OFFICERS/BOARD
President Dawn Neujahr, PGA
Vice President Mike Schuchart, PGA
Secretary— Phil Palmer, PGA
Honorary President—Gil Russell, 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
Board Member Nick Wanderscheid, PGA Junior Golf Director Kurt Karcher, PGA
Board Member Chris Cover, PGA
Board Member—Greg Neujahr, PGA
DISTRICT 8 DIRECTOR
Digital Media Director Brett Renner
Development Officer—Bob Danenhauer
Community Relations Coord.—Margie Smith
Administrative Assistant Tiffany White
Phil Anderson, PGA PGA Works Fellow Amber Bogle
ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE UNABLE TO ATTEND. IF YOU NEED AN ABSENTEE BALLOT, PLEASE CONTACT RENEE TYSON AT THE SECTION OFFICE.
ALL ABSENTEE BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE SECTION OFFICE BY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH AT 8:00 AM
BOBBY’S LETTER OF INTENT
By Josh Carpenter
The PGA of America is in the final days of figuring out who will be its next CEO, with three finalists in the mix to replace Seth Waugh.
Sources said Derek Sprague and Roger Warren, two past presidents of the PGA, along with David Reasoner, a current member of the PGA Board of Directors, are the three finalists for the CEO role. The PGA has been working with executive search firm Spencer Stuart, and sources said they would like to have a decision in time for the organization’s annual meeting in Grand Rapids, which is being held Nov. 4-8.
Craig Kessler, the PGA’s current chief operating officer, was in the mix early in the process but isn’t a finalist for the role, sources said.
June 2025 PDR Deadline: Act Now to Secure Your Credits!
The PDR Cycle ends June 15, 2025! Log in to your PGA.org dashboard to check your PDR requirements and explore online opportunities. Email pdr@pgahq.com or call Membership Services at 1-800-474-2776 for credit submissions or guidance.
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The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Shane Zywiec, PGA of Highlands Golf Course as their Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball recipient for the month of October.
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.
Zywiec has been the Director of Instruction at Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln for 20 years and on average, he teaches more than 200 students in a season. Zywiec teaches students of all skill levels, from amateurs simply trying to enjoy the game to competitive golfers trying to turn golf into a career.
“It’s gratifying to watch my students progress at every level, whether it’s trying to become a collegiate golfer or being able to enjoy social golf with friends and family”, said Zywiec.
Over time, Zywiec has grown a strong passion for working with competitive golfers and he enjoys working alongside the player as they try to make their dreams come true. One of Zywiec’s longtime students is Brandon Crick of McCook, Nebraska. Crick just completed his 7th full season on the Korn Ferry Tour, which is one step below the PGA TOUR. Crick finished in the top-40 on the season-long points list and retained his full time status on the tour ahead of the 2025 season.
“I love my purpose of helping competitive golfers improve, and it brings me tremendous satisfaction helping them achieve their goals in the game of golf”, said Zywiec.
Continue Reading…..
Presented by Coors Light and Surfside, 30 teams of Nebraska PGA Professionals and their amateur partners competed in the 2024 NEPGA 27-Hole Pro-Am at Players Club of Omaha. In addition to the 18-hole championship course designed by Arnold Palmer, the Highlands 9-hole course was utilized to complete the full track for the event.
The format for the team event was 2 Net Best Ball on the front, 1 Net Best Ball on the back and 3 Net Best Ball on the Highlands 9. In addition to that, the 30 NEPGA Professionals in the field competed in a separate individual stroke play competition. Brought to you by Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, two more Tito’s Handmade Vodka Holes of the Week were in action. With four holes to go, Brad Bailey, PGA of Champions Run came into the event with a four shot lead in the season-long race.
In the Professional-only division, Happy Hollow Club’s Ryan Vermeer kept his late season hot streak rolling with another win. In 27 holes, Vermeer made 10 birdies and an eagle en route to shooting 9-under to lead the field of NEPGA Professionals. Finishing runner-up and continuing his 2024 success, Tiburon Golf Club’s Carson Schaake carded a 7-under day while TJ Loudner, PGA of Stone Creek Golf Club took home solo third at 5-under. In total, 11 NEPGA Professionals shot in red figures highlighting an impressive day by the field. Continue Reading and See Results
In a collaboration between the Nebraska PGA, Nebraska Golf Association and the Nebraska Women’s Amateur Golf Association (NWAGA), the fourth edition of the Union Bank & Trust Pro + Ladies Jamboree took place at The Country Club of Lincoln.
of Firethorn Golf Club made an ace on No. 10 during our Pro+Ladies event at CCL. His Nebraska Women's Amateur Golf Association teammates celebrating him by crowning him in the photo. Congrats Brady and great shot!
