Fall 2020
OFFICERS/BOARD
NEBRASKA PGA STAFF
President—Gil Russell, PGA
Executive Director/CEO—David Honnens, PGA
Vice President—Dawn Neujahr, PGA
Managing Director—Seth Scollard, PGA
Secretary—Mike Schuchart, PGA
Tournament Director—Vincent Bachteler, PGA
Honorary President—Nathan Kalin, PGA
Nebraska Junior Golf Director/PGA REACH Programming Assistant—Kurt Karcher, PGA
Board Member—Nick Wanderscheid, PGA
Operations Manager—Renee Tyson
Board Member—Joe Sutter, PGA
Development Officer—Bob Danenhauer Digital Media Specialist—Brett Renner
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PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2020) – Jim Richerson, PGA was elected the 42nd President of the PGA of America at the Association’s 104th Annual Meeting, held virtually for the first time ever due to the global pandemic. Richerson, of Scottsdale, Arizona, is Senior Vice President of Operations for Troon, and a member of the Southwest PGA Section. He succeeds Suzy Whaley, who completed her two-year term as president and is now PGA Honorary President. Succeeding Richerson as Vice President is John Lindert, PGA, of Grand Ledge, Michigan. Don Rea, PGA, of Gilbert, Arizona, was elected as the new PGA Secretary. PGA President Jim Richerson is part of a team that is responsible for helping oversee the day-to-day management of Troon’s expanding portfolio, serving 35+ locations and 470+ golf courses, with properties located in more than 40 states and 30 countries.
“Together with the Officers and Executive Directors from all 41 PGA Sections, we are committed to providing resources to help elevate and advance PGA Members throughout the country, while continuing to grow the game,” said Richerson. “This year has presented us with many obstacles, but the passion and resilience of PGA Members helped bring millions of people through by providing an unmatched experience that only golf can deliver. As we head into a new year, our focus is to continue to engage our Members and Sections to ensure that PGA Professionals and Associates have the tools and resources needed to continue leading this game... every day and in every way.” Previously, Richerson was elected as PGA Vice President in 2018. When Richerson was elected PGA Secretary as a member of the Wisconsin PGA Section in 2016, he became the first Wisconsin PGA Member to be elected as a National Officer of the Association. A member of the PGA Board of Directors from 2013-15, representing District 6, Richerson also served on the Wisconsin PGA Section as an Officer and Board Member. In addition, he was chair of the Wisconsin Education Committee and a Board Member of the Wisconsin State Golf Association. During his term as District 6 Director, Richerson served as chair of the National Properties Committee, as a member of the National Budget and National Investment Committees, and continues as a PGA.com Advisory Board member. He was the recipient of the 2013 and 2016 Wisconsin PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award, the Section’s 2011 Professional Development Award* and the 2012 Bill Strausbaugh Award. For a complete bio of PGA President Jim Richerson, click here. PAGE 4 Nebraska PGA News Fall 2020
John Lindert, PGA, of Grand Ledge, Michigan, was elected to succeed Richerson as PGA Vice President. A PGA Member for more than 35 years and a 2019 Michigan PGA Section Hall of Fame Inductee, Lindert is the PGA Director of Golf/Chief Operating Officer at The Country Club of Lansing, Michigan. He served on the PGA Board of Directors as District 5 Director from 2016-18. Lindert was president of the Michigan PGA Section from 2010-11 and has served on four national PGA committees: Governance Task Force chair (2017); Membership (2008-present); Board of Control (2009-13); and Special Awards (2006-07). He has competed five times in the PGA Professional Championship. In addition, Lindert was the Toledo Chapter Stroke Play Champion and competed on the University of Arizona Golf Team. For a complete bio of John Lindert, PGA, click here. Don Rea Jr., PGA, was elected to replace Lindert as PGA Secretary. Rea is the Owner and General Manager of Augusta Ranch Golf Club, a public golf course, in Mesa, Arizona, which has been rated the “Best Executive Golf Course in Arizona” by the Arizona Republic and selected as “Host Club of the Year” by the Arizona Women's Golf Association. A Member of the Southwest PGA Section, Rea served on the PGA of America’s national Board of Directors from 2016-19. Elected as President of the Southwest PGA Section from 2013-14, Rea also was a member of the Board of Directors for the Southwest PGA Section, National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and the Arizona Tourism Alliance. While on the PGA Board of Directors, he chaired the Junior Golf Committee and worked with the Coaching and Player Development, and Community Golf Committees.
