Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Adam Coates, PGA as their Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball recipient for April. Coates is the Head Golf Professional at Spencer Golf & Country Club in Spencer, IA.

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. That mission is being lived out by Coates on a daily basis at his club.

Since 2020, Coates has had an outstanding impact on the youth at his club and growing the game of golf to juniors has been a focus for him. Through his 9/36 Challenge Program, every junior golfer has the opportunity to participate at no cost. He branded the program himself and tailored it to fit all ages of juniors.

The program as a whole includes five different levels of distance the junior golfer plays from. Each level is a competition in its own for the participant. Beginning at the shortest total length, the junior must play nine holes in 36 strokes or less.

“There are days of frustration and sometimes tears when trying to achieve a passing score, which makes it mean so much when they do break through and pass a level of the 9/36 Challenge. Suddenly, pride and confidence takes over as we take their picture holding their certificate along with a voucher for a free pizza when they meet their goal”, said Coates.

The program has made an obvious impact on the juniors at a Spencer Golf & CC.

“It’s been rewarding to see how it has our juniors hooked on the game and looking forward to their next opportunity to see if they can achieve a passing score. We’re
all looking for ways to help inspire youth to love the game and this program is doing that”, he said.

In addition to the 9/36 Challenge, Coates created a one-of-the-kind junior locker room that allows each junior at the club to store their equipment. Inside the locker room, there are games and a space for friends to to mingle. Coates and his team have truly created a warm and welcoming environment for juniors of all ages and skill levels to the learn the game of golf.

“Thank you to Wilson Sporting Goods and the Nebraska PGA for this recognition of our youth program and what were doing to grow the game at Spencer Golf & Country Club”, said Coates.

Nominations for the next Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball will open tomorrow, May 1st and will close at 11:59 PM on the 15th.

About the Nebraska Section PGA

The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of over 300 PGA Members and 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 player 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.