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NEBRASKA PGA NEWS

THE TEAM

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

Aaron Krueger, 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

ON THE TEE

-WILSON GAME BALL WINNER

MARK MOOBERRY, PGA

TOURNAMENTS -2026 SCHEDULE -TOURNAMENT RESULTS

MEMBER MATTERS

The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Mark Mooberry, PGA the recipient of the Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball for the month of May

The Nebraska PGA Section is proud to announce Mark Mooberry, PGA, Teaching Professional at Eagle Hills Golf Course, as the May recipient of the Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball Award. This monthly recognition honors Nebraska PGA Professionals who make a significant impact on the game through leadership, service, and dedication to their communities.

A 52-year U.S. Army Veteran and longtime advocate for fellow Veterans, Mooberry has become a cornerstone of PGA HOPE Nebraska programming. Serving as the lead instructor for the Eagle Hills PGA HOPE program, he has helped create a welcoming environment where Veterans can learn the game of golf while building meaningful connections with one another.

In addition, Mooberry has been involved with PGA HOPE Nebraska since its inception in 2018. His unique ability to connect with participants stems not only from his experience as a PGA Professional but also from his own military service, allowing him to relate to Veterans in a way few others can.

Through weekly instruction, drills, and friendly competitions, Mooberry has helped countless Veterans gain confidence on the golf course while fostering relationships that extend well beyond the game itself. His passion for teaching and serving others has made a lasting impact on PGA HOPE participants throughout the Nebraska Section.

“First of all, let me say I’m very grateful for being selected to receive the Wilson Game Ball,” said Mooberry. “Recognition like this is a little more special knowing that the nomination comes from fellow Section Professionals whom I work alongside.” Continue Reading...

FOELBAEK SWEEPS HARRIS GOLF

CARS PRO -AM AT BENT TREE GC

Bent Tree Golf Club welcomed 28 teams of Nebraska PGA Professionals and their amateur partners for the 2026 Harris Golf Cars Pro-Am. After early-season rainouts postponed two Section events, the weather finally cooperated, delivering a beautiful day for competition. While Nebraska PGA Professionals competed in an individual stroke play event, teams of four one Professional and three amateurs played a 2-Net Best-Ball format.

Adding to the excitement, players had the opportunity to test out Wilson Golf’s latest equipment on the range prior to teeing off. In addition, we thank Wilson Golf for providing new putters, which were awarded through six flag prizes throughout the event.

In the Professional division, seven players posted rounds of 71 (1-under) or better, showcasing the depth of talent across the Section. Leading the way was Country Club of Lincoln’s Mark Foelbaek, who fired a field-best 66 (6-under) to claim Low Professional honors. Finishing just one stroke back was a familiar name atop the leaderboard, as Tiburon Golf Club’s Carson Schaake turned in an impressive 67 (5-under). Rounding out the top three was Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club, who carded a 68 (4-under) just days after punching his ticket to the 2026 PGA Championship.

In the team competition, Foelbaek’s stellar play carried over, leading his squad to a top finish. Joining him were Fred Phelan, Stuart Howerter and Scott Morgan, representing the Country Club of Lincoln. The group compiled a flurry of birdies while limiting mistakes, with their lone hiccup coming on Hole No. 2 before quickly bouncing back.

We extend our sincere thanks to Head Golf Professional Jeff Nielsen, PGA, and the entire staff at Bent Tree Golf Club for their outstanding hospitality and support. We also offer a special thank you to our title sponsor, Harris Golf Cars, along with supporting partners Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola and Wilson Golf for helping make this event possible.

The Nebraska Section PGA proudly hosted the annual Legends of Golf Championship, an event that honors and celebrates PGA Professionals who have paved the way for future generations. Eligibility for the championship is reserved for PGA Members with 20 or more years of service or those aged 50 and older. This year, 32 Nebraska PGA Professionals competed, collectively representing an impressive 849 years of PGA Membership.

Presented by Nebraska Golf & Turf (Club Car), the tournament featured a two-person team format, utilizing one best ball on the par 3s and a shamble format on the par 4s and 5s. Tee times began at 10 a.m. at The Field Club of Omaha, where 16 teams enjoyed ideal conditions for the Professional-only event.

After opening with four consecutive pars, the team of Jon Petersen, PGA (Tiburon Golf Club) and Jim White, PGA, MP (The Fairways at Lincoln) found their rhythm with birdies on Nos. 5, 7 and 8 to jump into contention. The duo made the turn at 3-under par and added three more birdies on the back nine to post a winning total of 5-under. The two legends returned to the top of the leaderboard, capturing a title they’ve won previously and reaffirming their place among the Section’s best.