Since 2012, Rea has owned Your Course Consulting. In addition, Rea founded Community Course Rescue Services, LLC in 2017. Rea spent nine years as a Minor League Baseball umpire, ascending to Triple-A. In addition, he umpired several Spring Training games for Major League Baseball. He resides with his wife, Karen, in Gilbert, Arizona, and has two children, Don III and Katie. The PGA Board of Directors is composed of the Association’s President, Vice President and Secretary and 19 Directors. The Directors include representatives from each of the PGA’s 14 districts, three Independent Directors, an At-Large Director and a member of the PGA Tour. New District Directors are elected by their representative PGA Sections. Four new members of the PGA Board of Directors were sworn in:
District 2: John Pillar, PGA - PGA Director of Golf, The County Club at Woodloch Springs - Hawley, Pennsylvania - (Metropolitan, New Jersey, Philadelphia PGA Sections) District 4: Ed Habjan, PGA - Head Golf Professional, Green Oaks Country Club - Verona, Pennsylvania (Central New York, Tri-State, Western New York PGA Sections) District 8: Greg Neujahr, PGA - Director of Golf at Champions Run - Omaha, Nebraska - (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska PGA Sections) District 9: Jared Barnes, PGA -Head Golf Professional at Cedar Ridge Golf Course - Cedar City, Utah (Colorado, Rocky Mountain, Utah PGA Sections)
By Michael Abramowitz PGA of America
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The Special Awards Nomination process is underway. Nominate yourself or a deserving PGA Professional Today!
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Since March, the entire golf industry has come together and worked tirelessly to operate golf in a responsible manner that has allowed millions of people to enjoy the health and recreational benefits of our game in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your tremendous efforts that have made this possible. As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to spike across the country, the allied golf organizations have come back together to update the Back2Golf Playbook for your use as states and counties once again issue restrictions to help stop the spread of the virus. Facial coverings and social distancing are critical. It is each of our responsibilities to adhere to all state/county/local health guidelines and regulations at our facilities. As leaders we need to let our staff know to be responsible when away from the club facilities as well. The Back2Golf 5.0 Playbook - Keeping Golf Open Responsibly update has been reviewed by our medical experts and reflects the learnings and feedback that so many of you have provided since the Playbook was first rolled out last spring. The goal of this update is very simple - provide operators with an updated playbook that can continue to help keep golf facilities open based on medically endorsed best practices and the socially distanced opportunities our sport provides. From the beginning, the Playbook was designed to help facilities move forward or step backward depending on the severity of the COVID-19 virus in states and counties across the country. While the general three-phased framework of the Playbook remains the same in version 5.0, there are FOUR significant changes we'd like to point out:
1. Size of Gatherings - based on feedback from operators across the country, we have removed the concept of limitations on the specific size of group gatherings. The rationale is that various local authorities are implementing very different standards based on local conditions. To avoid confusion in this area, we are now simply referring you directly to your State/County/Local guidelines regarding the size of gatherings. Prescribed gathering guidance has been removed from the Guidelines for Play, Practice Facilities, Fitness classes, Golf events and Youth Activities. 2. Golf Carts - use of carts is another area where local authorities are getting very specific regarding what is permissible. Instead of trying to outline cart usage by phase, we are instead focusing on best practices that have been used for the health and well-being of customers. 3. Competitions- We have removed the phasing and provided general recommendations related to competitions. 4. Practice Facilities- Instead of trying to outline range usage by phase, we are instead focusing on best practices that have been used for the health and well-being of customers as directed by state and local health authorities. As we head into the holiday season, we wish each of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Thanks again for making our industry strong and our game something that can bring happiness and joy to so many during a very challenging year. Best, John Easterbrook, PGA Rhett Evans, GCSAA Jay Karen, NGCOA Greg McLaughlin, We Are Golf Jeff Morgan, CMAA
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Tickets on sale for 2021 U.S. Senior Open at Omaha Country Club Ticket sales are open for the 2021 U.S. Senior Open at Omaha Country Club. The event is also seeking volunteers to fill a variety of positions. For more information check HERE. PAGE 9 ď ¨ Nebraska PGA News ď ¨ Fall 2020
Updated PGA LEAD Resource Page PGA of America has updated their PGA LEAD and Diversity and Inclusion page. Check out their new page HERE.
