September 2025 Newsletter

Page 1


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

Phil Anderson, 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

INTRODUCING OUR NEW LOGOS HONORING OUR SECTION’S 100 YEAR HISTORY:

PGA Professionals are trained to be versatile, taking their job descriptions to new heights. That commitment is part of the membership pledge. You’re not only selling yourself you’re representing the values of the game and the profession. It’s a rite of passage that Marc Cruse, Dawn Neujahr, and Nick Muller—merchandising standouts and leaders have embodied throughout their careers. Continue Reading…..

The Nebraska Section PGA has proudly inducted its first-ever Hall of Fame class, honoring six remarkable individuals whose careers have profoundly shaped golf in Nebraska and beyond. This milestone recognizes PGA Members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, playing prowess, service, and unwavering commitment to the game. Inductees are celebrated not only for their competitive achievements but also for their enduring contributions to the Nebraska PGA, PGA REACH Nebraska, and the broader golf community.

The Hall of Fame criteria emphasize a blend of qualities: leadership, moral character, promotion of the PGA image, and a legacy that endures through mentorship and service. The inaugural class sets a high standard, embodying what it truly means to be a complete PGA Professional.

Bob Popp Sr., PGA

Bob Popp Sr. was a towering figure in Nebraska golf, whose career spanned over seven decades. Born in 1929 in Belleville, Illinois, Popp began his journey at his father’s Oak Hill Golf Course before joining the PGA in 1949. He held key professional roles across Kentucky, Ohio, and finally Omaha Country Club, where he served as head golf professional for 31 years.

Popp competed on the PGA Tour, recorded 17 holes-in-one, and captured the Nebraska PGA Section Championship twice. Beyond playing, he held leadership roles as Nebraska PGA president and served multiple terms on the PGA Board of Directors. His involvement in national committees from the Ryder Cup to the Senior Tour — highlights his far-reaching influence.

Among his many honors are the Nebraska Section Teacher of the Year (1965), PGA Professional of the Year (1978, 1982), and the prestigious National PGA Golf Professional of the Year (1982), a distinction no other Nebraska PGA member has received. He was also inducted into the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame in 1992 and the PGA Hall of Fame in 2005.

Popp passed away in 2021 but leaves a legacy marked by professional excellence, mentorship, and tireless promotion of golf in Nebraska.

Quote from Tony Popp, Bob’s brother:

“Bob was very special, and he touched a lot of lives through the game of golf. He truly cared about others and that was shown day in and day out as a PGA Golf Professional. If he was still with us today, I know he would be honored to be in the inaugural class, and it would mean the world to him. Our family is excited about the news.”

Jack Hoskins, PGA

Jack Hoskins’s career reflects long-term excellence and leadership in the Nebraska PGA community. He earned the Golf Professional of the Year award twice, in 1979 and 2000, and was honored with back-to-back Professional Development Awards in 1979 and 1980. In 1985, he received the Bill Strausbaugh Award, recognizing his mentorship, integrity, and community involvement. Hoskins also served two consecutive terms as Nebraska PGA president from 1979 to 1980.

One of the most impressive parts of Hoskins’ career as a PGA

Professional was the number of Assistants he hired under him during his tenure and the amount of those Assistants that went on to earn bigger roles in the industry thanks to his guidance and mentorship. His decades of dedication not only advanced the game but also shaped the professionalism and culture of the Nebraska PGA.

Jack Hoskins on his induction:

“Being inducted into the Nebraska PGA Hall of Fame lets me know that all the efforts and time I put into promoting the PGA and growing the game of golf was appreciated by my fellow professionals. I am excited to be honored at the 2025 Nebraska PGA Gala and that will also give me an opportunity to catch up with fellow PGA Professionals that I haven’t seen in quite some time. I am truly honored and blessed for this opportunity.”