Thanks for a great season!
The Nebraska PGA, PGA Career Services / Recruiting Team, and UNL PGM are happy to announce our inaugural UNL Career Fair on Tuesday, November 12th.
The Career Fair will be hosted on UNL's East Campus and will attract students from several colleges, including PGM, Hospitality, Restaurant & Tourism Management, and Sports Journalism.
If you want to sign up as a facility and host a booth, please click the link below. Once you have registered via the Google form, a BlueGolf link will be sent to your facility for payment. I have included a schedule of the event below as well as a flyer with more information.
Regional Education:
I'm excited to announce that the Career Services team is once again hosting Regional Education for PGA Members. Click the link below to register for our upcoming 2024/2025 Regional Education sessions. Additionally, I've attached a flyer with more detailed information about the education opportunities available. This includes access to over 10 educational recordings that you can view to earn Education/Player Engagement PDRs
Career Services Regional Education Link
If you need to update your Compensation Profile or sign up/submit points for Deferred Compensation, please follow the links below.
Compensation Profile Submission
Deferred Compensation
Join the Action: Register for the Tournament Series
Unlock your potential by playing in the PGA Tournament Series, featuring six exciting events at the PGA Golf Club from December 2-20. Network with fellow PGA of America Golf Professionals and enhance your skills by competing against the best. Register now to see where your game stands!
Register Now
PGA Show Registration is Open!
Register for the 2025 PGA Show to enhance your skills, network with peers, and access exclusive opportunities. Designed with PGA of America Golf Professionals in mind, the event provides tailored resources to maximize your experience and support your career.
Register Today
PGA Camps Make Hosting Camps Easy
The PGA Camps team works with PGA of America Golf Professionals to provide full-service administrative, marketing, curriculum and more support to grow your business. In 2024, 11,000 campers attended summer camp at 200 locations, and more than $3 million in revenue went directly to PGA Camps directors this past season.
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Team Army Claims the Fifth Annual PGA HOPE Nebraska Cup
Described as their ‘Super Bowl’, 104 PGA HOPE Nebraska graduates gathered at Hillcrest Country Club for the fifth annual PGA HOPE Nebraska Cup. On of the most special days of the year, the current and former military personnel were divided into teams based on the military branch they represent for a competitive scramble. In addition to the competition, the day allows for the PGA HOPE graduates to meet other individuals from different classes and the camaraderie through shared experiences makes it that much more important of an event.
“Being able to talk to other Veterans about similar experiences we went through, that’s something I don’t have in the civilian world and something PGA HOPE brought to my life”, said Veteran Justin Weeks of the U.S. Navy.
Weeks went on to touch on a subject that is near and dear to his heart.
“We all know the statistic, 22 Veterans take their own lives a day. I truly believe PGA HOPE and events like today’s PGA HOPE Cup will help bring that statistic down. This program truly saves lives”, said Weeks.
The day began with the national anthem and the colors were presented by American Legion Post 3 – Lincoln. The players headed to their holes and the shotgun start was underway! The teams of 8 were divided up into teams of 4, with one half of the team playing the front nine and the other playing the back nine. They combined their 9-hole scramble scores for a complete 18-hole team score. The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines were all represented in the event.
‘This was my second time playing in the PGA HOPE Cup and obviously winning it this year makes it that more special. But my favorite part about this experience with it being my second time playing in it, is that I’ve played with complete strangers both times and now I can confidently call them my friends”, said Travis Engler of the U.S. Army National Guard.
That’s what it’s all about. The competition is fun, but the true point of the day is to connect Veterans and military personnel with one another and that’s exactly what the PGA HOPE Nebraska cup has done and continues to do.
In 2024, PGA HOPE Nebraska graduated 200 total active military personnel and veterans through the six week program, a new season high for PGA REACH Nebraska. The program as a whole now has welcomed more than 500 graduates to their family in a six year span. The mission of PGA REACH Nebraska is to positively impact lives through the game of golf and that’s the best way to sum up PGA HOPE and what the program is doing across Nebraska.
Hope is a word we are all distinctly familiar with, but sometimes fail to understand the magnitude behind what it can mean for others. For thousands of Veterans and Active Duty Military Service members, Hope stands for more than just a simple nod to a better tomorrow. It’s a promise and a lifeline.