PGA Financial Assistance Scholarship Access to the PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship application for the 2021-2022 school year will be available to children and grandchildren of PGA Members on December 1, 2020.
2021 PGA Winter Championships The 2021 Winter Championships is FILLING UP FAST! Registration is open TODAY for the six competitive events that are scheduled for JanuaryFebruary at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL. Register here today!
Survive the Holidays with SupportLinc SupportLinc provides professional counseling and expert referrals for a variety of concerns. Click here to find November's online seminar, ‘Tis the Season: How to Survive the Holidays that is available on-demand.
2021 PGA Merchandise Show We know that many of you have questions about the 2021 Virtual PGA Show, January 2629. The platform will become available for appointment-scheduling in mid-December. Click here for a current schedule of events! PAGE 10 Nebraska PGA News Fall 2020
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Virtual summit 2020
Up to 5 MSRs
Cost: $0
More Info
Cost: $0
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Pga show connects engagement hub:
1 MSR per webinar
Pga.org 2020 videos
1 MSR per video PGA Required
Cost: $0
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Pga.coach
3 MSRs PGA Required
Cost: $0
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PGA Required
Usga for pga rules of golf seminars
TBD
Cost: TBD
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2021 teaching & Coaching summit
TBD
Cost: TBD
More Info
Media Marketing Workshop 1 MSR for PGA Members
December 7th 10:30 AM-11:30 AM See Flyer at right.
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“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” -Karl Barth Joy to the world; a festival of joy. However you celebrate, the season of Joy is upon us. In fact, based upon the holiday music I started hearing on the radio about 3 weeks ago, the season has been upon us for a while. What makes the holiday season so special for you? As a child, a big part of the holiday season was the anticipation of Christmas morning and racing my sister down the stairs to see what Santa Claus had put under the tree as we slept. As a father now, it’s about faith, family, teaching my children about the joy brought to the world by a Savior and seeing the look on my children’s faces as they greet Christmas morning with excitement and unadulterated joy. Wouldn’t it be nice if each day felt like Christmas morning or the first day of the Festival of Lights? What if each day we headed to the golf course or the office was approached with as much joy, promise, excitement, and wonder as we approached the holidays? What if we found absolute joy in what we do? How much better could we serve others? How much better could we make ourselves? How much better could our lives and careers be? “I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” -Steve Jobs As the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to evaluate why, and how, you do what you do. Ask yourself: 1) What parts of your career and your job bring you joy? 2) What about your career would need to change to bring more joy to your life or bring back the joy? 3) How can I help you with 1 & 2? It may seem odd to look to your job to bring you joy, but think how powerful it could be if it did. What change could we make in the industry, in your community, or even the world? It’s a joyous season. Let’s extend the season and make it a joyous career. Take time to answer the questions I posed and let’s get started in bringing joy to you, your loved ones, and the world of golf. Here’s to Joy. -ks
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Hello Nebraska Section PGA friends, I look forward to serving you on the National Board for the next 3 years and appreciate your support and feedback. Serving the member and growing the game is the mission of our association so I promise to live this as I represent you. There are many great initiatives and programs the association is working on to help elevate the PGA Professional. There will be times when we don’t all agree on the direction and decisions of our elected leaders but that is ok…..we must respect each other’s opinions and stay passionate. Please reach out to me if you have any concerns…….I will listen and let you know what I know. My contact information is gneujahr@championsomaha.com or 402-690-6462. Wow what a season! I know everyone is looking forward to catching their breath and finishing on a high note. It is important to look back and remember the outlet you provided for your customers and the great game of golf. Many are thankful for keeping golf open and giving them an opportunity to spend time with their friends and families. I don’t know how many times a member came up to me and said, “If I didn’t have golf this year, I’m not sure what I would have done”. Thank you for all your extra work and being the leader at your facility! Regarding