Issuu

NEBRASKA PGA OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER

November 2012

2013 PGA CareerLinks Profile Survey

PGA TOUR ACQUIRES CANADIAN TOUR

GOVERNOR D AVE HEINEMAN NAMED HONORARY MEMBER OF NEBRASKA SECTION PGA

Newsletter Contents November

2012

ON THE COVER 2012 Fall Business Meeting

pg. 3

INSIDE Special Awards

pg.

Honorary Member Governor Heineman

pg.

CareerLinks Proﬁle Survey

pg.

Ryder Cup Academy—Aisha Yapp & Matthew Unruh

pg. 12

PGA Tour Acquires Canadian Tour

pg. 13

PGA Scholarship 2013

pg. 13

In Every Issue... Employment pg. 8 Tournament News pg. 10 Member Updates pg. 19

Fall Meeting 2012

Click the image above to view the new Honorary Nebraska Section PGA Member Governor Heineman.

Dear Members and Apprentices: As the leaves continue to fall, I hope you are getting some time to enjoy the beautiful weather we have been having in our great Section. I just want to thank everyone again for coming to the Section Merchandise Show, Education Seminars and Fall Meeting. A special thanks to all of our sales reps who participated in the Section Merchandise Show this year. It is always nice to catch up on what is happening with each of you. For those that attended the Fall Meeting, you were able to be a part of the spectacular and historic occasion for our Section as Governor Heineman became an Honorary Nebraska Section PGA member. This was a meaningful experience for Governor Heineman and one that he continues to talk about with his colleagues. If you have not already done so, please take some time to think about our Special Awards. If you or someone you know is deserving of one of our awards, please take a quick moment to fill out a nomination form for them or for yourself. We are looking forward to seeing many more nomination forms come to the Section office. Please continue to keep the wife and family of Dennis Sigafoose in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve the loss of a great man. Remember to enjoy every moment of the precious life you have been given.

Respectfully,

David Honnens, PGA Executive Director/CEO Nebraska PGA

Special Awards As the cold weather gradually approaches, we are heating up the process for the 2012 Special Awards nominations. As you already know, there have been a few changes made to the awards process. Click Here if you would like to review the changes. Please begin to think about the fine people that you work with from day to day and consider if they might be a good candidate for any of our special awards. If you know someone that goes above and beyond, take a moment to fill out a nomination form for them. Or maybe YOU are the perfect candidate for one of these awards. Take a little time and fill one out for yourself! Below are the links for all of the nomination forms. All you have to do is click and print. If you need details on the Special Awards selection process Click Here. Deadline for nominations is November 16, 2012. Submit Completed Nomination Form(s) via mail or fax to: Nebraska PGA Attention : Nominating Committee 8700 Executive Woods Dr. Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68512

Email: nebraskapga@pgahq.com Phone : (402) 489-7760 Fax : (402) 489-1785

Nomination Forms Teacher of the Year Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Horton Smith Award Merchandiser of the Year â€“ Public/Private Bill Strausbaugh Award

Sales Rep of the Year Golf Professional of the Year Junior Golf Leader Facility of the Year

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me or the Section office. Respectfully,

Cory Fletcher, PGA Honorary President/Special Awards Chair 402-525-9502

NEBRASKA GOVERNOR DAVE HEINEMAN NAMED HONORARY MEMBER OF NEBRASKA SECTION PGA

(L-R) Mike Antonio, PGA, Greg Neujahr, PGA, Governor Heineman and Jared Anderson, PGA

