July 2025
OFFICERS/BOARD
President Mike Schuchart, PGA
Vice President Phil Palmer, PGA
Secretary— Bobby O’Keefe, PGA
Honorary President—Dawn Neujahr, PGA
Board Member Tony Baranowski, PGA
Board Member Joe Wiegand, PGA
DISTRICT 8 DIRECTOR
Phil Anderson, PGA
NEBRASKA PGA STAFF
Executive Director/CEO David Honnens, PGA
Assist. Executive Director Seth Scollard, PGA
Managing Director—Renee Tyson
Tournament Director—Derek Carlson, PGA
Junior Golf Director Kurt Karcher, PGA
Digital Media Director Brett Renner
Director of Foundation Programs—Amber Bogle
Administrative Assistant—Tiffany White
Development Officer Bob Danenhauer
Community Relations Coord. Margie Smith
INTRODUCING OUR NEW LOGOS HONORING OUR SECTION’S 100 YEAR HISTORY:
Written by Bob Denney | Historian Emeritus – PGA of America
When Steve Hogan arrived at Miller Park Golf Course in 1988 on North 30th Street in Omaha, he got a firsthand view of a par-3 layout bearing scars.
Acts of vandalism peppered the property. Most noticeably, there were hardly any juniors playing the course.
Two years later, a chance encounter on the course became a signature Hogan moment.
“One day, I caught a couple of kids riding their bikes across the course and stopped them,” said Hogan in 2003. “They didn’t know it was a golf course. They thought it was a big park.”
Hogan took the bikes to the clubhouse as the children begged him to give them back. After reviewing the damage to the greens caused by the bikes, Hogan gave the kids a choice: he would either contact their parents to pay for the damage, or they could come back the next day to actually learn what golf was all about.
Those same biking trespassers returned the next day—and began a journey in golf.
They went on to attend college, become accomplished amateur players, and, as Hogan said with pride, “helped bring other kids into golf.”
It was one vignette in the life of a PGA Professional who was like the uncle some youngsters yearned to have by their side—encouraging them to take the next step toward enjoying the game.
Steve Hogan left us far too soon, losing a long battle with colon cancer in November 2008. He was just 55.
What he accomplished in abundance during his life was making Miller Park an authentic home of Hogan’s Junior Golf Heroes. Call it junior golf’s peacetime adaptation of the popular World War II sitcom Hogan’s Heroes.
Continue Reading…..
The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Justin Henry, PGA the recipient of the Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball recipient for the month of July
The Wilson Game Ball honors PGA Professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to the game of golf. The Wild Horse Golf Club Head Professional has continued to carve out extra time in his schedule to assist with junior golf, high school golfers and Veterans through PGA HOPE.
“It means the world to be recognized for this award. It is always nice to know that your hard work and dedication to the game is appreciated. I enjoy trying to make a difference, not only at my facility but also throughout our Section,” said Henry.
Justin Henry exemplifies what it means to lead by example both on and off the course. In addition to his full-time role at Wild Horse, he finds time to be present at home with his wife and four children, while also dedicating himself to developing young athletes as an assistant coach for the Gothenburg Swede Boys Golf Team. Each afternoon, after finishing up at the course, Henry volunteers his time from 4 to 6 p.m. to work with the team, helping the players improve their game and their confidence.“Justin doesn’t have to do it — he wants to,” said Wild Horse Golf Club's Director of Golf Tony Collins, PGA. “He teaches every day after work, and the guys love him for it.”
Continue Reading…..
Preparing for the Off-Season: Elevate Your Career Game Plan
As the summer season begins to wind down, it's an opportune time to reflect and prepare for the off-season. While we all enjoy the busy months full of tournaments, member events, and lively club activities, the quieter winter months present a perfect chance to dust off an often-overlooked asset your resume.
In our dynamic industry, where opportunities can arise unexpectedly, it's crucial to keep your resume current and impactful. As your career consultant, my aim is to support you in crafting a portfolio that stands out when those dream roles open up.
