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Officers President Tony Pesavento, PGA Omaha Country Club tpesavento@pga.com

Vice President Nathan Kalin, PGA Fremont Golf Club nathan.kalin@fremontgolfclub.org

Secretary Gil Russell, PGA ArborLinks Golf grussell@arborlinks.com

Honorary President Mike Antonio, PGA Happy Hollow Club mikea@happyhollowclub.com

Staff Executive Director David Honnens, PGA dhonnens@pgahq.com

Tournament Director Sean Oâ€™Neill, PGA soneill@pgahq.com Junior Golf Director/ Player Development Coordinator Joe Canny, PGA jcanny@pgahq.com

Operations Manager Renee Tyson rtyson@pgahq.com

Development Officer Bob Danenhauer bdanenhauer@pgahq.com

Earn up to two Member Service Requirement (MSR) credits for completing the Survey by the March 31 deadline. The PGA requests your participation in helping to ensure that one of our Association's most powerful employment tools remains effective for you and other PGA Professionals. By completing the 2017 PGA Golf Professional Compensation Survey by March 31, 2017, you can receive up to two (2) Member Service Requirement (MSR) credits. MSR credit is automatically applied upon completion of the survey with a summary of your responses available for your records. In an effort to continuously improve the survey experience for our members, we have streamlined many areas. Ideally, this will direct you to only answer questions that are relevant to your position. As a reminder, all survey responses are treated confidentially with results being reported only if there are five or more responses. To ensure your confidentiality, results continue to be shared in an aggregated format and not by individual. Your participation is key to ensuring that your Section's compensation information is valid and meaningful. Your support of this important PGA initiative is greatly appreciated. 4

Parents Can Register Their Junior Golfers, Get More Information at www.DriveChipandPutt.com The USGA and the PGA of America announced that qualifying registration for the fifth Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is now officially open. This fun, free and nationwide youth golf development initiative invites boys and girls, ages 7-15, to participate in local qualifying opportunities set in all 50 states throughout the months of May, June, July and August. Boys and girls will enter to play across separate divisions in four age categories, with scoring centered around golf’s three fundamental skills (Drive, Chip and Putt). Top performers at the local level will advance through sub-regional and regional qualifiers in July/August and September/October, respectively, at some of the nation’s most acclaimed venues and championship sites. From these qualifiers, 80 finalists – 40 boys and 40 girls – will earn an invitation to the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 1, the eve of the 2018 Masters Tournament.

Mike Schuchart, PGA—2016 Golf Professional of the Year Mike Schuchart, PGA, Director of Instruction at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club, was selected for the Section’s highest honor bestowed on a PGA Member as the 2016 Nebraska Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Schuchart was elected to membership into the PGA of America in July of 1991. By capturing this prestigious award, Mike and his father, Bob are the only father and son to have both been recognized as the Nebraska Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Schuchart’s professional career began at Holmes Park Golf Course, working for his father Bob Schuchart, PGA. In 1990 and 1993 Schuchart was a member of the PGA TOUR and from 1994 through 2001 Schuchart was a member of the Nike TOUR (now called Web.com TOUR). In March of 2002, Schuchart became the Director of Instruction at the Nebraska Golf Academy at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club and has also served as the Assistant Women’s Golf Coach for the University of Nebraska since 2001. Schuchart’s professional accolades are well documented as he was a three-time winner on the Nike TOUR including the 1994 Nike TOUR Championship. Schuchart is a three-time participant at the U.S. Open, four-time participant at the PGA of America Championship and represented the United States on the 1992 PGA of America Cup Team. At the Section level, Schuchart also established a tremendous playing record as he captured the Nebraska Section PGA Professional Championship eight-times including a stretch of four in a row from 20052008. Schuchart was a seven-time Player of the Year (2002-2008) and past champion of the Wells Fargo Nebraska Open in 2002 and 2003. In addition to his stellar playing career, Schuchart’s contributions to the Nebraska Section PGA span over two decades. Schuchart has been recognized as the top teacher in Nebraska 10 times and was recognized as the Teacher of the Year by the Nebraska Section PGA in 2003-04 and in 2010. Schuchart has served two terms as the Tournament Chairman for the Section and during this time frame the Section has raised record amounts of sponsorship dollars for the tournament program. As the co-chair of the Section’s Scholarship Committee, Schuchart established a new policy to ensure the children and grandchildren of Nebraska Section PGA Professionals would have an opportunity for financial assistance to attend post-secondary education. 6

