September 2024
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
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 Charlie Henninger, PGA of Ashland Golf Club as their Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball recipient for the month of September.
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. Speaking on the lines of igniting potential, Charlie Henninger of Ashland Golf Club is doing just that for our nation’s heroes and PGA HOPE Nebraska’s veteran graduates.
PGA REACH Nebraska, the charitable arm of the Nebraska Section PGA, runs a free golf program for active military members and veterans. PGA HOPE is introducing the game of golf to a community of more than 500 current and former U.S. military members. Once the veterans graduate from the sixweek instructional program, they are welcomed into PGA HOPE Nebraska’s growing family and benefit from additional opportunities.
One of the new opportunities PGA HOPE Nebraska graduates were presented this year was an Operation 36 program. Operation 36 teaches golf in reverse, starting everyone at level 1, just 25 yards from the center of the green. The goal is to shoot 36 (par) or better over 9 holes to move to level 2, which is 50 yards from the green. This process continues through 6 levels until you can shoot 36 from the full tee box.
The first PGA HOPE Nebraska Operation 36 program began this year at Ashland Golf Club and was hosted and led by PGA Professional Charlie Henninger. Henninger shut down his club one night a week to host 17 veterans from PGA HOPE Nebraska for the inaugural league. For Henninger, though it was another golf league on his list, it was much more than that to him. Continue Reading…..
Honorary Nebraska PGA Member, Jack Crowley has his name added to the Wells Fargo Nebraska Open trophy. This marks the 33rd year of Nebraska’s State Open, one of the biggest Professional golf events in the midwest. Players from all over the country flock to Columbus to compete for the $70,000+ purse, but there’s another component to the event that makes it even more special, something Jack Crowley envisioned and brought to life.
The Wells Fargo Nebraska Open started in 1992 when Nebraska Public Power District was contacted by the Nebraska Section of the PGA and The Central Community College Foundation.
“It has been the perfect marriage of Business, Industry and Education”, said David Honnens, PGA, CEO of the Nebraska PGA.
Jack Crowley, then Executive Director of the Central Community College Foundation provided the vision and brought everyone to the table. Today, the event celebrates over $2 million in scholarships being awarded to students throughout the Central Community College system and if it weren’t for Jack, none of this would’ve been possible.
Jack’s significant contributions to The Wells Fargo Nebraska Open will continue to be recognized for the rest of time as the tournament’s trophy now bears his name, “The Jack Crowley Trophy.”
“Today, we get to honor Mr. Jack Crowley by naming the trophy after his name. Jack’s vision for this tournament has impacted thousands of lives in the Nebraska Community College System and that should forever be remembered”, said Honnens. Continue Reading…..
128 professional and amateur golfers from across the country teed it up in the 33rd edition of the Wells Fargo Nebraska Open at Elks Country Club. Not only is this week historically one of the state’s biggest golf tournaments, but the event raises money for community college students in Nebraska in the form of scholarships. As of this year, with support from the Nebraska PGA, Nebraska Public Power District and Wells Fargo, $2 million has officially been raised over the 33 years which has impacted hundreds of local students.
In addition to the money raised milestone, the Nebraska Section PGA honored one of the event’s founding fathers, Jack Crowley. Honorary Nebraska PGA Member, Jack Crowley has his name added to the Wells Fargo Nebraska Open trophy. Jack Crowley, then Executive Director of the Central Community College Foundation provided the vision and brought everyone to the table. The Central Community College Foundation has helped thousands of students through scholarship awards and has seen its assets grow to a peak of over $38 million since it was founded in March 1989. Crowley is a big reason for that, and an even bigger reason for the way the State Open has flourished. Continue Reading…..
As we approach the offseason, make sure you are submitting your hard-earned points for deferred compensation. Last year we had almost 40 PGA Professionals in the Nebraska Section earn the maximum amount of $1,500 in deferred compensation.
Deferred Compensation
Do you need assistance in reaching the 200-point threshold and take advantage of deferred compensation this year? I am happy to answer any questions regarding the program.
Remember to submit for Drive Chip & Putt, and PGA Jr League, as many leagues are now completed for the year (60-day window for submission). With High School and College Golf starting up, hosting matches qualifies for 75 points each time.
Click here for FAQ
To be eligible for a contribution, you must earn at least 200 points in a given program year. New this year is the 60-day window to submit your completed activities. (no exceptions)
-If a member does not reach that threshold, such points will be forfeited.
-Additionally, points cannot be rolled over to future program years.
-Reporting Points
-Members can submit and keep track of their points online or through the Deferred Compensation App.
-The multi-pronged reporting model includes self-attestation, the attestation of another PGA Member, and, to the extent available, the use of other readily available data sources.
-A list of eligible activities and their assigned point value can be found below.
-Note - Partial credit for some activities is available as well, depending on the level of Involvement
Deferred Compensation Points Description
Eligible Activities by Career Path
Plan Details
Compensation Survey
Our annual Compensation Survey plays a crucial role in helping us understand how compensation trends are evolving within our section. By filling out this survey, you contribute valuable data that helps us advocate for fair and competitive compensation for our members. This information is instrumental in ensuring that we all stay well-informed and can benefit from a more transparent and equitable industry.
Your input is extremely important, and I urge you to take a few moments to complete the survey. The insights gathered will also aid in negotiating better benefits and resources for all professionals within our section. You will also receive 1 PDR for completing the survey.