Seize the End of Summer for Reflection
Now is the time to start gathering the materials that will transform your resume into a powerful tool. Think about your achievements over the summer: successful events, innovative programs, and glowing testimonials from members. These are the stories that enrich your portfolio, showcasing your passion and dedication to growing the game of golf.
Highlighting Growth and Development
Reflect on the skills you've honed. Whether it's mastering new technologies, leading a team, or enhancing member experiences, each achievement is a stepping stone on your career path. Document these developments now, so your resume tells a compelling story of growth and potential when opportunities arise.
Building a Comprehensive Portfolio
Gather references, testimonials, and performance metrics that underscore your impact. A well-rounded portfolio does more than list duties; it demonstrates your ability to drive results and lead with integrity. Including a personal statement that reflects your passion and mission can also add a genuine touch, resonating with employers.
Preparing for Future Opportunities
As we embrace the season of change, remind yourselves that preparation is key. Whether you're considering a new role within your current facility or seeking opportunities beyond, having a polished, up-to-date resume puts you at an advantage. It's about making your readiness visible; showcasing that you're the leader they need before the opportunity even arises.
As always, I'm here to assist. If you would like guidance in refining your resume or strategizing on your career goals, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can ensure you're well-positioned for success, now and in the seasons to come.
Let’s make this off-season your opportunity to prepare and shine.
Kevin Drew, PGA,ARWC
Champions Run in Omaha welcomed a record-breaking 79 players for the 2025 Nebraska PGA Professional Championship, presented by Club Car (Nebraska Golf & Turf), Corebridge Financial, and Rolex. The 36-hole stroke-play event will send five qualifiers to the national PGA Professional Championship, where top PGA Professionals from around the country will compete. Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club, is already exempt for the national stage as a past champion.
This year’s championship held special significance as it coincided with the Nebraska PGA Section’s Centennial celebration. Adding to the festivities, Nebraska PGA Executive Director David Honnens presented legendary PGA Master Professional Jim White with a custom “G.O.A.T” ring, honoring a remarkable career that spans five decades. White’s accomplishments include 13 Section Championships, 12 Senior Championships, and an astounding 19 Nebraska PGA Player of the Year honors. To learn more history about the Nebraska PGA, click HERE.
In addition to the Section Championship, six women were competing in the 2025 Nebraska Women’s PGA Professional Championship during day 1. The 18-Hole event was won by Sarah Pravecek, PGA of Wilderness Ridge Country Club as she collected her fourth win in her career with a total of 76 (4-over).
Judd Cornell, PGA of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and Steve Friesen, PGA of Firethorn Golf Club, shared the 18-hole lead at 5-under par following strong opening rounds at Champions Run. Justin Herron, PGA of Oak Hills Country Club, sat in solo third at 4-under, while six-time Section Champion Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club, trailed by just two shots at 3-under. Joining Vermeer at 3-under was Jonathan Beaver, PGA of The Ridge Golf Club, making a notable return in his first professional-only Section event in nearly three years.
Tuesday’s final round brought continued favorable scoring conditions at Champions Run, setting the stage for a tightly contested finish. As the afternoon progressed, six players found themselves at 4-under par or better, creating a packed leaderboard with little margin for error. The lead hovered around 7-under for much of the day, adding tension and excitement as players fought for one of the five coveted qualifying spots in the national PGA Professional Championship.
There were several lead changes throughout the final round, but down the stretch, a familiar name emerged at the top once again. Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club, surged ahead with a strong back nine, pushing his round to 5-under on the day and reaching 8-under total with just three holes to play. Despite two late bogeys, Vermeer held steady and was able to clinch yet another memorable victory, adding to his decorated career and further cementing his legacy within the Nebraska PGA Section.
Ryan Vermeer returned to the winner’s circle with rounds of 69-69, finishing at 6-under par to secure his seventh Nebraska PGA Professional Championship title, a remarkable milestone
especially during the Section’s Centennial year. Finishing tied for runner-up was Shane Zywiec, PGA of Highlands Golf Course and Judd Cornell, PGA of the University of Nebraska.