Golf Professional of the Year Mike Schuchart, PGA – Wilderness Ridge Golf Club Teacher of the Year James Kinney, PGA – GolfTEC Omaha Facility of the Year Champions Run – Omaha, NE Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Anthony Baranowski, PGA Horton Smith James Kinney, PGA – GolfTEC, Omaha Youth Player Development Jonathan Mielke, PGA – Oak Hills Country Club Merchandiser of the Year – Private Don Germer, PGA – The Players Club Merchandiser of the Year – Public James Rolls, PGA – Indian Creek Golf Course Salesperson of the Year Brian Winge, PGA – Callaway Golf Bill Strausbaugh Dawn Neujahr, PGA – Champions Run Player Development Phil Palmer, PGA – Miracle Hill Golf & Tennis Patriot Award Cliff Yohe, PGA – College Heights Country Club

PGA to Launch Yield Management Courses - Joe Canny, PGA Revenue Management as it relates a golf operation has always been an important area of focus for facilities but has taken on a whole other level the last decade with the emergence of online booking sites such as GolfNOW. Revenue per available tee time has become the name of the game for private and public courses alike with owners, managers, golf professionals and others with different opinions but all battling the mega-giants of the industry. To address this volatile issue the PGA of America and allied associations formed the Tee Time Coalition designed to educate golf industry professionals and represent them as it relates to revenue management. This coalition will launch a series five online courses this February 2017 for you as PGA Professionals to share with your owners and operators and get the entire industry on the same page so we all win. Courses to launch on PGA.org mid-February include: Introduction to Golf Course Revenue Management Those who complete this course will be able to: Understand key terms and the history of revenue management and how it has evolved Discuss key principles that drive revenue management Measure revenue per available tee time round (RevPATR) and course capacity utilization Apply basic ideas of revenue management Identify challenges of revenue management in practice Recommend approaches for increasing RevPATR Forecasting and Booking Patterns Those who complete this course will be able to: Create forecasts using historical, current and future demand data Recommend strategies for reducing no-shows and cancellations Leverage demand data to implement effective pricing approaches and build revenue Use booking curves to estimate future demand Differential Pricing and Segmentation Those completing this course will be able to: Move from one-price model to differential pricing by crafting different versions of a golf experience Utilize concepts of price sensitivity to devise effective pricing strategies for when to raise/lower prices Create differential pricing approach to fit unique course customer segments Examine perceived fairness in pricing practices Distribution Channel Management If you complete this course you will be able to: Evaluate channel effectiveness based on net rate yield Understand pros and cons on online third-party tee time sellers Devise strategies to shift guestsâ€™ future bookings from more expensive distribution channels to those less costly Use distribution partners to promote premium prices and select discount offers Strategic Management and Competitive Analysis Learners who complete this course will be able to: Write a mission statement for your golf course Build revenue strategies to fight competitive convergence Develop a competitive analysis for their direct competitors Evaluate a variety of strategic choices using a systematic set of decision criteria All these courses will launch in the middle of February and housed on PGA.org. We will make sure to keep you in the loop as these courses are offered and all developments with the Tee Time Coalition. 8