LINCOLN, NEB. — The Nebraska Section PGA formally elected Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman as an Honorary Member of the Section. The announcement was made at the Section’s Annual Fall Business Meeting. “We are thrilled to bestow Honorary Membership on Governor Heineman, in recognition of his contributions to our industry and beloved game,” said PGA member David Honnens, the Executive Director of the Nebraska Section PGA. “We are grateful to Governor Heineman, who has been a special ambassador to our Section and who has displayed a love and passion for the game of golf while also understanding the significant economic and environmental benefits the game presents to Nebraska.” On April 21, 2010, Governor Heineman was the guest of honor for the inaugural Nebraska Golf Day, to help educate state leaders and the media on the economic, human and environmental benefits of golf. This historic occasion also demonstrated how the allied golf associations in the Cornhusker State can join as a coalition to speak with one voice about the issues important to the game of golf. With Governor Heineman as a strong advocate, this coalition shared the stories of golf’s diverse businesses and the tax revenues it creates, the tourism it spawns, the charity it generates and the environmental leadership it provides. Governor Heineman again led a contingent of Nebraska’s allied golf associations at the second annual Nebraska Golf Day on April 28, 2011. During his re-

marks, the Governor promoted a new campaign by the Department of Economic Development’s Division of Travel and Tourism, encouraging golfers in neighboring states to “Get Driving” to Nebraska for a golfing getaway. The campaign included a number of fulfillment and promotional materials: a full-color brochure; an exclusive Golf Nebraska website; a golf contest; a golf writers’ tour; online display and pay-per click advertising; a Golf Nebraska Facebook page; and a golf blog with five contributing writers located throughout the state. “The quality, variety and value of Nebraska golf courses make our state an attractive destination for golfers,” Governor Heineman said that day. The third annual Nebraska Golf Day that was celebrated on April 27, 2012 and drew the attention of national leaders from the golf industry such as Joe Steranka, chief executive officer of The PGA of America; Rhett Evans, CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America; Justin Apel, executive director of the Golf Course Builders Association of America; Bill Langley, Club Managers Association of America; Catherine Lang, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development; Kathy McKillip, director of DED’s Travel and Tourism Division; and Liz Leckemby, championship director of the 2013 U.S. Senior Open Championship. This historic day for golf in Nebraska featured results from the “Get Driving Campaign” that definitively positioned Nebraska as a golf destination and home to some Continued on next page

Continued from previous page.

of the highest-rated courses in the nation. The return on this $500,000 investment was significant according to a conversion study conducted by Texas A&M University. Key findings from the study included: 



The average Nebraska travel party spent $567.48 during their Nebraska trip—which equates to a total gross spending of more than $35 million by all Nebraska visitors. Nearly two-thirds of the study participants indicated that they spent more time in Nebraska because the information they receivedmotivated them to stay extra nights. And visitors who did stay longer, many of

whom golfed while traveling throughout the state, averaged an additional 3.4 nights in Nebraska. 

Visitors indicated that they were highly satisfied with their overallexperience in Nebraska. On a scale of 1 to 5, with one being very dissatisfied and 5 being very satisfied, the average rating was 4.5.

“Governor Heineman’s commitment to the golf industry in Nebraska is very apparent and national industry leaders have taken notice,” Honnens added. “Governor Heineman’s vision and leadership to encourage both instate and out-of-state golfers to explore the wide variety of courses the state has to offer, is gaining momentum and the conversion study showcases this success.”