With Vermeer being exempt into the national event, the next five players on the leaderboard received the spots, giving the Nebraska PGA a bonus player into the PGA Professional Championship once again.
The following players earned qualifying spots:
Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club | 6-under
Judd Cornell, PGA of University of Nebraska | 5-Under
Shane Zywiec, PGA of Highlands Golf Course | 5-Under
Jonathan Beaver, PGA of The Ridge Golf Club | 4-Under
Justin Herron, PGA of Oak Hills Country Club | 3-Under
Steve Friesen, PGA of Firethorn Golf Club | 3-Under
The national championship will be contested at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, OR - April 26-29, 2026.
Beatrice Country Club hosted the Nebraska Senior PGA Professional Championship over the past two days. The 36-hole strokeplay event teed off Monday with the final round wrapping up today. The field featured a strong lineup of past champions, intime winner Jim White, PGA MP of The Fairways at time winner Bryan Hughett, PGA Life Member. Along with the trophy, four coveted qualifying spots for the 2025 Senior PGA Professional Championship were on the line.
PGA Life Member Chris Wiemers set the early pace with a stellar under 69 in the opening round, giving him a one-shot edge over defending champion Bryan Hughett. J.D. Brake, PGA of ArborLinks, and Pete Hagen, PGA of Johnny Goodman GC, also turned in solid performances, each posting a 71 (-1) to sit tied for third. With just six shots separating the top 10, the champiand the national qualifying spots were still wide open heading into the final round.
But Wiemers quickly left the field chasing shadows. He came out firing with four birdies in his first six holes to stretch his lead to seven. After scrambling for birdie on No. 9, Wiemers made the turn at 7-under the only player in red numbers with nine to play and never looked back.
With a wire-to-wire performance, Wiemers claimed his first Nebraska Senior PGA Professional Championship title, joining the elite group of Members to have won both the Section and Senior titles. While his five-shot victory left little suspense at the top, the battle for the final three qualifying spots provided plenty of drama. Four players finished tied at 2-over, forcing a sudden-death playoff for the remaining spots in the national championship. On the first extra hole, all four players hit the green in regulation. Tom Hearn was first to putt his 20-footer missed by inches, and he tapped in for par. The next three players all converted birdies, sealing their tickets to nationals.
Joining Wiemers in representing the Nebraska PGA at the 2025 Senior PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL, will be Bryan Hughett, Mike Antonio, PGA of Happy Hollow Club, and J.D. Brake. Jim White, a past national champion, remains exempt and will also be in the field.
For more information and for full results, click HERE.
play event unfolded under near-perfect scoring conditions on a challenging course, setting the stage for an exciting day. Adding to the drama, the top two finishers would earn qualifying spots in the 2025 Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Jay Cottam, PGA, of Meadowlark Hills Golf Course entered the championship rida run highlighted by a course-record 62 s final round. His remarkable form carried over into this year’s event, as Cottam birdied six of his first seven holes to surge into an early lead. 5), then poured in four more birdies on the back best 65 (-7). Three shots back was Mark Foelbaek, PGA, of The Country Club of Lincoln. The newly turned Class A PGA Professional birdied three of his final five holes to shoot 68 (-4). He was just three shots behind Cottam but three shots ahead of third place a crucial margin for
Joining Cottam and Foelbaek in the final round pairing was Caleb Badura of Jackrabbit Run Golf Course, who posted a solid opening round of 71 (-1). The three former Nebraska men s golfers found themselves competing against each other once again this time as PGA Professionals.
In the first nine holes of the afternoon round, Cottam made two bogies and two birdies, allowing others to make a run. After a costly triple bogey on No. 7, Foelbaek bounced back with a birdie on No. 9, which jolted him into momentum on the back nine. He went on to make three birdies on the closing holes, including Nos. 16 and 17.
Standing on the 18th tee, Cottam held a two-shot lead, leaving Foelbaek in need of a near miracle which he nearly achieved. Cottam found himself wedged against a tree on his second shot and was forced to punch out to the fairway. Meanwhile, Foelbaek reached the green with his approach, setting up a 30-foot birdie chance to tie the lead after Cottam failed to get up and down to save par.