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) stands as a testament to this narrative because of how the power of golf is being used to change and even save Veterans’ lives. As the flagship military pillar program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, PGA HOPE is led by more than 4,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals across the country who are specially coached in military cultural competency and adaptive golf training. In the Nebraska Section alone, nearly 100 PGA Professionals are certified PGA HOPE instructors, assisting with programs during the spring, summer and fall seasons.
“For me, this program is an easy way for me to give back to our nation’s heroes and all that they’ve done for our freedom. It’s truly a life-changing program.” Nic Latcham, PGA – Under Par Golf Studio – Nebraska PGA Professional
With a steadfast mission of creating community and helping Veterans thrive through the game of golf, PGA HOPE is particularly unique in its model. Open to all Veterans and Active Duty Service Members, the program is offered at zero cost to all participants, ensuring accessibility to those who can benefit most. This is also crucial for breaking down barriers, enabling Veterans with diverse disabilities – whether physical, mental, social or emotional – to participate and succeed. Continue Reading
Golf Club at Table Creek
Carter Honnens, Carson Kildow and Max Moss
Jaxson Hinze, Ben Kottmeyer and Miles Elgert
River Wilds GC
Centura Hills Golf Club
Frankie Dawson, Leo Lamounier, Henry Stempson
Offering a fall season of PGA Jr. League keeps the fun going longer, keeps kids on the course and meets the demand of parents and players. Plus, for coaches like you, it’s an additional revenue stream.
Ready to add fall leagues to your programming? PGA Jr. League offers the flexibility you need to ensure your programming fits the needs of your players, families and facility.
• Older players involved in other fall sports? Focus on a smaller group and make it a developmental program. Consider marketing your fall league to your youngest players (4-7 years old) as a way to spark their passion for the game and focus on skill development. Check out our ADM training for age-appropriate activities.
• Target players who didn’t make their school teams. Use your fall programming to help players grow their skills so they make the team next year or create space for them to enjoy golf on a recreational level. The goal is to create lifelong golfers!
• Too cold or not enough daylight in the fall? Consider running a simulator league. Watch this webinar for more information.
Watch our recent webinar to learn more about the value of hosting a fall season of PGA Jr. League.
PGA Jr. League provides an “easy button” for you to offer a world-renowned junior program with the flexibility to tailor it to the needs of your players, community and facility. That will continue in 2025, with a few specific updates to make it easier for you!
The annual #GameChanger Club fee is increasing to $110.
The platform fee will be reduced from 5% to a standard processing fee of 3%. The #GameChanger Club fee, which is paid by players and their families, will still include access to the local league, custom uniforms and Team Kit gear, league management software through the PGA mobile app and participation in as many PGA Jr. League seasons as your players and their families want in 2025.
New uniform designs in 2025!
The updated uniforms honor the traditional blue and orange of PGA Jr. League but also feature other colors from the PGA Jr. League brand. Uniforms will reflect U.S. sizing standards, and adjustments have been made to allow for more comfortable sizing on girls’/women’s jerseys.
Team Kits will be updated on a yearly basis from here on out. Plus, uniforms will be individually packaged by player, making the process of distributing gear easier for you.
No changes to the Conditions of Play in 2025.
Major Conditions of Play revisions are reviewed on a two-year cycle through the PGA Jr. League National Committee. Minor changes, such as pace of play timing, will continue to be reviewed annually as needed.
Get excited! You can start creating your 2025 programs on Nov. 4, 2024!
Jeffrey Epstein 11/1
Thomas Erlandson, PGA 11/2
Joel Johnson, PGA 11/3
Kent Lyons, PGA 11/3
Douglas Bengston, PGA 11/5
Gil Russell, PGA 11/5
Jordan Greenwood 11/6
WadeForeman, PGA 11/6
William Schellen, PGA 11/8
Troy Harder, PGA 11/9
Clayton Anderson, PGA 11/10
Douglas Dunbar, PGA 11/10
Lance Juelfs 11/12
Joseph Sutter, PGA 11/12
Robert Baber, PGA 11/12
Carter Buckmeier, PGA 11/13
Derrick Ceder, PGA 11/14
Shane Zywiec, PGA 11/15
William Jacobsen, PGA 11/16
Blake Schroeder, PGA 11/17
Timothy Rowland, PGA 11/17
Michael Brown, PGA 11/19
Brandon Wedding, PGA 11/19
Justin Herron, PGA 11/20
Carly Ulrich, PGA 11/21
Todd Anderson, PGA 11/21
Chad Gill, PGA 11/22
Justin Henry, PGA 11/22
Brandon Crick, PGA 11/25
Kevin Drew, PGA 11/25
Sonya Freese, PGA 11/26
Daniel Palmer, PGA 11/27
Robert McCormack, PGA 11/29