You can update/ complete your COMPENSATION PROFILE BY CLICKING HERE (step-bystep instructions attached)
Assistant / Associate Professional Survey
A few weeks ago, I emailed you about updating your Job Seeker Preferences through pga.org so you are up to date with all potential openings this offseason.
As your Career Consultant for the Nebraska Section, I aim to better serve you and prepare for the upcoming off-season. To facilitate this, I've put together a brief form to gather your preferences and insights regarding employment opportunities. Your responses will help me keep you informed about relevant job openings tailored to your personal career goals. Rest assured, all information provided will remain confidential and accessible only to me. Your detailed input is invaluable in assisting your career development effectively.
Please fill out the form at your earliest convenience. You can access the SURVEY BY CLICKING HERE
Your Ryder Cup Pre-Registration & Ticket Presale Window is Now Open
Attention PGA of America Members! In addition to your existing Ryder Cup access privileges, we're excited to offer an exclusive ticket presale opportunity for the 2025 Ryder Cup. Your unique access code is your PGA MEMBER NUMBER, offer ends October 2! Pre-register yourself here and secure additional spots for your guests by clicking below. This offer is not valid for Class “F” Members, Associates and PGM University Students.
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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.
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Verify Your Address on PGA.org
The restoration of address data for those members affected has been completed. Please confirm that your address is correct by clicking below. As a reminder, this was not a security breach, hacking attempt, or affected other information beyond address information. Thank you for your patience.
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One year ago, PGA REACH Nebraska, the charitable arm of the Nebraska Section PGA hosted their inaugural Birdie Bonanza fundraising event in an effort to raise money for both the Foundation’s programming and the Omaha Fire & Rescue Department. $100,000 was raised by 32 Nebraska PGA Professionals making for an awesome story. Fast forward a year later, the momentum from the first event rolled into 2024, where record numbers of birdies were made and a new fundraising goal was met.
Eighteen, two-person teams, of Nebraska PGA Professionals competed in a golf marathon at Benson Golf Course, where the goal was to make as many birdies as possible throughout 54 holes in one day. Leading up to the event, the PGA Professionals were supported by people in their community, friends, and family through donations that were given in the form of pledges for various amounts of money per birdie.
Leading the highest per birdie pledge once again was Nick Muller, PGA of the Country Club of Lincoln and Al Peterson III, PGA of The Field Club of Omaha, with an impressive $605 per birdie. Seven other teams came into the event with each birdie being worth more than $100 setting up for an exciting day and the goal of $125,000 looked well within reach thanks to the great fundraising effort from our Professionals.
s Foundation has positively impacted thousands of lives since its inception in 2013 through golf programs. PGA HOPE is a 6-week program that provides military veterans with free golf experiences taught by PGA Professionals. Clubs FORE Youth puts new golf clubs in the hands of high school girls. Golf ‘N Schools teaches young scholars the game during their Physical Edgue is a fun, social, and inclusive opportunity for boys and girls ages 17 & under to enjoy the game of golf. Omaha Outreach builds a passion and love for the game in diverse groups of young scholars. PGA REACH Nebraska also supports other organizations and individuals with a similar mission through grants and scholarships. PGA REACH Nebraska will impact over 30,000 kids and veterans annually through the game of
The Omaha Fire & Rescue Department (OFD) uses 96% of their annual budget to support wages and compensation leaving little funds to purchase equipment which was a big reason PGA REACH Nebraska decided to partner with them for this event. New for the 2024 edition of the event, four Firefighters from the OFD competed in the event and Captain Eric Jeanneret hit the ceremonial opening tee shot. In addition, Eric and three other captains from the OFD department took part in the day and comhole event.
With the flat donations included and after just the first 18 holes, the 2024 field raised over $82,000, setting the pace setting day for PGA REACH Nebraska. By the hole golf marathon, the NEPGA Professionals made 619 birdies and raised $139,400. The money will go a long way in positively impacting lives across Nebraska with PGA REACH Nebraska’s programming touching every
For More Photos, Results and the Full Story…...
Our PGA HOPE family welcomed new graduates at our fall programs in Lincoln & Papillion!
All PGA HOPE programming is fully funded by PGA REACH Nebraska and PGA REACH. It is offered at NO COST for military veterans.
Learning and playing the game of golf is a proven activity that has positively impacted thousands of veterans nationwide. PGA HOPE is a program that is truly making a difference, as golf has become a therapeutic part of the rehabilitation process for many veterans with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.
PGA HOPE is a 6-7-week program that provides military veterans with free golf experiences taught by PGA Professionals. Upon completing the program, Veterans are considered “graduates” and will remain engaged every year through other PGA HOPE activities and events provided by PGA REACH Nebraska.
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.
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
Samuel Jonell, PGA 10/10
Greg Wiemers, PGA 10/10
Damon Brower 10/10
Adam Person, PGA 10/11
WoNo Yoo, PGA 10/11
James Etter, PGA 10/15
Stephen Vieyra, PGA 10/19
Tim Norris, PGA 10/19
Eric Stevens 10/20
Michael Fauver, PGA 10/21
Joseph Wiegand, PGA 10/21
Jonathan Mielke, PGA 10/21
Jon Robins, PGA 10/21
Benjamin Meschede, PGA 10/23
Dominick Mitchum, PGA 10/25
Bryan Hughett, PGA 10/27
Robert Vermeer, PGA 10/28
Timothy McAndrew, PGA 10/30
Robert O'Keefe, PGA 10/31