Bob Schuchart, PGA

Following in the footsteps of his father, Bill Schuchart, Bob Schuchart was a Nebraska PGA stalwart for over 50 years. He retired after 26 years as Head Golf Professional at Holmes Park Golf Course in Lincoln. Schuchart served two terms as Nebraska PGA President and was instrumental in establishing the current Nebraska PGA office.

A dedicated teacher and promoter of the game, Schuchart coached many future professionals and maintained strong competitive credentials, including qualifying for the PGA Club Professional Championship and runner-up finishes in the Nebraska PGA Assistants Championship, the Nebraska PGA Section championship and the Section’s pro-assistant championship.

Bob’s son, Mike Schuchart, followed in his footsteps just like he did with his own dad. Mike Schuchart has been a staple of Wilderness Ridge and he currently serves as the President of the Nebraska PGA. The Schucharts represent the only three generation family within the Nebraska PGA.

Quote from Mike Schuchart, Bob’s son:

“Bob’s induction into the inaugural class of the Nebraska PGA Hall of Fame is incredibly exciting, humbling, and unexpected — but so well deserved. To see my father honored for all his hard work, dedication to the PGA and the game of golf, and for truly exemplifying what it means to be a PGA of America Golf Professional, is a powerful moment. It has never been about the accolades for him, but about the love of the game, the people who play it, and the professionals who make it all possible.”

Mike Antonio, PGA

Mike Antonio, Director of Golf at Happy Hollow Club in Omaha, has been a pillar in Nebraska golf. He served as Nebraska PGA President from 2013 to 2015 and played a critical role in launching PGA REACH Nebraska, the charitable arm of the Section, in 2013. Antonio has been recognized twice as Nebraska PGA Golf Professional of the Year and received the Patriot Award for his dedication to PGA HOPE and veterans.

As a competitor, Antonio won the 1990 Nebraska Section PGA Championship and consistently placed as runner-up multiple times. He is deeply involved in community initiatives, notably leading veterans through the PGA HOPE program, which uses golf to support their well-being.

Mike Antonio’s multifaceted career reflects his passion for the game of golf, his leadership within the PGA community, and his unwavering commitment to service. His achievements both on and off the course have left a lasting impact on Nebraska’s golf landscape.

Mike Antonio on his induction:

“I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be selected for the Nebraska PGA Hall of Fame—

especially as part of the inaugural class. It’s truly humbling to be recognized alongside some of the biggest names in our organization, and even more so knowing how many great professionals came before me. I owe this honor to the amazing colleagues I’ve worked with over the years past and present whose loyalty, hard work, and dedication made this possible. Most of all, I’m thankful for my family. Their support, especially from my wife, Linda Lee, has meant everything. I share this recognition with all of them.”

Tony Pesavento, PGA

With over 40 years as a PGA Professional, Tony Pesavento’s career highlights include serving as Director of Golf at Omaha Country Club since 1993 and holding every office within the Nebraska Section PGA, including two terms as Section President. His leadership helped grow the professionalism of the organization and he played a key role in hosting major events like the U.S. Senior Open.

Tony graduated from Omaha Creighton Prep in 1975 and lettered in golf in 1976 at Nebraska before transferring to Creighton, from which he graduated in 1979. He worked for Nebraska Golf Hall of Famer Gene Johnson at Omaha’s Applewood (now Johnny Goodman) while in PGA Business School. He had the top score in a national class of nearly 600. Before OCC, he was head PGA Professional at Skyline Woods (1983-84), Platteview (1985-86) and Field Club of Omaha (1987 to 1993).

Pesavento has been honored twice as Nebraska PGA Professional of the Year and is a sixtime recipient of the Bill Strausbaugh Award for mentorship and service. He is a passionate advocate for junior golf and served on the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame board for over a decade.

Tony Pesavento on his induction: “I am grateful for the inspiration and motivation I’ve received from my fellow PGA Professionals throughout my journey. Early in my career I was mentored by veteran professionals, who demonstrated what it meant to be a member of our Association.

