Lincoln, NE – Hillcrest Country Club welcomed 72 players for the 2026 Nebraska PGA Professional Championship, presented by Club Car (Nebraska Golf & Turf), Corebridge Financial, and Rolex. The 36-hole stroke-play championship will send five qualifiers to the PGA Professional Championship, where the nation’s top PGA Professionals will compete. Ryan Vermeer, PGA, of Happy Hollow Club is already exempt into the national championship as a past champion.

The opening round was contested Monday under extremely hot conditions, adding another challenge to an already demanding championship. Justin Herron, PGA, of Oak Hills Country Club and Ky Molholm, PGA, of Lochland Country Club both fired impressive rounds of 67 (-5) to share the overnight lead.

Just one stroke behind the leaders was 2023 champion Andrew Storm, PGA, of The Players Club Omaha, who carded a 4-under 68 to remain firmly in contention.

With 16 players sitting within three shots of the final qualifying position, the leaderboard was packed heading into Tuesday’s final round, setting the stage for an exciting finish and a battle for the five available spots in the PGA Professional Championship.

Tuesday’s final round began with a lengthy weather delay after overnight rain and strong winds left Hillcrest Country Club unplayable. A special thank you goes to Superintendent Rob Hall and his entire grounds crew, whose tremendous efforts restored the course and made championship play possible.

Following a split-tee start, the final round finally got underway at noon, with players battling not only for the championship title but also for one of five coveted spots in the PGA Professional Championship.

Several lead changes highlighted an exciting final round, but the championship ultimately came down to the final pairing of Ky Molholm, Justin Herron, and Andrew Storm, who traded momentum throughout the back nine.

After Molholm grabbed the solo lead with a birdie on No. 12, Storm answered immediately with a par on No. 13 before taking the outright lead on the 14th hole with a birdie. From there, the 2023 champion never looked back.

Storm put the finishing touch on his impressive performance with a birdie on the 18th hole, closing with a second consecutive round of 68 to finish at 8-under par. The victory marks his second Nebraska PGA Professional Championship title, returning the past champion to the winner’s circle at the Section’s premier championship.

The following players earned qualifying spots:

  • Andrew Storm, PGA of The Players Club of Omaha | 8-under
  • Ky Molholm, PGA of Lochland Country Club | 6-Under
  • Justin Herron, PGA of Oak Hills Country Club | 6-Under
  • Judd Cornell, PGA of Nebraska Men’s Golf | 5-Under
  • Mike Coatman, PGA of Firethorn Golf Club | 4-Under
  • Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club | Exempt*

The national championship will be contested at Streamsong Golf Resort in Florida
from ​April April 25-28, 2027.

We would like to thank General Manager Jeff Tyson, Director of Golf Mike Brown, PGA, Superintendent Rob Hall and the entire staff at Hillcrest Country Club for hosting our championship and opening up your course to our PGA Members.

Lastly, we would also like to thank our presenting sponsors Club Car (Nebraska Golf & Turf), Corebridge Financial and Rolex as well as our supporting sponsors Titleist/FootJoy, Callaway, Nike, TaylorMade, and Ship Sticks. We also want to thank our supporting partners Gallagher, Golf Channel and the PGA TOUR.

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ABOUT THE NEBRASKA SECTION PGA

The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of over 340 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.

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.