Finishing in solo second at 3-under was the impressive team of Shane Zywiec, PGA (Highlands Golf Course) and Ted DiGiacomo, PGA (Happy Hollow Club). Paired alongside Petersen and White, the duo matched birdies throughout much of the round but were ultimately derailed by a late bogey on No. 17. Rounding out the top three was the team of Justin Herron, PGA (Oak Hills Country Club) and Chris Wiemers, PGA, Life Member, who posted a solid 2-under performance.

We extend our sincere thanks to our presenting sponsor, Nebraska Golf & Turf (Club Car), for their continued support of the Nebraska Section and our PGA Professionals. We also appreciate our supporting partners— FootJoy, PGA TOUR, Coors Light, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea, and Evolve Golf—for helping make this event possible.

Click HERE for the final results!

THREE FATHER -SON DUOS COMPETE AT OMAHA

COUNTRY CLUB FOR THE SENIOR

-JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Jeff and Seth Porter

Steve and Nick Shanahan

Jeff and Carson Henry

Last Chance: U.S. Open Pre-Registration

Pre-registration for the 2026 U.S. Open is open for Class A PGA of America Members, Life Members, and Master Professional Members ONLY. The deadline to pre-register is May 31, 2026. Members who fail to pre-register and obtain a ticket in advance will pay 50% off the gate price for a Gallery ticket for themselves at the ticket office each day of the Championship. PRE REGISTER NOW

KPMG Women's PGA Championship PreRegistration

PGA of America Members, Associates and PGM University Students can receive complimentary access to the 2026 KPMG Women's PGA Championship, taking place June 25–28 at Hazeltine National Golf Club. If you plan to attend, please pre-register by June 8, 2026, to expedite your entry and receive key event communications.

Secure Your Access

PGA Deferred Compensation: New Plan Year Reminder

A new plan year for Deferred Compensation has begun! Please start submitting your completed activities for points. Reminder, you can earn up to $1,500 and you must accumulate at least 200 points within the plan year to be eligible for any contribution. Submit completed activities, here, or enroll in Deferred Compensation, here.

Class F Members and Associates are not eligible for the plan at this time.

Learn More

CAREER CONSULTANT

Kevin Drew, PGA

PGA of America Career Consultant Serving the Nebraska & Iowa Sections

The Mid-Summer Grind: Protecting your Staff, Your Pipeline, and Your Sanity.

You've seen the calendar. You know what's coming.

The Nebraska summer is here, and it's not letting up. Tournament schedules are stacked, junior camps are packed, and the tee sheet looks like it was designed by someone who hates you. From Omaha to Scottsbluff, PGA Professionals and Associates are grinding through 60-plus-hour workweeks, and that's just Tuesday.

But while you're managing the daily chaos, something else is quietly happening: your people are running out of gas. The seasonal assistants, the PGM interns, the outside staff, the buzz of May has worn off, and July is starting to feel like a long hallway with no doors. If we want to keep good people, not just through Labor Day, but in this industry long-term, the mid-summer stretch isn't just a survival test. It's actually one of the most important leadership windows of the entire year.

Three things that actually help:

Check in, for real. Not about tournament logistics. Not about the golf car fleet. Pull someone aside for ten minutes and ask how they're actually doing. What part of the job they're still enjoying, what's wearing them down. That conversation probably takes less time than your next email thread, and it does more for retention than almost anything else you can do right now.

Give them something different to chew on. Burnout isn't just about long hours. It's about the same hours, over and over. If an intern has spent six straight weeks washing cars and dragging range pickers, they've mentally checked out, even if they're still showing up. Throw them something new. Let them sit in on a budget meeting, hand them a merchandising project, give them ownership of a single corporate outing. It doesn't have to be big. It just has to be different.

Talk about what comes next. The fastest way to keep an ambitious person locked in is to show them you're thinking about their future, not just your tee sheet. If you've got seasonal staff whose contracts end in the fall, have the conversation now, not in their last week. Ask where they want

to be next season. It builds loyalty, it keeps them finishing strong, and frankly, it's just good leadership.