Governor Dave Heineman was sworn-in as Nebraska’s 39th Governor on January 21, 2005, when Governor Mike Johanns became the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Governor Heineman was elected to his first full term on November 7, 2006 and re-elected on November 2, 2010. He was elected by the largest margins in recent history. Prior to becoming Governor, he served more than three years as Lieutenant Governor and nearly seven years as State Treasurer. Governor Heineman served as the Chair of the National Governors Association from July of 2011 to July of 2012. Governor Heineman’s vision for Nebraska is based on four priorities: education, economic vitality, efficiency in government, and protecting families. Since becoming Governor, he has worked with the Nebraska Legislature to pass the largest tax relief package in Nebraska history and the most comprehensive revision of Nebraska’s economic development incentives since the 1980s. Governor Heineman is a strong proponent of local control of schools and a quality education for all children. He supports high academic standards and increased parental involvement in education. He worked with the State Board of Education to require all high school students to take four years of English and three years of math, science and social studies, the first update to Nebraska’s high school graduation requirements in twenty-five years. Governor Heineman is also on the Board of Directors of Achieve, a bipartisan, non-profit organization working with states to improve education. A leader for Nebraska’s agricultural industry, Governor Heineman has secured several trade agreements for Nebraska wheat, soybeans, corn, pork and beef. Additionally, under his watch, Nebraska opened its first-ever international trade office, the Nebraska Center in Tokyo, Japan; completed several successful foreign trade missions; and hosted two Reverse Trade Missions. Governor Heineman also served as Chairman of the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition in 2007. Heineman was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2002, and as Lieutenant Governor, he served as Nebraska's director of Homeland Security, chairman of the Nebraska Information Technology Commission (NITC), and the presiding officer of the Nebraska Legislature. As the state's Homeland Security director, he led Nebraska into the national spotlight helping the state be recognized for its innovative approaches to homeland security. Governor Heineman was first elected to a statewide office in 1994, as Nebraska State Treasurer. He was re-elected to that post in 1998. As Treasurer, he implemented the Nebraska College Savings Plan, which has been recognized as one of the best college savings programs in the country. The Governor is a native Nebraskan. He was born in Falls City and grew up in Fairbury, McCook, Benkelman, and Wahoo, where he graduated from high school. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and served five years in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of captain. He is a graduate of the Army's Airborne and Ranger Schools. http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/about/index.html Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

E M P L OY M E N T The “off-season”. What does that word mean? I’m sure for many of you reading this, it means taking a break from the hectic pace of the season. Basically, taking some time off! You all need to feel like a “re-charge” is happening- probably mentally as much as physically. I am convinced that a productive off-season is necessary to set the tone for laying the groundwork for a successful 2013. Part of this productivity is the tracking and reporting of what was accomplished. Obviously, telling the story of your accomplishments makes some of you uncomfortable. It goes against your grain to take credit for a successful outcome and telling your superiors about it. Do it! Please! You know where to go if you have been reading my articles- pgalinks.com, highlight “PGA Employment” and the PGA Professional Report is there in the upper right-hand corner. What are you planning for 2013? How are you going to continue to show your value to your employer? Unfortunately, many of your employers think you do nothing when it comes to growing the game. How can you change that perception? The simple answer is to communicate with them, isn’t it? But, before you set up the meeting to start the communication effort, you must have a plan. What are your skills? What are you good at when it comes to being the leader at your facility? If you are an assistant, now may be the time to “step up” and ask for added responsibility from your superior. Build on your strengths- do what you are good at and show your employer that you are committed to growing the game, increasing revenue and adding value to the facility. Another plan to put into place is signing up for PGA Performance Trak. This tool not only will help you at your club but definitely helps in providing statistics sectionally, regionally and for the entire association. Telling a positive story will hopefully paint a better picture that our industry is on the upswing. You can contribute to that story! Be a part of the solution. Lastly, in order for you to continue to receive CareerLinks notifications, you MUST update your CareerLinks Profile. Be looking for an email from the PGA of America and get it done! Call me with any questions- I am here to help!

Bruce Lubach, PGA, is The PGA of America Employment Consultant for the Iowa, Midwest, Minnesota and Nebraska Sections. blubach@pgahq.com | (402) 261-3604.

P G A C AREERL INKS 2013 PGA CareerLinks Profile Survey The PGA of America developed the award-winning CareerLinks system to help golf industry employers and qualified PGA professionals connect for employment opportunities. The CareerLinks Profile is the method used to quantify the skillsets, background, experience, etc., of our PGA professionals and allows the system to search and identify matching candidates for jobs in the golf industry. In 2009 when we made the decision to do the Compensation Survey on a yearly basis we stopped sending out The PGA CareerLinks Profile as a survey. It is a document that PGA professionals have always had the ability to update at any time so we didnâ€™t feel the need to keep making them start from scratch. However in the past 4 years the industry has experienced change and the Survey has been enhanced with new questions based on the priorities of todayâ€™s golf industry and the needs of employers, including player development and higher level management positions. PGA professionals will be sent an email with a link provided to complete their new PGA CareerLinks Profile. This must be filled out to remain active in CareerLinks after the December 31st deadline. If you have questions please contact your PGA Employment Consultant or call 1-800-314-2713.