In the middle of my career, my PGA peers kept me focused and engaged. And now, young professionals are teaching me that times change and that there are better ways to accomplish our mission. I am truly humbled and honored by this induction. I am also honored to be a member of our Association and our Section.”

Jim White, PGA MP

Jim White, known as the “G.O.A.T” of Nebraska PGA for his extraordinary playing career, boasts 13 Nebraska PGA Championship titles—the most in the event’s history. Nationally, he won the 2004 Senior PGA Professional National Championship and competed in multiple U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, and PGA Club Professional Championships.

Beyond competition, White helped establish the PGA Professional Golf Management Program at the University of Nebraska, mentoring many PGA professionals including his son, Josh White. He codesigned Lincoln’s Wilderness Ridge Golf Course and founded the Nebraska Golf Academy. In addition, he worked alongside PGA Professional Greg Johannesen to create a new custom fitting system, called PXlll which has been adopted by many and has been used in the UNL PGM’s student curriculum.

Even decades into his career, White remains deeply involved in player development and community engagement.

Jim White on his induction: “More than anything, it validates my last 50+ years in the golf business. It hasn’t always been easy with mistakes made along the way, but overall, this shows me that I worked hard enough and made enough good decisions that my fellow pros thought I was worthy. Truly an honor to be inducted and I am even more grateful to be included in the inaugural class.”

The Nebraska Section PGA’s in-

augural Hall of Fame class represents a legacy of dedication, leadership, and excellence that continues to inspire golf professionals and enthusiasts across the state. Their contributions have shaped the game’s future, enriched communities, and elevated the standards of the profession. As these six legends are immortalized in the Hall of Fame, their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one can make through passion, perseverance, and service to the game. We’re excited to honor this class at the Nebraska PGA Centennial Gala in early December.

The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Nic Latcham, PGA the recipient of the Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball for the month of September

The Wilson Game Ball honors PGA Professionals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication to growing the game of golf. In just three years as a PGA Member, Nic has made a profound impact through his teaching, community outreach, and unwavering commitment to service.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized by fellow PGA Professionals,” Nic shared. “It means a lot knowing the work I’m doing is seen and appreciated. We all try to grow the game and make a positive impact, so to be acknowledged by those working towards the same mission is really meaningful.”

Nic began his journey in the golf industry with the Nebraska Section PGA staff, where he quickly learned the dedication required to operate tournaments, foundation initiatives, and Section events. That experience gave him a unique appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that supports the game’s growth.

“Starting by working with the NEPGA showed me how much work gets put in behind the scenes,” he said. “We really have the best Section staff.”

Today, Nic serves as a full-time instructor at Under Par Golf Studio, where he works with a wide range of students—from young beginners to senior golfers rediscovering the game. His ability to connect with players of all ages and skill levels has made him a sought-after teacher in Lincoln. Continue Reading…..

"This month, I'm excited to share an insightful article written by my fellow PGA Career Consultant, Jim West, who serves the Kentucky and Tennessee Sections.

Jim's piece, titled "Managing Up: Ideas for Golf Leaders to Build Stronger GM Relationships," discusses enhancing the collaborative dynamic between golf leaders and their general managers.

This article offers practical strategies to improve communication, clarify roles, and understand what success looks like from a GM's perspective. By fostering empathy and building trust, Jim highlights how golf leaders can create more harmonious and effective partnerships within their clubs. This is a must-read for anyone looking to strengthen their professional relationships and contribute positively to their club's environment."

It is with heavy hearts that the family of James "Jimmy Lou Lou" Etter, PGA announce his passing onto greener fairways on Thursday, September 25th at the age of 77 after a courageous journey with Alzheimer's.

Jim attended Jefferson Grade School, St. Thomas More Junior High, and graduated from Ryan High School, where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and track. He went on to play basketball for the Omaha University Indians (UNO).