In heartbreaking fashion, Foelbaek’s putt lipped out after an incredible roll and near-perfect line. Moments later, Cottam rolled in the clinching putt to secure his fourth consecutive title. Cottam finished at 6-under for the day, while Foelbaek was just one shot back at 5-under. Both players earned qualifying spots for the national event, where the top Assistant PGA Professionals will gather at PGA Village.
For more information and for full results, click HERE
Landmand Golf Club welcomed 33 teams for an exciting Pro-Am event presented by Chesterman Co. CocaCola and Miller & Sons Golf Cars (E-Z-GO). With ideal scoring conditions “Up Top,” players enjoyed a top-10 kind of day until a late-afternoon storm forced the final five foursomes to halt play. Unfortunately, due to unplayable conditions and fading daylight, those groups were marked as ‘No-Card.’
The format featured 2-Net Best Ball, with tee times spanning from 8:30 AM to 2:54 PM. Of the 33 teams, 28 completed their rounds and posted scores for the team leaderboard.
In the Professional-only division, nine NEPGA Professionals carded rounds in red figures. Leading the field was Justin Herron, PGA of Oak Hills Country Club, who delivered a scorching 7-under 66. Herron made eight birdies on the day, including clutch back-to-back birdies on Nos. 17 and 18, to edge out the competition by a single stroke.
Close behind was Brad Bailey, PGA of Wilderness Ridge Country Club, who fired a 6-under 67 highlighted by nine birdies. Chris Wiemers, PGA, a PGA Life Member, rounded out the top three with an impressive 5-under 68.
In the team competition, Herron joined forces with Mike Depa, Brian Elsasser, and Nate Brolliar to post an outstanding 19-under total. That score was matched by Bailey’s team, which included Marty Kasl, Kyle Haefele, and Steve Kane, resulting in a shared team title. Continue Reading…..
1st—Andre Maiyo, Lincoln, NE
2nd—Wyatt Ware, Lincoln, NE
3rd—William Chaffee, Ashland, NE
1st—Henrik Kalin, Valley, NE
2nd—Jett Krueger, Firth, NE
3rd—Jack Flynn, Lincoln, NE
1st—Brooklyn Nannen, Lincoln, NE
2nd Kynslee Burns, Omaha, NE
3rd—Madelyn Seier, Omaha, NE
1st Addison Collins, North Platte, NE
2nd—Malaya Caraway, Omaha, NE
3rd Lucy Kopecky, Omaha, NE
1st—Teddy Strope, Lincoln, NE
2nd Patrick Vilai, Grand Island, NE
3rd—Sam Anderson, Lincoln, NE
1st—Zack Erstad, Lincoln, NE -2
2nd Jaxson Hinze, Waco, NE -2
3rd—Carter Honnens, Lincoln, NE -1
1st—Stella Sedlacek, Columbus, NE
2nd Sloan Mackintosh, Omaha, NE
3rd—Avery Peter, Omaha, NE
1st KayLynn Jorgensen, Minden, NE +4
2nd—Isabella Elgert, Lincoln, NE +5
3rd Brooke Thiele, Wahoo, NE +5
NEW Hole-in-One Club. Entry into the club is only required one time until the next Hole-in-One is made. Entry fee is $20.00.
Pre-Registration for the 2025 Ryder Cup is Open!
PGA of America Members can receive complimentary tickets to the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black Golf Course. Streamline your experience by pre-registering for you and your additional guests by September 15, 2025. PGA of America Members can bring one (1) accompanying spouse/partner OR guest and immediate children under the age of 21. To learn more about complimentary access, click here.
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Nebraska PGA Jr. League Section Championship Qualifier was Held at Fremont GC on Monday, July 21st
Fifteen All-Star teams of junior golfers (13U) competed for the opportunity to advance to the Section Championship
FREMONT, Nebraska (July 21, 2025) – For the fourth year in a row, Fremont GC hosted the Nebraska PGA Jr. League Section Championship Qualifier, with fifteen All -Star teams of junior golfers ages 13 and under and their families meeting for a fun and exciting day of competition.