96th PGA Annual Meeting The 96th PGA Annual Meeting will be held November 8 - 10, at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore, MD. Click HERE for schedule of events. Currently there are six resolutions to be voted on. Click HERE to view information regarding resolutions. Members attending the Annual Meeting who are not part of a Section delegation are offered the opportunity to join the Association for select meals. The cost to do so is as follows.

T OURNAMENT N EWS Zywiec is 2012 Omaha Steaks Holes of the Week Champion

Donâ€™t forget the 2012 Vegas ProAm!

...more information coming soon. Shane Zywiec, PGA and Beth Weiss, Omaha Steaks

LINCOLN, Neb.- Shane Zywiec, PGA is the 2012 Omaha Steaks Holes of the Week Champion. Zywiec won the tiebreaker over Jim White, PGA MP after both finished at six under-par (-6) to claim the first Omaha Steaks Holes of the Week Champion Flag. The Omaha Steaks Holes of the Week competition stretched out over eight Nebraska PGA Pro-Am tournaments where two holes were highlighted each week. Playerâ€™s total scores were based relative to par and a minimum of eight holes had to be completed in order to be eligible to win. Players playing more than eight holes were able to make their best eight hole score and drop their higher scores. The Nebraska PGA would like to extend a special thank you to Omaha Steaks for their support of this great event.

Vinnie Krikac presents $10,000.00 check to President Greg Neujahr, PGA The Nebraska Section PGA is excited to have Vinnie Krikac of State Farm as a returning sponsor for the 2013 season. He has been a sponsor and supporter of the Nebraska Cup Series for the past few years. Thank you for your support!

CONTACT:

JOHN SHERIDAN 2109 WEST 68 ST MISSION HILLS, KS 66208 CELL (816) 914-7773

Aisha Yapp and Matthew Unruh Participate in Ryder Cup Junior Academy Lincoln, Neb. – Port St. Lucie, Fla. was the setting for the 2012 Ryder Cup Junior Academy. Junior golfers Aisha Yapp of Omaha, Neb. and Matthew Unruh of Lincoln, Neb. were the two candidates chosen from the Nebraska Section PGA to attend the seven day program at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Yapp, a student at Brownell-Talbot High School in Omaha, Neb, has competed in NSAA golf as well as the Nebraska Junior Golf Tour. Unruh, is a student at Lincoln East High School in Lincoln, Neb. and the 2011 Nebraska Jr. Amateur Champion. Unruh has also competed in golf at the Cornhusker State Games. This exciting opportunity was held July 1-8, 2012 and provided these students the chance to work with a Past Ryder Cup Captain who provided mentoring and coaching support. Considering there have been only 27 PGA Professionals invited to serve as Ryder Cup Captains, they offer an incredibly unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge. In response to recommendations from past United States Ryder Cup Team Captains, The PGA of America created the Ryder Cup Junior Academy. This initiative is designed to expand the outreach of the Ryder Cup and provide a select group of aspiring young players. The Academy is a unique, once-in-a lifetime experience. It celebrates the passion of the Ryder Cup, while inspiring participants to achieve greatness and to improve their lives through the game of golf. The primary emphasis of this program focuses on playing and competing in both stroke- and match-play formats. Aisha Yapp with Dr. Gary Wiren, PGA The Ryder Cup Junior Academy is a program with an emphasis on shot making, scoring, swing mechanics, competitive course management, technology, equipment, fitness and physical assessments. While attending The Ryder Cup Junior Academy the participants are exposed to the rich history and tradition of the Ryder Cup and The PGA of America at the PGA of America Museum of Golf. In addition, many programs are hosted at the PGA Education Center where participants receive exposure to careers in golf and opportunities to become a PGA Member. This initiative was designed to provide aspiring young players the opportunity to experience an elite playerdevelopment academy, targeting those who may not have the resources or means to attend. The 41 Sections of The PGA of America are called on to select one girl and one boy to participate in the Ryder Cup Junior Golf Academy. The selection criteria is based on academics, high desire to excel in competitive golf and character. To help maximize ethnic diversity, “At Large” invitations will be awarded to junior golfer participants in programs such as: The First Tee, NB3, Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation, and Boys & Girls Club of America. Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