Jim devoted his career to the game he loved, serving as Head Golf Professional at Elmwood Golf Course for more than 30 years. He later continued his work at Johnny Goodman Golf Course for eight years before retiring from Spring Lake Golf Course after six years. He was not only an accomplished golfer, but also a mentor and friend to countless people through the sport. He loved to coach children's basketball.

Outside of golf, Jim was a proud Husker football and Creighton basketball fan, a loyal concertgoer, and someone who never turned down a sweet treat - especially cotton candy, licorice, and whipped cream. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who meant the world to him.

Jim was also a devoted member of Alcoholics Anonymous for many years, where he gave back by leading meetings and offering encouragement to others in their journeys.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Barb; children, Robin Etter, Scott (Lindsay) Etter, Katie (Scot) Jorgensen, Rob (Amber) Stoner; grandchildren, Jayden, KayLynn, Maya, Macy, Samantha, Elliot, Matilda, Scarlett, Nash; his great-granddaughter, Emersyn; aunts, Nancy Sweetwood, Sandra Heskett and a host of other loving family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Madonna Etter, and his daughter, Jill Stoner. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all who supported Jim and offered prayers, kindness, and care during his final days. Your love and compassion meant so much.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the family. The funds will go towards a Memorial in Jim's name at Elmwood Golf Course.

Services will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Good Shepherd Funeral Home - L Street Chapel. There will be a visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 am with Celebration of Life at 11:00 am. Reception to follow at Good Shepherd Funeral Home in the reception hall.

Presented by Club Car (Nebraska Golf & Turf) and Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola, a season-high 37 teams teed it up at the stunning Firethorn Golf Club for this week’s Section Pro-Am. Competitors were treated to perfect scoring conditions following a rainy weekend, as the sun broke through just in time for a beautiful day on the challenging Pete Dye layout.

The format featured a 2-Net Best-Ball team event alongside an individual stroke-play competition for the Professionals.

Firethorn’s own Brady Schnell took full advantage of familiar turf, carding a blistering 63 (8under) to top the professional leaderboard. Right behind him was Carson Schaake of Tiburon Golf Club, who turned in a strong 66 (5-under) for a solo second-place finish. Rounding out the top three was PGA Life Member and defending Nebraska Senior PGA Professional Champion Chris Wiemers, who posted a 67 (4-under) to secure third.

In total, nine NEPGA Professionals shot under par, showcasing high-level play across the board.

In the team event, Brady Schnell joined forces with Craig Hahn, BJ Dolton, and Matt Burke, while Kyle Schellpeper, PGA (Wayne CC) partnered with Adam Severson, Blake Erwin, and Ben Henderson. Both squads posted impressive 18-under totals to share top honors.

Team Coatman rounded out the podium with a strong 16-under performance to claim third.

A total of 131 professional and amateur golfers from across the country teed off at Elks Country Club for the 34th annual Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nebraska Open. Historically one of the state’s premier golf tournaments, the event also raises scholarship funds for Nebraska community college students. Thanks to support from the Nebraska PGA, Nebraska Public Power District, and BCBSNE, the tournament has now surpassed $2 million in scholarships over its 34-year history impacting hundreds of local students.

Following the Pro-Am and scholarship banquet, the competition got underway with a purse of more than $70,000. Each year, the field includes top professional and amateur golfers from Nebraska as well as players from around the world who hold cards on various professional tours. Both the professional and amateur divisions compete in the 54-hole event for separate purses, adding extra drama as the tournament unfolds.

After 36 holes, the leaderboard was one of the most tightly packed in tournament history, with 22 players within four shots of the lead. Kansas State Men’s Golf alumnus Cooper Schultz, who had just turned professional on Wednesday, held a one-shot advantage at 12-under. Defending champion Andrew Beckler sat one stroke back at 11-under alongside two other players. Meanwhile, a group tied for fifth included McCook’s Brandon Crick, Omaha’s Ryan Vermeer, and Carson Schaake setting the stage for an exciting final round.