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The 64th PGA Merchandise Show, the industry’s annual “MAJOR of Golf Business,” welcomed more than 40,000 golf industry professionals from all 50 U.S. states and 84 countries around the world. The 2017 edition delivered exciting product and industry announcements that energized the industry for the New Year. PGA Professionals and buyers uncovered the newest products, trends and technology from more than 1,000 exhibiting golf companies and brands. This included 271 companies new to the PGA Show, creating the world’s largest business-to-business golf event, within 1 million square feet of interactive exhibit, demonstration and meeting space of the Orange County Convention Center West Concourse Exhibit Hall. As the world’s largest gathering of PGA Professionals, the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show attracted more than 7,500 PGA Professionals from around the world, a 3 percent increase over 2016. The top five countries (outside of U.S.) represented in attendance were Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and Mexico. In all, hundreds of thousands of products and services were showcased within nearly 10 miles of Show aisles in the Orange County Convention Center. The global golf gathering began on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the PGA Show Demo Day, when thousands of PGA Professionals and invited golf retailers previewed and personally tested the newest equipment, training aids and accessories from more than 100 top golf companies at Orange County National Golf Center. The newest products were tested within 200 hitting bays, multiple putting greens and the vendor village at the 42-acre practice facility, to create the world’s largest professional golf demo event. On Wednesday, Jan. 25, World Golf Hall of Famers Colin Montgomerie and Annika Sorenstam joined 2016 PGA Professional of the Year Cary Cozby and PGA President Paul K. Levy to help open the PGA Merchandise Show, the world’s largest gathering of PGA Professionals, live on Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive,” from the Orange County Convention Center. In addition to the busy marketplace among nearly 10 miles of exhibit aisles, PGA Show days were full of professional learning opportunities during industry presentations. The PGA Forum Stage, presented by OMEGA, was a popular destination on the PGA Show floor, with a compelling schedule of focused programming on golf charitable giving, emerging technology, junior golf, employment initiatives, and instruction best practices, plus multiple presentations with celebrities and industry leaders, which both enlightened and entertained the audience. On the Opening Day at the PGA Forum Stage presented by OMEGA, the PGA of America and GOLF 20/20 – a collaboration of leading organizations representing all segments of the U.S. golf industry – announced details about the game’s $3.9 billion annual charitable impact with more golf facilities than ever (12,700) hosting an event in 2016. Also, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and the PGA of America announced a partnership to bring the game of golf to thousands of underprivileged youth across the country through scholarships to PGA Junior League Golf. Over the next three years, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation will commit $500,000 through a Sports Matter grant to the PGA of America for youth at Boys & Girls Clubs, The First Tee and other communities across the country to have the opportunity to learn to play golf in a fun, team atmosphere coached by PGA Professionals. The comprehensive PGA Education Conference, PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit, Outdoor Instructional Workshops, the Golf Fitness, Wellness & Instruction stage (sponsored by TPI and the Club Spa and Fitness Association), and the Performance & Sports Textile Sourcing Pavilion offered many educational programs on a diverse spectrum of golf, retailing, fitness and business topics. Nearly 1,000 media from 31 countries came to the PGA Merchandise Show to cover the newest golf products, trends, industry announcements and newsmakers of the game. Golf Channel delivered nearly 20 hours of coverage from the PGA Show with “Morning Drive” and “Golf Central,” giving viewers worldwide insider access to the “MAJOR of Golf Business,” featuring interviews with industry leaders and insight on the latest products and trends for 2017. Additionally, Golf Channel instruction programs originated from the PGA Show with “School of Golf” at the PGA Show Demo Day and “The Golf Fix” from the PGA Merchandise Show floor. Also, complementing the many media outlets providing daily live digital coverage, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio Network broadcast 34 hours live during PGA Merchandise Show Week. Daily video and blog reports are available at www.PGA.com. A social media campaign promoted content at #PGAShow on multiple social media platforms and was widely successful, resulting in strong engagement.

Join us as we thank our local Nebraska PGA Professionals. Click here to say #ThxPGAPro

This True/False quiz presumes that the new Local Rule concerning the accidental movement of one’s ball or ball-marker on the putting green is in effect. The objective of this quiz is to highlight some of the ramifications of this Local Rule and point out that certain Decisions may not apply when the Committee has adopted this Local Rule. 1. In a match, your opponent, who has already marked and lifted his ball from the putting green, accidentally drops his ball and it strikes and moves your ball in play on the putting green. Your opponent is penalized one stroke. 2. Without your permission, but to help pace of play, your opponent marks and lifts your ball on the putting green after you have successfully played your ball from a greenside bunker. Your opponent is penalized one stroke. 3. As you approach your ball on the putting green to lift it, you accidentally drop your putter or your ball-marker which lands on your ball and causes your ball to move. You are penalized one stroke. 4. You have been asked to mark and lift your ball on the putting green by a fellow-competitor or an opponent. As you approach your ball, you briefly lose your balance and accidentally kick your ball. You are penalized one stroke. 5. While carelessly making a practice swing too close to your ball on the putting green, your putter contacts your ball causing it to move. You are penalized one stroke. Answers: 1. False The new Local Rule eliminates the penalty for ANY accidental movement of a ball or ball-marker on the putting green. If your ball is accidentally moved by you, your partner, your opponent, or any caddies or equipment, there is no penalty and the ball is to be replaced and played from its original location. Therefore, Rule 18-3b [Ball at Rest Moved by Opponent …Other Than During Search] does not apply. Likewise, Decision 18/7.5 [Player’s Ball Moved by Ball Accidentally Dropped by Opponent or Fellow-Competitor] does not apply when an opponent accidentally causes your ball to move on the putting green. 2. True In this case, your opponent intentionally moved your ball, i.e., the movement was not accidental, so he is penalized one stroke under Rule 18-3b. See Decision 20-1/2 [Player’s Ball Lifted by Opponent Without Authority]. 3. False Again, there is no penalty for the accidental movement of one’s ball on the putting green when the new Local Rule is in effect. Thus, Decision 20-1/14 [Ball Moved by Putter Dropped by Player Approaching Ball to Lift It] is not applicable whenever this new Local Rule has been adopted. 4. False Once more, there is no penalty under Rule 18-2 [Ball at Rest Moved by Player ….] for the accidental movement of one’s ball on the putting green when the new Local Rule is in effect. Thus, Decision 20-1/3 [Ball Accidentally Kicked by Player Asked to Lift It Due to Interference] is not applicable when the new Local Rule has been adopted. 5. False Per the USGA, accidental movement can involve a variety of actions in which you unintentionally move your ball or ball-marker. Examples include dropping a ball-marker on your ball, accidentally making contact with the ball when taking a practice swing near the ball, and accidentally making contact when addressing the ball. With the new Local Rule in effect, Decision 18-2/20 [Ball in Play Moved Accidentally by Practice Swing] would not be applicable since your ball was on the putting green. Please visit www.usga.org to find out more information about this new Local Rule!

