Omaha, NE – 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-two 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.

Leading the way once again in highest per-birdie pledges were Nick Muller, PGA (Country Club of Lincoln) and Al Peterson III, PGA (The Field Club of Omaha), with an incredible $555 pledged per birdie. Eight additional teams entered the event with birdie pledges exceeding $100 each, putting the ambitious $150,000 goal well within reach.

Since its founding in 2013, PGA REACH Nebraska has gone beyond teaching the game
of golf—it has used golf as a vehicle to shape lives, change lives, and even save lives.
Each year, the Foundation touches the lives of more than 48,000 kids, veterans, and
families across Nebraska by creating opportunities through its programming, which
includes PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), PGA Jr League, Clubs FORE
Youth, PGA WORKS, Golf N’ Schools, and the Omaha Outreach Program. To view our
impact in 2024, please view our 2024 Annual Report HERE.

Annually, the Foundation impacts more than 30,000 kids, veterans, and individuals from diverse backgrounds through the game of golf.

This year’s event also supported Omaha and Lincoln Fire & Rescue Departments, both of which serve their communities every day by responding to emergencies and risking their lives to protect others. The funds raised provided critical life-saving equipment and resources, while also honoring the service and bravery of these First Responders—especially in remembrance of the heroes of September 11, 2001.

Even after just 18 holes, the field had already raised over $107,000, setting the pace for a record-setting day. By the end of the 54-hole marathon, 710 birdies were made and $157,000 was raised—funds that will significantly impact communities across Nebraska.

In addition to fundraising, teams also competed for a spot in the Birdie Bonanza Shootout, where the top three fundraising teams and top two birdie-making teams faced off in an alternate-shot format. One team was eliminated after each hole, with the champions being crowned on the final green.

After four holes of intense competition, it came down to two teams on the 9th green, with the championship belt on the line. Ultimately, it was Greg Neujahr, PGA (Champions Run) and Brad Bailey, PGA (Wilderness Ridge Club & Resort) who emerged victorious over Muller and Peterson. After a near-miss birdie putt, Neujahr tapped in the winning par to seal the title.

“This was our third year playing in this together, and we can’t thank the members of our clubs enough for supporting our mission,” said Neujahr. “We had such a fun day and we’re lucky to finish as this year’s champions.”

“I love playing with this guy, and we love this event because of the positive impact it creates,” added Bailey. “Winning is just a bonus—it was an awesome day all around.”

A heartfelt thank you goes out to every donor who made reaching the fundraising goal possible, and to Joe Wiegand, PGA, and his professional staff at Benson Golf Course for hosting the event once again.

We’re already looking forward to making next year’s Birdie Bonanza even bigger and better!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO & RESULTS

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES FROM THE EVENT

ABOUT PGA REACH NEBRASKA

PGA REACH Nebraska is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and the charitable arm of the Nebraska Section PGA. PGA REACH Nebraska is program-based and supported by the Nebraska Section PGA Golf Professionals. PGA REACH Nebraska’s mission is to positively impact lives through the game of golf. The Foundation has 3 core pillars of focus: Military, Youth and Inclusion. Each pillar is supported by programs that are executed to carry out our mission.

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.