Through the first nine holes of the final round, three players were tied at the top before one pulled ahead. Virginian Ryan Cole, a James Madison Men’s Golf alumnus, birdied the par-5 13th to take a oneshot lead over Schaake and Beckler. He added another birdie on the par-5 15th to maintain his advantage before a weather delay halted play on the 16th green for an hour. Continue Reading…..

The final four in Nebraska PGA’s annual Match Play Championship met at Omaha Country Club for a showdown to find our new champion. Supported by the PGA TOUR and Rolex, the season-long bracket began in May with the round of 64 leading us up to Thursday’s semifinal and final matches.

With one of the Section’s biggest trophies up for grabs, four familiar faces met in the final four. On one side of the bracket, Justin Herron, PGA of Oak Hills Country Club took on Shane Zywiec, PGA of Highlands Golf Course for a spot into the afternoon final. On the opposite side of the bracket, Jay Cottam, PGA of Meadowlark Hills Golf Course met University of Nebraska’s Men’s Golf Coach Judd Cornell, PGA.

In the Zywiec–Herron pairing, Herron started strong, carding two birdies in his first four holes to grab an early lead. The two then exchanged pars to close out the front nine. Holding just a 1-up advantage on the 10th tee, Herron nearly holed out for an albatross on the par-5, settling for an eagle to extend his lead. One shot later, on the par-3 11th, he stuck his approach close and converted yet another birdie. Suddenly 3-up, Herron never looked back. He closed out Zywiec on the 15th hole for a 4-and-3 victory, advancing to the afternoon championship match.

In the second semifinal, Cottam and Cornell squared off for a shot at Herron. Over the opening nine holes, Cottam made two birdies and capitalized on several Cornell miscues to build a commanding 4-up lead at the turn. He added a birdie on No. 10 and another on No. 11, winning one hole and halving the other. Cornell attempted a late rally, but it was too little, too late; Cottam closed him out on the 15th for his own 4-and-3 win. Continue Reading...

Presented by Vinnie Krikac’s State Farm Insurance Agency, Coors Light, White Claw Hard Seltzer, and Twisted Tea, 19 teams competed at The Club at Indian Creek in another exciting Section Pro-Am event.

The Professional format was Individual Stroke Play with Modified Stableford scoring, while the team format was 2-Net Best-Ball, also with Modified Stableford scoring. In both events, double eagles were worth 10 points, eagles 7 points, birdies 4 points, pars 1 point, and bogeys -1 point.

In the Professional-only competition, Tiburon Golf Club’s Carson Schaake continued his stellar season by firing a 66 (6-under), highlighted by seven birdies and an eagle. His outstanding round earned him 52 points and the top spot on the leaderboard. Two players tied for second at 45 points, seven behind Schaake: Jon Petersen, PGA of Tiburon Golf Club and Brady Schnell of Firethorn Golf Club. Seth Porter, Teaching Professional at The Club at Indian Creek, finished close behind with 44 points, while Justin Herron, PGA of Oak Hills Country Club rounded out the top finishers with 41 points.

In the team competition, the squad of Eric Kovarik, PGA, Vinnie Krikac, Tim Bixenmann, and Matt Johnson played a steady and strategic round, avoiding costly mistakes and capitalizing on birdie opportunities. Their strong play produced 109 points, securing the team victory. Finishing runner-up with 104 points was the team of Jon Petersen, PGA, Charlie Levy, Doug Mitchell, and Dave Roseberry. Taking third place with 102 points was the team of Brady Schnell, John Geary, Adam Linck, and Loren Laschanzky.