PGA Tour acquires Canadian Tour, will slot it as feeder to Web.com Tour By: PGA.com news services

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- The PGA Tour has acquired the Canadian Tour, giving it smaller circuits north of the border and in South America as a potential starting point to eventually reach the big leagues. Web.com Tour cards will be awarded to the top five players on what now will be called "PGA Tour Canada," with the next five players given exemptions into the final stage of qualifying school for the Web.com Tour. The Canadian circuit will have at least eight tournaments next year, each with prize money of about $150,000. The tour previously started the PGA Tour Latinoamerica, which began in September and features 11 tournaments. Late last year, the PGA Tour has agreed to loan the Canadian Tour money and assist it tournament development and sponsorship. The PGA Tour will begin the transition of operating the Canadian circuit in November. “Having gained a thorough understanding of the golf landscape in Canada over the course of the 2012 season, we are confident that by fully dedicating our assets and resources, PGA Tour Canada will be well positioned to play an increasingly important role in professional golf,” said PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem. “With a solid foundation of existing tournaments along with outstanding opportunities to establish new events, we are confident PGA TOUR Canada will strengthen and grow in the coming years.” Details on the full schedule and the Tour’s executive structure will be announced later, PGA Tour officials said. PGA Tour Canada will play a minimum of eight tournaments in 2013 offering a minimum purse of $150,000, with the goal of eventually growing to 12 or 13 events. All tournaments will be held in Canada during the summer months. The PGA Tour will work with all Canadian media outlets

including its television partners, Shaw/Global TV and TSN, to broaden the circuit’s coverage. The PGA Tour also will highlight PGA Tour Canada through all its media resources, including PGATour.com and digital platforms. Golf’s popularity in Canada is reflected in an in-depth economic impact study that showed nearly six million Canadians play golf, representing 21.5 percent of the population -- more than double the U.S. participation rate. The PGA Tour has experienced golf’s popularity first-hand with the annual RBC Canadian Open, the Champions Tour’s Montreal Championship and the 2007 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club. Canada also consistently ranks second only to the United States in traffic to PGATour.com. Between PGA Tour Latinoamérica’s plan to go to a split spring-fall schedule and PGA Tour Canada’s summer schedule, players qualifying for both Tours will have the opportunity to play a year-long schedule. Both Tours will conduct their own qualifying tournaments for membership. “We believe that PGA TOUR Canada has an important place in professional golf and will continue to help identify and develop talented players who aspire to one day play on the PGA Tour,” Finchem said. “With that in mind, it makes sense to give its top players direct access to the Web.com Tour.” Former Canadian Tour players have accounted for more than 110 victories on the PGA Tour, including Canadians Mike Weir, Dave Barr, Dan Halldorson and Ian Leggatt. Other alumni who have PGA Tour victories include Steve Stricker, Nick Watney, Stuart Appleby, Tim Clark, Bryce Molder, Jason Bohn, Brendan Steele, Craig Parry, Tim Petrovic, Grant Waite, Will McKenzie and Brandt Jobe, to name a few.

PGA PGM 1.0 LEVEL 2 CHECKPOINT ENDS JUNE 10 - 13, 2013 All members and apprentices will receive a reminder flyer about the date for the final PGA PGM 1.0 Level 2 Checkpoint in the 2012 Fall PGA PAK mailing. We encourage apprentices who need to attend this Checkpoint to finalize their Work Experience Kit, submit it for approval and register by the May 8, 2013 registration deadline. Failure to attend this final Level 2 Checkpoint will require an apprentice to transfer into PGA PGM 2.0 by paying a $300 transfer fee; thereby forfeiting the completion of any PGA PGM 1.0 levels. The next step would be to successfully pass the PGA PGM 2.0 program Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. In either case. Acceptable Progress will be determined by the original Level 1 Start Date.

