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
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
PGA Works Fellow—Amber Bogle
DISTRICT 8 DIRECTOR
Phil Anderson, PGA
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
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, July 31, 1907, Emil Beck would become one of the most impactful and yet unsung figures in PGA of America educational history.
Emil revealed an early interest in golf and spent a seven-year apprenticeship as club maker and assistant professional at the Lincoln Country Club leading to his 20th birthday.
Elected to PGA membership in 1924, he served four years as club professional at Eastridge CC in Lincoln, while also taking courses in Agronomy and Turf Culture at the University of Nebraska.
The Great Depression of the 1930’s cost Emil the Eastridge job but he kept busy repairing clubs and teaching for a year until he landed a job as professional of the Dundee Golf Club in Omaha, Nebraska. Five years later, he began a four-year stint at the Soo Golf Club in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
In 1940, he came to Port Huron and Black River Country Club, an association that lasted 25 years.
Working with Fred “Pop” Riggin, Port Huron’s leading golf personality, and Fred Vincent, long time sports editor of the Times Herald, Emil made Black River Country Club available to high school golf teams, free of charge. He championed the encouragement of young people, both boys and girls, to play golf under good playing conditions, with good instruction and during autumn months.
From 1951-52, as president of the Michigan PGA Section, Emil convinced other club professionals in other cities to adopt his ideas and soon golfing opportunities opened up for young golfers across the state.
Port Huron Junior College, under the coaching of first Chet Aubuchon and later Sam Kromer, soon was included in the program and produced golfers strong enough to compete at the national level.
Continue Reading…...
For PGA Members interested in being a Mentor:
The Nebraska PGA Membership Committee recently launched their “Mentor Initiative” to help support our PGA Associates. Included in the initiative is the new Associate Support & PGA Mentorship website and model. It's designed to provide valuable insights on best practices for progressing through coursework, facilitate connections with fellow associates and PGA mentors, and offer resources to effectively plan required materials for completing each level.
To learn more about the program and to get involved today, click HERE. All PGA Associates received an email to get a gauge on interest and numbers of potential participants. They all received a link to a new mentorship website which is catered to the Associates and their program. To view their website, click HERE. To find this website at any time, login into the Pro-Only side of our main Nebraska PGA Website and find the link under 'Member Documents'.
In addition, this initiative helps you achieve points that go towards the PGA of America’s Deferred Compensation Program. All PGA Members that choose to participate will earn points towards the program. The main goals of this new program are to promote our community and brand while fostering new professional relationships within our Membership and to enhance networking opportunities.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our PGA Career Consultant Kevin Drew! Get involved today and help us push forward our Associates to PGA Membership.
For PGA Associate Support:
The Nebraska Section PGA Membership Committee is excited to launch their new Associate Support & PGA Mentorship website and model.
The Nebraska PGA Associate Support and Mentorship Site serves as a comprehensive hub for PGA Associates. It's designed to provide valuable insights on best practices for progressing through coursework, facilitate connections with fellow associates and PGA mentors, and offer resources to effectively plan required materials for completing each level. Additionally, the site supports PGA members who are interested in mentoring associates and assisting them both personally and professionally as they navigate their associate coursework journey.
Click HERE to view the new website. To find this website at any time, login into the Pro-Only side of our main Nebraska PGA Website and find the link under 'Member Documents'.
As you dive into the Associate Support & PGA Mentorship website, be sure to check out the 'Mentee Support' section where you can fill out a request form. This is your opportunity to tap into the wisdom and experience of those committed to your success. After submitting your form, a PGA Professional will connect with you to start your mentorship journey.
The application window for PGA LEAD (Cohort 10) is now open and will close on May 1, 2025. The online application will be available via PGA.org, specifically HERE.
We need your help to recommend or encourage PGA of America Members to apply, especially those who have expressed interest or demonstrated a commitment to being involved in governance within your Section and/or Chapters. Please share the attached Program Overview and Timeline with those you feel are good candidates!
2025 - 2026 Key Updates & Timeline:
• The PGA LEAD Program will be streamlined to a 12-month experience, previously set at 18 months, and will include all of the same leadership components, plus attendance at the PGA of America's Annual Meeting and Core Committee Meetings
• The Program will start in August 2025, and will conclude August 2026
• Below is a detailed timeline specific to Cohort 10:
-March 19, 2025 - Applications open
-May 1, 2025 - Applications close
-May 15, 2025 - Initial screening of applications
-June 15, 2025 - Final selection of applications
-July 1, 2025 - Cohort 10 identified
-August 1, 2025 - Virtual kick-off meeting
-September 2025 - June 2026 - Monthly virtual meetings with guest speakers
-November 2025 - Cohort 10 to attend 109th PGA Annual Meeting at PGA Frisco
-August 2026 - Cohort 10 to attend Core Committee Meetings
The Nebraska Section has had great representation since the inception of PGA LEAD - more than any other of the 41 Sections!