A special thank-you goes out to Director of Golf Chris Cover, PGA, and his entire professional staff at The Club at Indian Creek for hosting today’s event. We are also grateful to our presenting sponsors Vinnie Krikac’s State Farm Insurance Agency, Coors Light, White Claw Hard Seltzer, and Twisted Tea along with our supporting partners Miller & Sons Golf Cars (E-Z-GO), Gregg Young Automotive Group, J.R. Barger & Sons, Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola, Ashworth, and Lucky Eleven Hospitality Group for making this event possible.

In the first year of the NEPGA Four Ball Match Play Championship, our final two at Oak Hills CC were:

Phil Palmer & Jared Frost

Brad Bailey & Mitch Klooz

For the first time in Nebraska PGA history, Tatanka Golf Club hosted a Pro-Am event featuring Nebraska PGA Professionals and amateurs from across the Section. Located in Niobrara, Nebraska, this championship course designed by Paul Albanese showcases the natural beauty of the rolling prairie and the tribal land of the Santee Sioux Nation. Recognized for its scenic vistas and challenging layout, it has quickly become one of the premier golf destinations in the Midwest.

The professional format for the round was Individual Stroke Play, while the team competition followed a 1 Gross and 1 Net ball combination. Under sunny skies and light winds, 24 teams teed it up at the newest host site on the Section’s Pro-Am slate. Today’s event also featured the final two Tito’s Handmade Vodka Holes of the Week, presented by Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of Nebraska. (For more on the season-long challenge, click HERE.)

In the Professional-only event, Tiburon Golf Club’s Carson Schaake not only picked up another victory he did it in dominant fashion. The Omaha native fired a bogey-free round highlighted by six birdies and two eagles, carding a blistering 62 (-10). Adding to the day’s low scoring, Mark Foelbaek, PGA (Country Club of Lincoln), and Justin Herron, PGA (Oak Hills Country Club), each turned in impressive rounds of 65 (-7). Rounding out the top five were Shane Zywiec, PGA (Highlands Golf Course), and Ryan Vermeer, PGA (Happy Hollow Club), who both finished with rounds of 70 (-2). Continue Reading…..

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The charitable arm of the Nebraska Section PGA, PGA REACH Nebraska, hosted its third annual Birdie Bonanza at Benson Golf Course—and it was a record-breaking success. The event raised vital funds for the Foundation’s golf programs as well as for the Omaha and Lincoln Fire & Rescue Departments.

This year’s Birdie Bonanza set multiple records, including the most participating teams and the highest fundraising total. Twenty-three teams recruited more than 650 unique donors, and players made an impressive 710 total birdies, leading to over $157,000 raised and counting. Donations will continue to be allowed until the end of the day on Friday, September 12th. Please click HERE to support a team before it’s too late!

The field consisted of 46 players, represented by 42 Nebraska PGA Professionals and two firefighters each from the Omaha and Lincoln Fire & Rescue Departments. In the weeks leading up to the event, participants leveraged their personal networks to secure pledges based on the number of birdies they made. Each two-person team played 54 holes in a single day, with the goal of making as many birdies as possible to maximize their impact.

Thanks to your generosity, the 2025 Birdie Bonanza was a record-breaking success! Every pledge, every donation, and every word of encouragement made a direct impact on the lives of people across the Nebraska PGA Section. Because of your support, the funds raised will fuel programs that positively impact lives through the game of golf and provide critical resources to our First Responders.

Congratulations to David Honnens, PGA who made a hole-in-one on #13 at Benson Golf Course. 165 Yards 6 Iron

Congratulations to Chad Manes, PGA who made a hole-in-one on #6 at Benson Golf Course. 121 Yards 56 Degree Wedge.

Brad Bailey, PGA - Wilderness Ridge Club & Resort & Greg Neujahr, PGA - Champions Run

Explorer Event

Golf Club at Table Creek - September 21st

Starting time: 1pm Shotgun Start

Pairings Scoring

Pioneer Event

Jackrabbit Run GC - September 28th

Starting time: 1pm Shotgun Start Pairings Scoring

Frontier Event

Elks CC - October 5th

Starting time: 1pm Shotgun Start

Pairings Scoring

For all info on the Fall Junior Series, click HERE.

