2018 Nebraska Section PGA – Golf Professional of the Year

LINCOLN, Neb.- Nathan Kalin, PGA, Director of Golf at Fremont Golf Club in Fremont, NE was selected for the Section’s highest honor bestowed on a PGA Member as the 2018 Nebraska Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Kalin was elected to membership into the PGA of America in January of 2008.
A native of Coleridge, Nebraska, Kalin was a 2007 graduate from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln with a degree in Professional Golf Management. Under famed PGA Professional, Greg Neujahr, PGA, Nathan got his start at Champions Run as the first Assistant Golf Professional and eventually was promoted to the PGA Head Golf Professional in June 2011. It was evident early on that Kalin’s passion in golf operations, merchandising and player development would provide him the opportunity to blossom his career. During his tenure at Champions Run, he helped grow the men’s club event participation by 30% and under the watchful eye of Dawn Neujahr, PGA took an active role in the corporate merchandising plan that increased sales 97% from 2010 to 2012. In May of 2013, Kalin took over as the PGA Director of Golf and continued upon the rich tradition of Fremont Golf Club being a leader in golf within the state of Nebraska.

Kalin’s passion for golf operations, tournament operations, merchandising and player development has been instrumental in Fremont Golf Clubs considerable growth since 2013. The membership at Fremont Golf Club has also taken notice as in 2017, the golf operations received an 98% “Great” or “Best in Class” approval rating. Kalin’s philosophy of elevating the experience for his membership can be seen throughout all aspects of the operation. The Rawhide Rumble Member Guest continues to grow, with men’s club participation growing over 32% since 2013. In 2018, Fremont’s “Welcome to Golf” program introduced the game of golf to 50 ladies at the club. Kalin’s attention to detail is also visible in the golf shop as his wonderfully arranged merchandise continues to meet the needs of a vibrant membership.

In addition to operating a very successful golf operation, Kalin has given back a considerable amount of his time by serving on the Nebraska Section PGA Board of Directors since 2010. As the Membership Chair, Kalin helped lower the Apprentice Suspension rate to one of the lowest in the country. Kalin also played a significant role in the Nebraska Section PGA forming “TEAM Golf” that today serves nearly 550 youth ages 7 to 13 across the entire Nebraska Section. Kalin was also instrumental in the Nebraska Section PGA forming its foundation, PGA REACH Nebraska that serves as the philanthropic arm of the PGA Professionals across the Section. Kalin’s passion for serving others was front and center in 2018 as he created the 1st Annual Wingman Scramble golf event which raised $40,000 for the Folds of Honor Foundation that provides scholarships to the children of the brave men and women who serve our country. This event is the single largest event in Nebraska’s history for the Folds of Honor Foundation.

Kalin and the other special award winners and players of the year from 2018 will be recognized on Monday, March 11, 2019 at Hillcrest Country Club during the special awards portion of this meeting.

The other Nebraska PGA Award Winners for 2018 are:

Golf Professional of the Year: Nathan Kalin, PGA, Fremont Golf Club, Fremont, NE
Teacher of the Year: James Kinney, PGA, GolfTEC-Omaha, Omaha, NE
Horton Smith-Education: Scott Holly, PGA, University of Nebraska, Lincoln PGA Golf Management
Bill Strausbaugh-Club Relations: Matt Nice, PGA, The Ridge Golf Club, Sioux Center, IA
Youth Player Development: Chris Thomson, PGA, Wilderness Ridge Golf Club, Lincoln, NE
Merchandiser of the Year-Public: James Rolls, PGA, The Club at Indian Creek, Elkhorn, NE
Player Development: Carly Ulrich, PGA, Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE
Merchandiser of the Year-Private: Dawn Neujahr, PGA, Champions Run, Omaha, NE
Facility of the Year: Jim Ager Golf Course, Lincoln, NE
Sales Representative of the Year: Brian Winge, PGA, Callaway Golf
Assistant Professional of the Year: Connor Farrell, PGA, Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE
Patriot Award: Mark Baumann, PGA, Eagle Hills Golf Course, Papillion, NE

In addition to these awards the Nebraska Section PGA would also like to recognize the Players of the Year for 2018:

Nebraska Section PGA Players of the Year for 2018

OMEGA Nebraska PGA Player of the Year: Ryan Vermeer, PGA, Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE
OMEGA Nebraska PGA Senior Player of the Year: Jim White, PGA MP, Fairways at Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
OMEGA Nebraska Section Assistant Professional Player of the Year: Steve Friesen, Firethorn Golf Club, Lincoln, NE

All of the winners will be recognized at the
Nebraska Section PGA Spring Meeting to be held
Monday, March 11, 2019 at Hillcrest Country Club, Lincoln, NE.

About The Nebraska Section PGA

The Nebraska Section of the PGA is one of 41 Sections that together comprise the PGA of America. The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of approximately 249 PGA Members and 23 PGA Associates who strive to promote the enjoyment and growth of the game of golf. The Nebraska Section PGA encompasses the entire State of Nebraska, western fifth of Iowa and a small portion of South Dakota including Dakota Dunes and Yankton. The Section office is located in Lincoln, NE and acts as a resource for local and national golf information for the golf professional and amateur players alike. Our members are often referred to as “Club Professionals”, not to be mistaken as PGA Tour Professionals. Each Nebraska Section PGA Professional serves as an expert in the ever-changing business of golf. They are the leading expert players and teachers, skilled business managers, community leaders, and superior merchandisers who have dedicated their careers to the local delivery of these services.
The Nebraska Section PGA, 610 J Street, Suite #10, Lincoln, NE 68508