Cohort I, Dawn Neujahr, PGA
Cohort III, Owen Schuette, PGA
Cohort VI, Alphonse Peterson III, PGA
Cohort VII, Sarah Pravecek, PGA
Cohort VIII, Nick St. Onge, PGA
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!
NEBRASKA SECTION PGA EVENTS:
June 16-17 - Junior PGA Championship - Fremont GC
July 28-29 - Section Championship - Happy Hollow Club
August 4 - Monday Qualifiers - Bent Tree and Highlands - select one site
September 12-14 - Nebraska Open - Elks CC
October 14-17 - Stage 1 Q-School - Wilderness Ridge CC
NEBRASKA JUNIOR GOLF EVENTS:
Spring Series Events (High School Girls)
April 19 - Jackrabbit Run GC (Grand Island, NE) - shotgun start at 10am
April 26 - Oakland GC (Oakland, NE) - shotgun start at 10am
May 3 - Table Creek (Nebraska City, NE) - shotgun start at 10am
Drive, Chip & Putt Local Qualifiers (Boys/Girls 7-15)
June 7 - Hillcrest CC (Lincoln, NE) - starts at 1:30pm
June 20 - Riverside GC (Grand Island, NE) - starts at 1:30pm
July 11 - Eagle Hills GC (Papillion, NE) - starts at 11:30am
NJG Tour Championships
July 24 - 18-Hole Tour Champ - Wilderness Ridge CC
July 25 - 9-Hole Tour Champ - Field Club of Omaha
Fall Series Events (High School Boys)
September 21 - Table Creek (Nebraska City, NE) - shotgun start at 1pm
September 28 - Jackrabbit Run GC (Grand Island, NE) - shotgun start at 1pm
October 5 - Elks CC (Columbus) - shotgun start at 1pm
Summit Series Events (Boys/Girls 14-18)
June 4 - Wild Horse GC (Gothenburg, NE) - Tee times start at 8 or 9am
June 11 - The Pines CC - Tee times start at 9am
June 13 - Jackrabbit Run GC (Grand Island, NE) - Tee times start at 8 or 9am
June 25-26 - Dodge Riverside GC (Council Bluffs, IA) & Bent Tree GC (Council Bluffs, IA) - Tee times start at 9 or 10am
June 30-July 1 - Norfolk CC & Wayne CC - Tee times start at 8 or 9am
July 17 - Ashland GC - Tee times start at 8 or 9am
Regular Two Day Events (Boys/Girls 7-18)
June 2-3 - Kearney Junior Classic (KCC & Meadowlark Hills GC) - starting at 7:30am both days
June 19-20 - Central Nebraska Junior Am (Lochland CC & Riverside GC) - starting at 7:30am or 8am
June 23-24 - Big O Junior Classic (Miracle Hill & Benson Park GC) - starting at 8:00am both days
July 14-15 - Capital City Championship (Mahoney GC & Highlands GC) - starting at 7:30am both days
The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Jonathan Benson, PGA the recipient of the Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball recipient for the month of March.
The mission statement of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is to ignite the true potential in every athlete, and no one does it better than PGA Professionals when it comes to growing the game of golf. This mission has been carried out by Benson throughout his career at Mahoney Golf Course.
Year after year, the game of golf evolves and new technology comes out, trends in merchandise change and most importantly, the game continues to grow and the demand increases. These are all aspects that can make operating a golf facility challenging at times.
Benson is a great example of a Nebraska PGA Professional that works tirelessly to give public golfers the best experience possible when they step foot on property. One aspect of the job that excites Benson, is merchandising.
"I have been fortunate to have worked for two great merchandisers as I was growing up in the industry, Cory Fletcher and Denis Vontz. I enjoy having my merchandise selection to be something that excites the golfer as they walk into our pro shop," said Benson.
This winter, Benson brought in Mahoney GC's first indoor simulator bay which features a a SkyTrak launch monitor. Not only did this addition provide a place for the public to practice during the offseason, but it was also used for golf lessons. Continue Reading….
Register now for NebGolf 2-Day Rules of Golf Workshop
Dates: April 5-6, 2025
Site: Happy Hollow Club, Omaha
Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Cost: $80 (includes Continental Breakfast, Lunch, and Beverage Station)
Day 1 - April 5
Registration (8:15 a.m.)