The final step before Augusta is the Regional Qualifier at Hazeltine National Golf Club on October 5th, 2025 in Chaska, MN.

Four teams from the Nebraska Section competed at the PGA Jr. League Regional Championships at The Ridge GC in Sioux Center, IA

on September 12-14.

Region 9—For full results, click here.

Birdie Bandits 13u All-Stars Punch Their Ticket to the 13u PGA Jr. League Championship.

After not one but two weather delays on Sunday afternoon, the Birdie Bandits 1 13u All-Stars earned the Region 9 title and punched their ticket to the 13u PGA Jr. League Championship with a 6.5-5.5 win over the top-seeded Greater Siouxland 13u All-Stars, the host team.

The Birdie Bandits will compete as Team Kansas in the Championship at PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch West in November.

Led by PGA of America Golf Professional Sean Cleary and Assistant Coach Matt Foland and representing Lake Quivira Country Club, the team came from behind after securing the No. 2 seed with a -7 finish in Saturday’s stroke play qualifying round. Remaining seeding to advance to Sunday semifinals included:

No. 1 seed at -14: The Greater Siouxland 13u All-Stars, led by PGA of America Golf Professional Coach Karrie Van Ravenswaay, PGA and Assistant Coach Jon Crane, PGA, representing the host course, The Ridge Golf Club.

No. 3 seed at -6: Leawood, Kansas’ Hallbrook Hackers 13u All-Stars, coached by PGA of America Professional Liam Cahill and Assistant Coach Ethan Brumbaugh, PGA Associate.

No. 4 seed at -5: PGA of America Golf Professional Nathan Kalin’s Eastern Nebraska Team 1 13u All-Stars, representing Fremont Golf Club (Fremont, Neb.).

In the final round’s match play semifinal, the Nos. 1 and 4 seeds and Nos. 2 and 3 seeds met to determine who would advance to the final round. No. 1 Greater Siouxland 13u All-Stars, the host team, defeated the No. 4 seed Eastern Nebraska Team 1 13u All-Stars 8-4, while the No. 2 Birdie Bandits bested the Hallbrook Hackers 7-5, setting up the afternoon Championship match.

Ridge KC 17u All-Stars Capture Region 9 17u Title

It was a wire-to-wire win for the Ridge KC 17u All-Stars, who earned their divisional Regional Championship title with a 7.5-4.5 win over the Mission Hills Country Club 17u All-Stars. The Region 9 Champions will represent Kansas at the PGA Jr. League 17u Championship.

The team is led by Coach Courtney Mahon, LPGA, and Assistant Coach Molly Stanley and represents Falcon Ridge Golf Club in Lenexa, Kansas.

A Kansas team has made an appearance at every 17u Championship since the inaugural event in 2023. Last year, Mahon’s team finished 12th, while a team from Kansas City Country Club led by Paul Hooser, PGA, finished 11th in 2023.

The Ridge KC 17u All-Stars earned the No. 1 seed with an impressive -27 performance during Saturday stroke play qualifying. Following in the remaining semifinal spots were:

No. 2 seed at -25: PGA of America Golf Associate Nolan Luetkenhaus’ Mission Hills Country Club 17u All-Stars, representing Mission Hills Country Club in Mission Hills, Kansas.

No. 3 seed at -24: Leawood, Kansas’ Hallbrook Hackers 17u All-Stars, coached by Liam Cahill, PGA, and Assistant Coach Ethan Brumbaugh, PGA Associate.

No. 4 seed at -13: Another Mahon-led team from Lenexa, Kansas, the KC Falcon Ridge 17u All-Stars.