The serenity and beauty of a golf course is unmatched early in the morning. Anyone who has ever chased after his or her golf ball at that time of day has enjoyed watching the rising sun cast long shadows over glistening landscapes. The only drawbacks to experiencing such idyllic conditions are soaking wet socks and golf shoes from all the dew on the course. This article provides a short course on the “do’s” (or “dew’s”) and “don'ts” of playing when there is dew on the ground. What exactly is dew? Dew is liquid water droplets that form when water vapor condenses on grass, spider webs and other objects. It would seem that dew meets the Definition of “Casual Water,” i.e., “… any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes his stance.” However, this Definition points out that, “Dew and [its frozen form] frost are not casual water.” Similarly, the Definition of “Loose Impediments” states, in part, “Dew and frost are not loose impediments.” About the only thing that dew is good for is to occasionally help you figure out your line of putt based on the track through the dew created by someone else’s putt. Because dew is not a loose impediment, the Rules afford you few opportunities to do anything in the way of removing dew prior to playing a stroke Thanks to Rule 13-2 [Improving Lie, Area of Intended Stance or Swing, or Line of Play], you are permitted to remove dew from the teeing ground prior to playing a stroke even though such action may improve the position or lie of your ball, the area of your intended stance or swing, your line of play, or the area in which you are to drop or place a ball. Aside from the absolute right to remove dew on the teeing ground, Rule 13-2 permits the incidental removal of dew elsewhere if it occurs in conjunction with grounding your club lightly when addressing the ball, in fairly taking your stance, in making a stroke or the backward movement of your club for a stroke and the stroke is made, or in removing sand and loose soil or in repairing old hole plugs or ball marks on the putting green. Here's what Decision 13-2/35 [Removal of Dew or Frost] advises on the subject: “Except on the teeing ground, the removal of dew … from the area immediately behind or to the side of a player’s ball, or from a player’s line of play is a breach of Rule 13-2 if such removal causes a potential advantage (see Decision 13-2/0.5). Additionally, the removal of dew … from the player’s line of putt is not permitted. Such action is a breach of Rule 16-1a, unless it occurs incidentally to some other action permitted under the Rules, such as in removing loose impediments, repairing ball marks on the putting green or addressing the ball.” As for dew on the putting green, Decision 16-1a/3 [Removing Dew or Frost from Line of Putt] indicates that you may not brush away dew from your line of putt. However, Rule 16-1a [Touching Line of Putt] advises that you can touch your line of putt in certain specific situations, i.e., in addressing your ball by placing your club immediately in front of or behind your ball, in measuring, in lifting or replacing your ball, in pressing down a ball-marker, in repairing old hole plugs or ball marks on the putting green, or in removing movable obstructions. So long as you are taking one of these authorized actions, you need not worry if you incidentally remove dew on your line of putt.

100th PGA Annual Meeting Presentations: Videos include the election of Officers, the Keynote address from Jack Nicklaus, Futurist Erik Medina and a panel discussion featuring representatives of leading sports entities. Watch the videos

Employee

Class

Current Facility

Previous Facility

Prev. Class

Dakota A. Loudner, PGA

A-1

Tiburon Golf Club

Drumm Farm Golf Club

A-1

Robert J. O'Keefe, PGA

A-4

Oak Hills Country Club

Platteview Country Club

A-4

Andrew J Smeal

B-1

Cross Creek Golf Links

Indian Trails Country Club

B-8

Rob Brown, PGA

Jesse O. Schellen, PGA

Michael W. Ten Eyck, PGA

Bentley G. Benson, PGA

Sid Holtmeier, PGA

Jacob T. Pribnow, PGA

Brian J. Radebaugh

Nickolas J. Muller, PGA

Brett J. Mayo, PGA

Steve T. Boveia, PGA

Scott S. Holly, PGA

Ron Gunia, PGA

Robert G. Saffer, PGA

DON BRUDNY â€” (402) 466-6222