what is happening on a National level: -Career Services – A very busy year for our Career consultants and jobs/opportunities continue to be posted on the job board. National is in the process of hiring a new career consultant for Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Depending on who they hire and where this person is living will determine territory coverage. The timeline of the hire has been communicated to be the middle of December. If you have any needs for career services, please reach out to Career consultant Keith Soriano who is helping with the transition. -Education – During the off season it might be a great time to continue your education journey. Choose one of the 3 career paths that has most interest to you and build your skill set to enhance your work performance. PGA.org is a great resource to find your options and visit the library of information. If you are an associate and going through PGA 3.0 it is also a great time to complete your next level. Virtual seminars will continue through the end of 2022 for all levels of the 3.0 program. -Member Benefits – Getting through the season can always take a physical toll on each one of us but I would say 2020 was also very mentally challenging. SupportLinc is a confidential benefit provided to Members, Associates and their immediate family members to assist with a wide range of personal and work-related issues. The toll-free phone number is 866-474-2627 or go to PGA.org to learn more information. -Properties – PGA Frisco is rising out of the ground and it will be exciting to see the progress over the next couple years. The two Gil Hanse courses have been grassed and plan to open in August of 2022. The new National headquarters broke ground in September with a completion date slated for Spring of 2022. I truly believe this will be a property you will be proud of and raise the bar as the next golf destination in our country. Enjoy your holiday season with your families and please take time for yourself to recharge and reset as we move towards 2021. Stay well and stay safe……… Sincerely, Greg Neujahr, PGA Director of Golf at Champions Run District 8 Director – National PGA
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What has made Miracle Hill special is the growth we have had in the past 5 years I have been here. The facility I inherited is no more and the new look Miracle is the product of the people I have been fortunate to hire and maintain on the staff. While we have made many cosmetic and technologic changes this is and always will be a people business. It is those people I want to recognize at this time, Jared Frost, Sam Jonell and Mike Fauver have been a tremendous part of the resurgence we have had. Their tireless work and dedication to the vision I ask them to share has been key to the evolution. We believe in making our priorities our future expectations, the team spends hours identifying these priorities that make each facility successful. We learned early on that we wanted to play a major role in player development at all levels creating a get golf ready program of over 750 students and growing our jr. program from just a small summer program to a year long program with over 350 juniors. These new programs and all the new players gave us the opportunity to create a great family friendly atmosphere which has in turn carried over to our tennis program where we hired our own tennis director and have grown in house tennis programming 150%. The sometimes-long Nebraska off seasons were a key part of the development of our indoor practice center powered by Toptracer. While we have been a year round facility for tennis the thought of doing the same for golf never made sense until we had technology to let golfers improve their game and play simulated rounds of golf that involve more than just hitting balls into a net. Toptracer allows golfer to track each practice session with 9 different ball tracking features through their free app that you log in with a simple QR code reader. The virtual golf gives us the opportunity to run year round leagues and in house events and corporate/fundraising events. However none of this would be possible without the our professional staff, department managers, support staff and of course our wonderful guests. I wish you all a safe end of 2020 and a prosperous start of 2021. Phil Palmer, PGA General Manager Miracle Hill Golf and Tennis PAGE 24 ď ¨ Nebraska PGA News ď ¨ Fall 2020
Larry Wheeler, PGA
1
Jared Frost, PGA
13
Russell Jensen, PGA
1
Ricky Reynoldson, PGA
15
Cody Herald, PGA
2
Jacob York
16
Kendall Palu, PGA
3
Blake Busch, PGA
4
Jason Shock, PGA
17
Dave Malone, PGA
5
Trevor Svec, PGA
20
Richard Delfs, PGA
5
Keith Mergenthal
21
Chad Lydiatt, PGA
5
Gerald Fisher, PGA
22
Casey Fitzgibbons
8
Mark Baumann, PGA
24
Alex Carper, PGA
9
Paul Swirzinski, PGA
28
Sherman Adkins Jr., PGA
9
Adam Speck, PGA
29
Mike Fiddelke, PGA
10
Brett Morgan
29
David Schneider, PGA
12
Dawn Neujahr, PGA
30
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