Section Qualifiers and Championships are the first of three phases in the PGA Jr. League All-Star Season, which highlights the aspirational nature of competition celebrated in a way unique to PGA Jr. League. The event at Fremont GC was a 9-hole scramble stroke play qualifier in which each of the fifteen all-star teams (eight players on each team) were broken into four two-person scramble pairs. Seven teams competed in an 8am shotgun and eight teams competed in a 12pm shotgun. Three/four best pair scores for each team were counted for the team total score. There were two flights (the front 9 from the 8am and 12pm waves combined and the back 9 from the 8am and 12pm waves combined) in which the best two scores from each flight advanced to the Section Championship, which will be held on Saturday, August 9th at The Club at Indian Creek (Red Feather Course). The four teams who advanced to the 2025 Nebraska PGA Jr. League Section Championship are the Eastern Nebraska 1 All-Stars, Greater Siouxland All-Stars, Capital City 1 All-Stars, and Firethorn Fireballs A All-Stars. The official results are below. The top two teams at the Section Championship will advance to the Regional stage, which will be hosted at The Ridge GC in Sioux Center, IA on September 12-14.
Following recreational play in the spring and summer, hundreds of 13u All-Star teams (boys and girls ages 10-13) and 17u All-Star teams (boys and girls ages 14-17), are formed from a combination of players in each league. Section Champions from both age divisions advance to the Regional stage of competition at one of 12 sites in September. Ultimately, twelve 13u Regional champions will vie for the title at the PGA Jr. League Championship at PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch West, Nov. 16-20, to be broadcasted live on select ESPN networks.
PGA Jr. League is the flagship youth pillar program of the PGA of America’s 501(c)(3) foundation, PGA REACH, with the goal of making the program accessible to all youth regardless of background, circumstance or ability. Boys and girls ages 17 and under learn and play golf on teams, wear numbered jerseys and receive expert coaching from PGA Professionals.
Front 9 Flight
Eastern Nebraska 1 All-Stars – 102
Greater Siouxland All-Stars – 104
Miracle Hill Stars All-Stars - 112
Firethorn Fireballs B All-Stars – 133
Central Nebraska 2 All-Stars - 136
Spencer G & CC All-Stars - 136
Pine Lake/Hidden Valley 2 All-Stars – 147
**Teams in red advanced
Back 9 Flight
Capital City 1 All-Stars – 116
Firethorn Fireballs A All-Stars – 119
Field Club of Omaha All-Stars - 119
Eastern Nebraska 2 All-Stars – 130
Pine Lake/Hidden Valley 1 All-Stars - 132
Central Nebraska 1 All-Stars - 134
Miracle Hill Stripes All-Stars – 146
Omaha Metro All-Stars - 168
Bradley Bailey, PGA 8/3
Steve Diehm, PGA 8/5
Mike Antonio, PGA 8/6
Alphonse Peterson III, PGA 8/7
Connor Farrell, PGA 8/8
Brody Weber 8/8
David Johnson, PGA 8/8
Greg Neujahr, PGA 8/10
Rodd Slater, PGA 8/11
Charles Henninger, PGA 8/12
Brandon Trotter 8/12
Sarah Pravecek, PGA 8/14
Trevor Amen 8/14
Kobe Taylor, PGA 8/14
Cassius Dinkel, PGA 8/16
Blake Barner 8/18
Collin Lindley 8/20
Clay Stovall 8/21
Jeffrey Henry, PGA 8/21
Don Dravland, PGA 8/21
Hailey Kinkaid 8/22
Anthony Driscoll, PGA 8/23
Zac Morley, PGA 8/23
Thomas Hearn, PGA 8/25
Marc Cruse, PGA 8/26
Hunter Graewe 8/26
Jacob Brockhaus, PGA 8/27
Tanner Muhlecke 8/29
Joshua D'Ercole 8/31
Nolan Lange 8/31
Jared Keenan, PGA 8/31