In the final round's morning of matchplay semifinal action, the No. 1 seed Ridge KC 17u All-Stars faced the No. 4 seed KC Falcon Ridge 17u All-Stars, both coached by Mahon, with The Ridge 17u All-Stars besting Falcon Ridge 7.5-4.5 to advance to the Championship. The second-seeded Mission Hills Country Club All-Stars and No. 3 seed Hallbrook Hackers ended their semifinal match tied 6-6, with Mission Hills advancing to the Championship in a scorecard play-off (most holes won). Mission Hills bested the Hallbrook Hackers 9 holes to 8.

Teams not advancing to the semifinals had the opportunity to compete in a 9-hole, two-person scramble shootout on Sunday. These teams included the Hills 17u All-Stars (-11), led by PGA of America Professionals Phil Palmer and Assistant Coach Jared Frost, representing Miracle Hill Golf and Tennis, and the No. 6 seed The Ridge 17u All-Stars (+1), coached by Karrie Van Ravenswaay, PGA, and Assistant Coach Jon Crane, PGA.

The Hill’s Sam Newstrom 15, and Nathan Benkis, 15, both of Omaha, Nebraska, won the shootout with a 35 (-1). Runners-up were The Ridge’s (Sioux Center, Iowa) Abraham Hanson, 15, of Orange City, Iowa, and Jake Lane, 17, of Sioux Center, Iowa, who shot a 36 (E).

Your spring/summer PGA Jr. League season may be ending, but it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop any time soon!

With students heading back to school, it’s vital you get your fall leagues on their calendars now! Publish your fall program as soon as possible and make sure you’re communicating with previous players as well as families with ties to your facility and your community. As a reminder, the $110 GameChanger membership fee the kids have already paid is good all year long. The longer into the year they play, the greater value they get from their membership fee! You are still welcome and encouraged to charge a fall/winter coaching fee to drive revenue

There are plenty of creative ways to keep the fun of PGA Jr. League rolling this fall and winter.

"Continuing PGA Jr League with a Fall season has been a great way to build our juniors into competitive players. At The Ridge we change up the format and use a combination of Op36 and PGA Jr. League. The kids love spending time on the course every week and as a coach I enjoy spending more time with the kids developing them into lifelong golfers."

Karrie Van Ravenswaay, PGA Head Golf Professional, The Ridge Golf Club in Sioux Center, IA

Counting all the reasons you can’t have a fall program? Player Engagement Consultant Kim Shafer offered a few solutions in this article: PGA Magazine.

Publish your program Here’s how.

Get the word out

Use word of mouth, email lists and all the promotional tools in the 2025 Marketing Toolkit to make sure your players, their families and your community know about your program.

Use social media

Use social media to share a little about your program and encourage players and families to register We even made it easier for you with this registration graphic

Share your calendar as soon as possible

With school starting, family calendars are starting to fill up. Set your practice and game day schedule with school calendars in mind and make sure your program gets first priority by sharing it early.

Scott Gutschewski, PGA 10/1

Matthew Eilrich 10/1

Cory Fletcher, PGA 10/2

Thomas Johnson, PGA 10/4

Jeanne Sutherland, PGA 10/5

Ross Barnes, PGA 10/7

Greg Wiemers, PGA 10/10

Samuel Jonell, PGA 10/10

Damon Brower 10/10

Adam Person, PGA 10/11

Kyle Beam 10/17

Stephen Vieyra, PGA 10/19

Tim Norris, PGA 10/20

Jonathan Mielke, PGA 10/21

Michael Fauver, PGA 10/21

Joseph Wiegand, PGA 10/21

Jon Robins, PGA 10/21

Benjamin Meschede, PGA 10/23

Dominick Mitchum, PGA 10/25

Bryson Wiseman 10/26

Bryan Hughett, PGA 10/27

Robert Vermeer, PGA 10/28

Shuang Zhao, PGA 10/29

Timothy McAndrew, PGA 10/30

Robert O'Keefe, PGA 10/31

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.