January 23 - 26, 2012 Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL Demo Day Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Show & Conference Thursday, January 24, 2013 Friday, January 25, 2013 Saturday, January 26, 2013 Click HERE for more information.

A Quick Nine

By: PGA.com news services

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.

There's nothing like a good book, right? And even better if it's a good golf book. We asked our PGA.com Facebook friends to tell us: What's the best golf book you've ever read? There were plenty of titles to choose from and with nearly 200 responses, you covered many of them. Here are the nine that stood above the rest, according to our readers: 9. The Big Miss: My Years Coaching Tiger Woods by Hank D. Haney. Probably the newest golf book to hit the bookstore shelves, but also -- arguably -- the most talked about ever. Is it one of the best golf books ever? That's for you, the reader, to decide. Facebook fan quotes: "'The Big Miss.' Come for the Tiger stories, stay for the unique golf/life insights."-- Jamal Speller "'The Big Miss,' is a must read!"-- Skip Maiwald

8. Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game by Joseph Parent. Dr. Parent, a noted PGA coach and Buddhist instructor, presents the PAR approach (focusing on Preparation, Action, and Response to Results). When this book came out in the early 2000s, many players on the PGA Tour raved about it. Facebook fan quotes: "'Zen Golf.'"Mind over matter."-- John Steinberg "'Zen Golf.'"-- Dustin Thompson

7. A Good Walk Spoiled: Days and Nights on the PGA Tour by John Feinstein. This book is a quick read that provides an amazing inside look at life on the PGA Tour. Facebook fan quotes: "'A Good Walk Spoiled.' A little dated now, but a great inside-the-ropes look at the PGA Tour.' -- John Cinnamon "A Good Walk Spoiled."-- Alexandra Irish

6. Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story by John Feinstein. Feinstein made the list again, with this incredible book about Bruce Edwards, the late caddie of eight-time major winner Tom Watson, who lost his battle to Lou Gehrig's Disease at age 49 in April, 2004. Edwards was on the bag for all of Watson's majors and continued to do the job even as his health deteriorated. Facebook fan quotes: "Anything by Feinstein, but, 'Caddy For Life,' is especially good."-- Mike Rexroat '"Caddy For Life.'"-- Dan Hipp "'Caddy for Life, The Bruce Edwards Story.'"-- Brent Swyryda "'Caddy for Life."-- Eric Thomas

5. Golf in the Kingdom by Michael Murphy. Written in 1971, Murphy's novel has sold over 1 million copies. It's about a young traveler's golfing experience in Scotland during a layover, where he meets a golf pro (Shivas Irons), who teaches him about the game and spirituality. Facebook fan quotes: "'Golf in the Kingdom,' Michael Murphy."-- Carl Davis "'Golf in the Kingdom.'"-- David J. Enger

"'Golf in the Kingdom,' by Michael Murphy or anything by Mark Frost."-- Alex Demitraszek 4. Greatest Game Ever Played by Mark Frost. Set in 1913, this book brings to life the story of Francis Ouimet, who became the first amateur to win the U.S. Open. Making Ouimet's unlikely victory all the more special, was that it came on the course where he caddied -- The Country Club in Brookline -- against the greats of the day, Harry Vardon, Ted Ray, Jim Barnes and Walter Hagen. Facebook fan quotes: 'The Greatest Game Ever Played.'"-- Brennan Leslie "'The Greatest Game Ever Played,' I actually read it before I saw the movie!"-- Jeff Daniels "'The Greatest Game Ever Played,' Mark Frost."-- John Cissel "'Greatest Game Ever Played.' Hands down."-- Sean P. Wells Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com

A Quick Nine continued...

