, Omaha, NE Merchandiser of the Year-Public: Matt Shaner, PGA, Golf Fit USA, Kearney, NE Player Development: Sarah Pravecek, PGA, Wilderness Ridge Golf Club, Lincoln, NE Merchandiser of the Year-Private: Brandon Wedding, PGA, Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE Facility of the Year: Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE Sales Representative of the Year: Matt Geschke, PING
Assistant Professional of the Year: Brandon Wedding, PGA, Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE Patriot Award: Seth Scollard, PGA, Nebraska Section PGA, Lincoln, NE In addition to these awards the Nebraska Section PGA would also like to recognize the Players of the Year for 2020: OMEGA Nebraska PGA Player of the Year: Ryan Vermeer, PGA, Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE OMEGA Nebraska PGA Senior Player of the Year: Ted DiGiacomo, PGA, Golf Galaxy, Omaha, NE OMEGA Nebraska Section Assistant Professional Player of the Year: Mike Coatman, Firethorn Golf Club, Lincoln, NE PAGE 5 Nebraska PGA News January 2021
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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 selected as the 2020 winners of these prestigious awards.
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Stay tuned for more information on if the meeting will be held in person or virtually.
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PGA Appointment Calendar Although there is no PGA Pak this year, PGA Members can still order a PGA Professional Appointment Calendar. Supplies are limited so make sure to get yours today! Register for your calendar by clicking here!
PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Application The PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship application is available online. Help put your kids on the fast-track to success with scholarship money from the PGA of America. Click here to access the application.
Access to 2021 Spectator Events and Championships The link to the complimentary access to the 2021 PGA Championships has recently been updated to indicate policies and access have not yet been determined. Please view the latest revision here.
PGA Member Shop Promotion The PGA Member Shop will be offering PGA Members FREE SHIPPING for the week of the 2021 PGA Show. Shop here and use promo code 21PGASHOWFREESHIP when checking out. Valid January 25 through the 31st.
Coronavirus Federal Resources Visit our Federal Resources page for more information on the latest Federal Programs that are coming out of Washington related to COVID-19. We provide you links to the proper Federal Agencies that can handle your specific issues. PAGE 12 ď ¨ Nebraska PGA News ď ¨ January 2021
In the last few months we have had a significant number of our Members and Associates change employment. In an effort to keep your PGA information current, if you have changed your employment or member class, please fill out a change form online at pga.org or you may contact Renee Tyson at rtyson@pgahq.com or 402-489-7760.
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Contact Mark Morrissey 402-968-5845 morrisseym59@aol.com PAGE 14 Nebraska PGA News January 2021
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Golf Datatech Releases 2020 U.S. Golf Retail Performance Report and Annual Rounds Played Data Exclusive Insights Indicate Record Breaking Year—Golf Rounds Up 13.9%, Equipment Sales Jump 10.1%
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Rounds Growth is Largest Full Year Increase in the History of Golf Datatech’s Data; Golf Equipment Sales Eclipsed $2.81 Billion at Green Grass Golf Shops & Off Course Specialty Stores; Apparel Sales Drop 14.2% Kissimmee, Fla., January 25, 2021 – Golf Datatech, LLC, the golf industry’s leading independent market research firm for retail sales, consumer and trade trends, today unveiled the 2020 National Golf Performance Report, a first-of-its kind annual report analyzing rounds played and retail equipment sales in the U.S. Golf Datatech’s report indicates rounds soared by 13.9% and equipment sales increased by 10.1% over 2019. The year-over-year surge in rounds and retail sales are primarily a result of golf being positioned as a near ideal socially distanced activity during a pandemic. The 13.9% increase in rounds is the largest total year increase since Golf Datatech began collecting and projecting rounds played in 1998, topping the previous largest increase of 5.7% in 2012. The 10.1% improvement in retail sales bettered the previous all time high percentage gain of 10.0% in 2005.
Fueled by a combination of avid players, newcomers and infrequent golfers, 2020 demand for all things golf surged during the second half of the year. In fact, 2020 spending reached near record levels, as overall golf equipment sales eclipsed $2.81 billion, the third highest annual total of all-time, trailing behind only 2008 ($2.91 billion) and 2007 ($2.87 billion). “While the global pandemic wreaked havoc on many segments of our economy, the golf industry experienced a significant boost in rounds played and equipment sales,” said John Krzynowek, Partner, Golf Datatech. “On the equipment side, sales increased by low single digits in both 2018 and 2019, but the double-digit gains in 2020 can only be attributed to the pandemic and golf being a respite for so many.” While rounds played and equipment sales experienced sharp increases in 2020, apparel sales went the other direction and dropped by 14.2%. Golf apparel is predominantly sold thru on-course golf shops, but
due to COVID-19 restrictions, many pro shops were not fully operational for several months. Additionally, a lack of international travel and lockdowns during the critical spring season in warm weather markets had a detrimental impact on many resorts, which sell a significant amount of logoed golf apparel. Added together, these factors all weighed heavily on the Green Grass Golf Apparel business.