Rule 6 - Playing a Hole (Starting & Finishing Holes, Teeing Area, Order of Play)
Status of the Ball Definitions, Rules 6.3 and 14.4 - Substituted Ball and Wrong Ball
Lunch (Approximately 12:00 p.m.)
Rule 14 (Part 1) - Procedures for Ball: Marking, Lifting and Cleaning; Replacing on Spot; Dropping in Relief Area
Rule 14 (Part 2) - Correcting Mistakes and Playing from Wrong Place
Rule 18 - Stroke-and-Distance Relief; Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball
Rules 17 & 19 - Penalty Areas; Unplayable Ball
Day 2 - April 6
Rule 9 - Ball Played as It Lies; Ball at Rest Lifted or Moved
Rule 15 - Relief from Loose Impediments and Movable Obstructions
Rule 16 - Relief from Abnormal Course Conditions (Including Immovable Obstructions)
Lunch (Approximately 12:00 p.m.)
Rule 10 - Preparing for and Making a Stroke; Advice and Help; Caddies
Rules 12 & 13 - Bunkers; Putting Greens (Including the Flagstick)
*PGA Professionals that attend will receive PDR Credits.
More Information & Registration
To celebrate our Centennial, all Nebraska PGA Professionals and Associates that participate in the following events will receive a PRG Centennial tee gift. Each one of these tournaments will have a unique gift so at the end of the season it creates a cohesive Centennial collection. Don’t miss out on this great promo and get signed up today!
• Players Club ProProPro—Shoe Bag
• Senior/Junior—Valuables Pouch
• Facilities Championship—Driver Cover
• Pro/Assistant Championship—Metal Bag Tag
• Section Championship—Yardage Book
• Team Championship—Alignment Stick Cover
Pictured: Players Club ProProPro Shoe Bag
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.
For those Nebraska Section PGA Professionals who are still in need of some PDRs, we have compiled a list of several opportunities that are available to you.
Career Services
Seasonal Education eligible for Education PDRs
PGA Compensation Profile1 PDR
Job Seeker Preference - 1 PDR
2024 & 2025 PGA Show Videos
PGA members can receive one (1) PGA Education PDR by watching a video from the list and taking an assessment at the conclusion of the video.
PDR credit may be earned only one time for any online PDR course. In order to earn PDR credit, you must score a 70% or higher on the assessment. If you do not score 70% or higher, you will be allowed one (1) re-take opportunity. You will be directed to the assessment when the video concludes. Members must have the updated version of web browsers. Once video has started you must allow the video to run in its entirety without any interruptions such as stopping or pausing.
Watch Videos and Earn Credits Here
New to this cycle are Education PDRs. Any education from the following categories are eligible for Education/General PDRs:
• Allied Association Education
• New Product or Equipment Training
• Career Specific Education - including serving as a speaker/instructor on topics such as:
-Youth Safety
-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
-Mental Health and Well Being
-CPR
• Participation in PGA Recognized Programs
-PGA HOPE Clinics, PGA Junior League, PGA Family Golf, PGA Junior Camps, Drive, Chip & Putt Hosts and Volunteers
Visit Online PDR Opportunities or click on “Earn Credits” within your pga.org dashboard.
If you have questions or would like to submit credits, please contact Renee Tyson at 402-4897760 or rtyson@pgahq.com
Attend Our Championships
Pre-registration is officially open for the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship, KPMG Women's PGA Championship, and Ryder Cup! Enjoy one of the many benefits of PGA of America Membership by attending these events and more! Pre-Register Now!
Sun Day Red Joins Golf Retirement Plus
Tiger Woods' premium apparel and footwear brand, Sun Day Red, has partnered with PGA of America's GRP program to provide PGA of America Golf Professionals the opportunity to earn incentives by participating in Sun Day Red's sales program. Contact your Sun Day Red sales representative to learn more. Learn More
2025 National Golf Day
Join us for the 2025 National Golf Day, the ultimate advocacy event for the American Golf Industry Coalition, happening April 30-May 2 in Washington, D.C. Register today to secure your spot for this in-person event, featuring legislative visits, a community service project, and more.
RSVP NOW
Pre-Register for the Masters Today
Augusta National Golf Club is graciously offering complimentary daily access to the 2025 Masters Tournament exclusively for Class A PGA of America Members, Life Members, and Master Professional Members. To streamline the process, preregister here and print out your access pass. Pre-registration information can also be found on this pga.org page.
Play at Frisco
Take advantage of exclusive PGA of America Member benefits at PGA Frisco Whether playing a competitive round at Fields Ranch or practicing your putting on The Dance Floor, PGA Frisco has something for everyone.
Plan Your Visit
New GRP Enrollment Forms for 2025
Download the 2025 Golf Retirement Plus Annual Facility Authorization Agreement to enroll and participate with over 30 sponsor companies. Schedule an appointment with a GRP specialist online or by calling 833.PGA.PLUS for assistance completing the form.
Enroll Now
Registration Open for 2025 PGA Family Golf Championship on Labor Day Weekend at Whistling Straits & Blackwolf Run
Amateur and Professional divisions offer PGA of America Golf Professionals and recreational golfers alike the opportunity to team up with family Aug. 30-31
Registration is open for the third annual PGA Family Golf Championship to be held on the acclaimed courses at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wisconsin, Aug. 30-31, 2025. Families can register here.
The PGA Family Golf Championship welcomes teams of 2-4 players who are biologically or legally related to compete in one of two divisions. The Amateur division is open to golfers of all skill levels, while the Professional division includes teams with a PGA of America Golf Professional or LPGA Golf Professional. In alignment with the American Development Model (ADM), competitors must be at least 10 years of age on August 30, 2025.
“Golf brings people together, and PGA Family Golf brings families together; there is nothing better than spending time with the people you love, off the grid and on the grass,” said PGA of America President Don Rea Jr., PGA Master Professional and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club (Arizona). “Our partners at Kohler Golf value family, and together we have created an unforgettable experience for families that blends fun and competition. Register your family now before the field is full.”
The event kicks off Friday, Aug. 29, with a round on the par-3 Baths Course, followed by an evening reception onsite. Two days of team scramble competition begins Saturday, Aug. 30, on the Meadow Valleys Course, followed by the final round on Sunday, Aug. 31, on the Irish Course.
A limited number of rounds are available exclusively for PGA Family Golf Championship participants on The Straits Course, host of the 43rd Ryder Cup (2021) and PGA Championship (2015, 2010, 2004), on Friday (Aug. 29) or Monday (Sept. 1). Registrants can secure a time on a first-come, first-serve basis during online registration at a special rate. Additionally, a limited number of rooms have been reserved at a special group rate at The American Club as well as the Inn on Woodlake; details will be provided with registration.
Important Dates to Remember
• February 28th: 2025 NJG Membership Registration opens
• March 6th at 9am: Spring Junior Series event registration opens
• April 7th at 9am: Regular Summer NJG Tour and Adult/Junior event registration opens
• April 8th at 9am: 1-Day Summit Series event registration opens
Educating parents and caregivers about the benefits of PGA Jr. League and keeping them informed about your schedule and plans are vital to hosting a successful season. The 2025 Marketing Toolkit includes several tools to help you do just that!
Orientation Meeting Slide Templates
Family Welcome Email/Letter Template
Videos to Share with Families
Adding Guardians or Family Members
The MyPGA Mobile App is a powerful tool to help families stay up-to-date with their players’ PGA Jr. League schedules. Invite parents and caregivers to download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. If desired, parents and caregivers can also invite additional guardians or family members to join the app and follow along with all the fun. Share this help article with your PGA Jr. League families to help them get started.
Create a Community Event
Looking for ways to offset the cost of a season for your players and their families? Host a community event at your facility and invite the community to participate. Get creative with the event, from hosting a mini-golf course on the practice green to a clinic. Charging a small entry fee helps raise money to engage more players and introduce them to golf!
Terrance Riordan, PGA 4/1
Robert Walker, PGA 4/2
Nick Wanderscheid, PGA 4/2
Gage Nartker, PGA 4/3
Brady Schnell 4/3
Christian Hall 4/4
Ryan Gudenrath 4/4
Mike Schuchart, PGA 4/6
Chad Manes, PGA 4/7
Caleb Badura 4/8
Scott Allacher, PGA 4/8
Tyler Hadden, PGA 4/8
Robert Thomason, PGA 4/8
Mallory Simmelink, PGA 4/9
William Scarborough, PGA 4/11
Steven Friesen, PGA 4/12
Gregory Gilg, PGA 4/13
Ky Molholm, PGA 4/14
James White, PGA 4/16
Gerald Fitzpatrick, PGA 4/16
Jonathan Beaver, PGA 4/16
Drake Lundeen, PGA 4/18
Brennan Probasco 4/19
Charles Magee 4/20
Don Kruse, PGA 4/22
Hunter Ferguson 4/22
Carson Henry 4/23
Jon Petersen, PGA 4/24
Bennett Descheneaux 4/25
David James, PGA 4/25
Mike Cornell, PGA 4/26
Matthew Nelson, PGA 4/26
Cody Steuter, PGA 4/26
Jennifer Smith, PGA 4/28