By: PGA.com news services

3. Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf by Ben Hogan. Hogan's emphasis in this classic, and it's a great one: "The average golfer is entirely capable of building a repeating swing and breaking 80." Facebook fan quotes: "'Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf.' If you apply yourself after reading, you'll not only get better, you'll enjoy yourself more."-- Scott Floyd "Hogan's, 'Five Lessons.'"-- Harry Nash I" have two. Like wine, a red and a white. I read, 'Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf,' and it took 10 strokes off my game almost instantly 25 years ago. I also read Harvey Penick's, 'Little Red Book,' over the winter and found it a marvelous read for any golfer. So, like a good wine, I take both down off the shelf if need be. The white book, (Hogan's), if I have technical or swing problems, or, a red, (Penick's), if I have a need for soothing or reinforcing my game, mentally. Taken in moderation, both can make your game much more enjoyable."-- Mike Osterbur "Ben Hogan's, 'Five Fundamentals.' It has been my favorite. I refer to that book over and over."-- Hanes Myers "I can't believe Ben Hogan is not on this post more than just a few!"-- Hanes Myers

2. Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Dr. Bob Rotella. For years, Rotella has served as a mind doctor to many of the best players in the world. In this book, Rotella explains how you can develop a great mindset to take to -- and use on -- the course.Facebook fan quotes: "'Golf is Not a Game of Perfect,' Dr. Bob Rotella."-- Robert Leonard "'Golf is Not a Game of Perfect,' Dr. Bob Rotella. Outstanding!"-- Ken Tirohn "'Golf is Not a Game of Perfect,' Bob Rotella."-- William Bishop Saunders '"Golf is Not a Game of Perfect,' by Dr. Bob Rotella. My favorite golf book, because since golf is not a game of perfect shots, the author gives you the mind set to deal with it. (Which happens to be a lot of commonsense which interestingly, many of us don't bring to the course.)"-- Kim Zagajeski Gallagher '"Golf is Not a Game of Perfect,' by Rotella. Really helped me to become a better player when I learned to let go of my bad shots. Changed my thinking about the game."-- David Watson '"Golf is Not a Game of Perfect,' by Dr. Bob Rotella. It changed my golf game tremendously. I went from shooting around a five handicap to always shooting under par. Now I'm not saying that it can take 10 strokes off everybody's average as it did mine. But it will change the way you think when you're out on the course. I'm also a very committed golfer."-- Cody Dezern

1. Harvey Penick's Little Red Golf Book: Lessons and Teachings from a Lifetime in Golf by Harvey Penick with Bud Shrake. This is the highest selling golf book ever published by one of the game's most beloved figures. This is an absolute must read for anyone who loves the game.Facebook fan quotes: "Harvey Penick's, 'Little Red Book.'"-- Mattie Trump "Harvey Penick's, 'Little Red Book.'"-- Cathleen Twohig " arvey Penick's, 'Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings from a Lifetime in Golf.' A must read for all golfers. Full of wisH dom for everyone!"-- Annette DeMarrais Gester "Gotta be Harvey's, 'Little Red Book.' It stays by my bedside so I can brush up from time to time."-- Mark Boyd "Harvey Penick's, 'Little Red Book.' My high school golf teacher gave me a copy seven years ago when I was senior and I still haven't lost it. Not only does it teach you golf but also how to be a golfer."-- Joseph Tyler Walski "Harvey Penick's, 'Little Red Book!' End of story!"-- Patrick Burns "Harvey Penick's, 'Little Red Book,' it has and will stand the test of time."-- Kris E. Wilson " arvey Penick's, 'Little Red Book.' A timeless classic. If the lessons are good enough for Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite, H they're good enough for me."-- Aaron Levine " arvey Penick's, 'Little Red Book.' It is full of a lifetime of learning by one of golf's best students and teachers. It also conH tains sage advice for golfers when they are off the course."-- Neil Swartz "Penick, 'Little Red Book,' is the only book you ever need."-- Jimmy McCants Nebraska Section PGA | 8700 Executive Woods Dr., Ste 100 | Lincoln, NE 68512 | Ph: (402) 489-7760 | Fx: (402) 489-1785 | www.nebraskapga.com