While on-course sales declined, apparel sales at offcourse specialty outlets, particularly those with a strong online presence, enjoyed significant growth in 2020. Moreover, the last two months of the year saw total apparel sales up 11%, a hopeful sign heading into 2021. Added Krzynowek, “Combining equipment and apparel sales thru the on and off-course channels, total consumer demand in dollars for golf product was 3.2% higher than in 2019. Given the state of the golf economy in late spring, anything in positive territory had to be considered a big win, and December data continues to impress and suggest the business may still have room to run in early 2021.” 2020 Rounds Played Analysis In 1998, Golf Datatech undertook the task of creating the golf industry’s first monthly projections of rounds played by state and region around the country. The Company’s objective from day one was to provide accurate estimates of the health of golf by tracking rounds, which are the engine that drives almost every other aspect of the business. The company also receives support from the NGF (delivering course data) and WeatherTrends (weather data) in an effort to provide the industry with granular detail at the market level. According to data compiled directly from golf course owners and operators, Continue Reading…...
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The 2021 Nebraska Junior Golf schedule will be available in early February. The schedule will be posted at nebraskajuniorgolf.com
GOLF STATISTICS WEBINAR
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Jacque Madison is a member of the PGA of America and specialized in Executive Management. She began her career in the golf industry in 1992 while in college and has served both private and semi-private facilities prior to her role in golf administration. She is a graduate of Kansas State University where she was an Academic All-American, volunteers with the Midwest Section on the Tournament Committee, represents the section on the PGA Magazine Women Leaders Platform, is a member of PGA LEAD Cohort IV, and serves as the Vice President of the Women’s Golf Alliance. Madison began her professional career as an Assistant Golf Professional at Crestview Country Club in Wichita, Kansas. She also served as an Assistant Professional at Manhattan Country Club in Manhattan, Kansas before moving to Kansas City as the Head Golf Professional at Meadowbrook G&CC. She has served as Director of Member Services & Women’s Championships for Central Links Golf in Kansas City since 2015. Madison was instrumental in creating the women’s regional open, The Prairie Invitational, which serves both professional and elite amateur golfers in the Midwest. • • •
Attracting Talent (CLICK HERE for Consultant Conversations or find it wherever you get your podcasts) Achieving Work-Life Balance - Forbes Sell Your Facility – Craft your Job Description or Post Using This Sample as a Guide
I would love to have a chance to visit with you. Please CLICK HERE to schedule a virtual appointment with me to discuss anything related to your career as a PGA Professional. Jacqueline Madison, PGA Career Consultant PGA Career Services Proudly serving the Iowa, Minnesota, & Nebraska Sections jmadison@pgahq.com Office: 612-852-4910 Mobile: 785-341-6047 Check out our PGA Career Services Website and LinkedIn Page Click HERE to update your Job Preferences on pga.org Click HERE to start your personal career plan Click HERE to schedule a virtual appointment with Jacque
Check out this video message from Jacque
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Hello Nebraska Section PGA friends, Happy February Nebraska Section PGA and hope everyone is enjoying some down time and recharging their batteries. I always felt that this month is very important in the planning process of your season and making sure you staff is ready to go! Hiring the right people and giving them responsibilities for 2021 will motivate them to take your operations to the next level. If you are an assistant, please ask for more responsibility and learn something new about the operation so you are prepared for that next opportunity. News and notes: -I’d like to welcome Jacque Madison, PGA our new Career Consultant to District 8! She has hit the ground running since her start date of January 4th and has been in contact with many members already. These professionals are probably the best member benefit provided by the PGA of America so please tap their knowledge whether you are looking for a new opportunity or trying to make your current one better! -I have heard from a few of you regarding the decision to move the 2022 PGA Championship from Trump Bedminster. I have also heard from members who understand the decision and others who didn’t think it was the right call. Having a seat in the room this past year and listening to the officers, staff, outside legal council and my other board members it became clear that conducting the event at Trump Bedminster would be detrimental to the PGA of America brand and reputation. It would put at risk the PGA’s ability to deliver our many programs for the future. In no way was this a political decision and I truly feel we did our due diligence on this matter to protect the financial means of our association moving forward. We are also looking forward to having the 2022 event at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This venue gives us the advantage to operate and execute the Championship with a shortened window of time since many staff are already in place for the Senior PGA Championship in 2021. We appreciated the enthusiasm across the country (more than 30 venues) who wanted to host. -PGA Frisco Headquarters continues to rise out of the ground in Texas and the project is on time and on budget. This venue will house our workplace and state of the art education facilities on 6.2 acres. The golf courses remain on schedule and plan to open on or before August 1, 2022. We feel that this property will be considered the “Silicon Valley” of golf in the future and it will be a must visit for any PGA member! Thank you for allowing me to represent you and looking forward to our Spring meeting on March 29th! I would also like to congratulate all of the award winners from 2020 and looking forward to hearing what the award means to them and their facility. Stay well and stay safe! Sincerely, Greg Neujahr, PGA District 8 Director – National PGA PAGE 21 Nebraska PGA News January 2021
Congratulations to former Executive Director and PGA of America Career Consultant, Bruce Lubach, PGA on his recent retirement announcement! Lubach spent over 33 years serving our Association and we will be forever grateful for your tremendous contributions to the Nebraska PGA!
The PerkSpot All Together Referral Program wants to help ease the burden for you and your loved ones with a new referral program. Visit your Discount Portal and click on the “Help Someone Save” button. PAGE 22 Nebraska PGA News January 2021
Robert S. Brown, PGA
2/1
Nickolas J. Muller, PGA
2/20
Jesse O. Schellen, PGA
2/1
Scott S. Holly, PGA
2/25
Michael W. Ten Eyck, PGA
2/3
Robert G. Saffer, PGA
2/26
Bentley G. Benson, PGA
2/8
Ron Gunia, PGA
2/26
Sid Holtmeier, PGA
2/12
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