As your PGA Career Consultant, I'm here all year, not just when someone needs a job in November. If you're a Head Pro or Director of Golf trying to get ahead of fall hiring, I can help with job descriptions, compensation benchmarking through the PGA Compensation Survey, and retention strategies. If you're an Assistant or Associate feeling buried under a packed schedule and still trying to knock out PGM requirements, use me as a sounding board.

Let's not just white-knuckle our way through August. Reach out anytime.

Kevin Drew, PGA,ARWC

PGA Career Consultant Iowa & Nebraska

402-670-2973

kdrew@pgahq.com

Book a Meeting: Kevin Drew's Meeting Calendar

DISTRICT 8 DIRECTOR

Aaron Krueger, PGA

PGA of America District 8 Director Serving

Nebraska, Iowa & Minnesota Sections

Dear Nebraska PGA Members & Associates

As we close out the month of May, I want to recognize a tremendous accomplishment by Nebraska PGA Member, Ryan Vermeer of Happy Hollow Club. Ryan proudly represented the Nebraska PGA Section, District 8, and the PGA of America while competing in the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club as part of the Corebridge Financial Team of 20. This marked Ryan’s sixth appearance in the PGA Championship - a testament to his continued excellence. Congratulations to Ryan on representing all of us on one of golf’s biggest stages.

As many of you are aware, the PGA of America announced a leadership transition on May 22. While change always brings reflection, it also brings opportunity. We remain focused on the bright future ahead for our Association and Membership.

Additionally, campaign season is now underway for the election of the next Secretary of the PGA of America. The five candidates are Jared Barnes, PGA (Utah PGA Section), Paige Cribb, PGA (Carolinas PGA Section), Larry Kelley, PGA (New England PGA Section), Russ Libby, PGA (New England PGA Section), and Steve Parker, PGA (Southern Ohio PGA Section). The election will take place during the PGA Annual Meeting this November, and I encourage all Members to stay engaged throughout the process as the candidates share their vision for the future of our Association.

I always enjoy following the Nebraska PGA through its social media channels and website, and it was exciting to see the recent announcement of the 2026 Nebraska PGA Hall of Fame class. Reading about the accomplishments, leadership, and lasting contributions of those being honored was truly inspiring. Congratulations as well to PGA REACH Nebraska for its Clubs FORE Youth initiative. What an incredible program that will create a lasting impact for the five selected schools and the students they serve. It is just one of the many meaningful ways PGA REACH Nebraska continues to positively impact lives through the game of golf.

Thank you for all you do to positively represent the Nebraska PGA Section and District 8.

Sincerely,

Aaron Krueger, PGA

District 8 Director, PGA of America Board of Directors

General Manager, Wakonda Club

PGA REACH Nebraska hosted its annual Impact Event at Riverside Golf Club, bringing together 18 foursomes in support of a meaningful cause. Funds raised through the event will directly support the Foundation’s programs, helping continue its mission of Positively Impacting Lives Through the Game of Golf. Prior to the shotgun start, attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand about those initiatives as PGA REACH Nebraska highlighted the programs and the lives being impacted through their efforts.

To begin the program announcements, PGA REACH Nebraska Director of Programming and PGA HOPE Graduate Amber Bogle spoke on the continued growth and impact of PGA HOPE while looking ahead to an exciting future for the program. In 2026, PGA REACH Nebraska is expected to welcome more than 300 Veterans into the program, adding to a community that already includes more than 800 Veterans across the Section. The six-week program provides Veterans and Active Military Members the opportunity to learn the game of golf in a welcoming and safe environment while fostering connection, camaraderie, and reconnection with their military community. To learn more about PGA HOPE, click HERE.

Next, Grand Island Northwest Head Girls Golf Coach Diane Rouzee returned to share the impact Clubs FORE Youth has had on her program. Just two years ago, many players on her roster were still in the early stages of their golf journeys, often learning the game using their dad’s or grandpa’s old clubs while trying to navigate a sport that is already challenging even with properly fitted equipment. After applying for PGA REACH Nebraska’s Clubs FORE Youth program, Grand Island Northwest was selected to receive brand-new Callaway clubs, Sun Mountain push carts, and instruction

from Nebraska PGA Professionals. Since its inception, the program has now positively impacted more than 40 high school girls golf programs, continuing to provide greater access and opportunities through the game. To learn more about Clubs FORE Youth, click HERE.

The final highlight of the morning before the event teed off was the presentation of the 2026 Tasha Keiter Scholarships. Soon-to-be high school graduates Mia Hiebner of Henderson and Peyton Hartman of Hastings were recognized as this year’s recipients, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship to support their college education. Hiebner is set to attend Arizona Christian University, while Hartman will continue her academic and athletic career at Buena Vista University, with both set to compete on their respective women’s golf teams. To learn more about the scholarship, click HERE.

Following 18 holes of scramble competition played in challenging scoring conditions due to cool temperatures and strong winds, the team representing Beebout Veterinary Medical Center successfully defended their title, claiming back-to-back victories with an impressive round of 59 (13-under). We extend our sincere appreciation to all of the teams who braved the weather and came out in support of PGA REACH Nebraska and its mission to positively impact lives through the game of golf. We would also like to thank all of our supporting partners for helping make this event possible and for their continued commitment to our Foundation and its programming. Finally, a special thank you goes to Head Golf Professional Brian Fauss, PGA and the entire staff at Riverside Golf Club for their outstanding hospitality and support throughout the day.

A

big thank you goes to our sponsors of this year's event: Chesterman CocaCola, Yellow Van Cleaning & Restoration, Golf Fit USA, Pansing Hogan Ernst & Buser LLP, Larry Keiter Coaching, Pinnacle Bank, and Beebout Veterinary Medical Center.

PGA REACH Nebraska administers the Tasha Keiter Scholarship for young women who enjoy the game of golf. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist female students in furthering their education. Scholarship winners are selected on the basis of their interest and activity in golf, the potential for future contributions to the game, leadership skills/community involvement, then on their academic/professional ability and financial need.

NEED TO KNOW

Demand for quality coaching is high and the strain of trying to keep up can be exhausting. In this month’s PGA Magazine, Senior Player Engagement Consultant Becca Bailey stressed several tools and tactics to help improve your quality of life:

• Embracing PGA Coach Business tools, such as automated scheduling, marketing and profile tools

• Setting clear boundaries and off-clock hours where you do not respond to calls or texts

• Managing stress and prioritizing your physical health

• Utilizing technologies, like PGA Coach, to relieve stressors like booking and communication

• Diversifying your coaching model by incorporating group events and programming

12U Adult/Junior All -Female and

Mixed Medalists!

All Female Medalists:

St Paul ’s Kinzley & Ashley

Lynch +3

Mixed Medalists:

Omaha ’s Fred & Jackie Conway +1

Hasting ’s Sophia & Mark Thiel +2

Omaha ’s Kelli & Nathan Kotera +3

We strongly encourage all leagues to create and bring an All-Star team to the Section postseason (aka All-Star Season). Even if you feel that your team "wouldn't be competitive", it's more of a celebration of your local season play and gives you the opportunity to reward some of your players the chance to be named an "All-Star". Click HERE to learn more about the All-Star Season.

We will once again have a qualifier before the Section Championship this year. That qualifier event is on Monday, July 20th at Fremont Golf Club. This will be for the 13U All-Star teams and potentially for the 17U All-Star teams (depending on how many 17U teams there are). We plan to advance four 13U and four 17U teams from the qualifier to the Section Championship. The 13U AND 17U All-Star teams will be made up of eight players. All-Star players are determined by the coaches involved in each league.

For the 13U teams, our plan is to have a morning wave of 9 holes and an afternoon wave of 9 holes at Fremont GC. The best two team scores from the front 9 flights (AM & PM combined) and the best two team scores from the back 9 flights (AM & PM combined) will advance to the Section Championship. For the 17U teams, the format on how we will determine the four qualifying teams will be determined by how many total teams there are.

NOTE: If there are too many teams for one qualifier, there will be two qualifiers. The second location is Riverside GC in Grand Island on Wednesday, July 22nd. If we need this secondary event, teams will be split as evenly as possible based on geographic location as far as which qualifier they will compete in. The format to determine how teams would qualify at each site is TBD.

The Section Championship will be on August 8th at The Club at Indian Creek in Elkhorn (Red Feather Course). The championship will be 9 holes for both 13U and 17U divisions. Both the qualifier and championship will be 2-person stroke play scramble format, counting the 3 best of the 4 pair scores to make up the team total. We are very excited for the Section Championship event as it will once again be conducted in conjunction with the Pinnacle Bank Championship Korn Ferry Tour event on the third nine at their facility. More logistics on this will be released as they become available.

IMPORTANT: The top team at the Section Championship in both the 13U and 17U divisions will qualify for the regional event which will be held at Paradise Pointe GC in Smithville, MO on October 2-4, 2026.

The Regional will be composed with the following teams: