Professionals of Impact in the Nebraska PGA
Breaking Barriers: The Inspiring Journey of Laura Gunia, PGA
Written by Brett Renner | Nebraska PGA – Digital Media Director
For more than half a century, Nebraska’s PGA was an all-male community. Golf courses were predominantly run by men, and women had little presence beyond the fairways. That all changed in 1988 when Laura Gunia shattered the glass ceiling, becoming the first woman in Nebraska PGA history to enter the PGA Apprenticeship Program. It was the first of many trailblazing moments for Gunia.
Born and raised in Alliance, Nebraska, Gunia practically grew up on the fairways of Sky View Golf Course, where her father, Ron Gunia, was the Head PGA Golf Professional. From a young age, she spent countless hours helping in the golf shop, soaking in the fundamentals of the game.
“From as far back as I can remember, Laura had a club in her hand. She picked up range balls, cleaned clubs, stored carts in the barn, and worked in the pro shop,” Ron recalled.
Gunia’s love for the game blossomed early. She found ways to compete and contribute at Sky View, earning a spot in the ladies’ golf association events.
“I was welcomed with open arms by the women at Sky View. I’ll forever be grateful for their support,” Gunia said.
Her passion for competition extended beyond her hometown. Traveling to junior golf events across Western Nebraska, she crossed paths with Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame legend Wilma Gilliland. Gilliland’s dedication to the game left an indelible mark on the young golfer.
In high school, Gunia faced another challenge. Her hometown Catholic High School, St. Agnes Academy didn’t have a girls’ golf team, so she joined the boys’ team alongside her brother. She competed from the men’s tees and often outplayed her male teammates.
“I played straight up with the boys and frequently beat most of them,” she recalled with a smile.
Her competitive spirit carried her to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned a spot on the Husker Women’s Golf Team under Coach Jerry Fisher. Gunia quickly worked her way into the top-five lineup and earned a scholarship. By her senior year, she was team captain and earned All-Big Eight status in 1987. Among her career highlights was winning the UNI Panther Invitational and securing eight top-25 finishes.
With a Business Degree in hand, Gunia set her sights on a career in golf. Nebraska PGA legend Jim White played a pivotal role, offering her the Assistant Golf Professional position at Firethorn Golf Club, the state’s top-rated course at the time.
“Jim was one of the best teaching mentors in the game. His knowledge of the swing and the countless lessons he gave me made me a better player and instructor,” she said.
In 1992, Gunia achieved another first: becoming the first woman in Nebraska to earn full Class A PGA Membership. Two years later, she made history again when Firethorn’s Managing Partner, Dick Youngscap, promoted her to Head Golf Professional.
At just 28 years old, Gunia found herself running a top private course, supervising a staff of 13, giving golf lessons, attending trade shows, selecting merchandise, and ensuring member satisfaction.
“Being the first woman was an honor, but my goal was to be a great golf professional,” she reflected. “I wanted to seize the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Gunia’s journey reached another high point when Firethorn Golf Club was chosen to host the U.S. Women’s Amateur, the largest women’s amateur tournament in the world and Nebraska’s first U.S. Golf Association event since 1941. As a member of the executive committee, Gunia played a crucial role by:
- Raising over $100,000 from patrons and advertising.
- Managing pro shop merchandise.
- Recruiting, training, and outfitting more than 300 volunteers.
“The national attention was incredible. Our community, our state, and our members all benefitted from this event,” she said.
In 2000, Gunia moved to Austin, TX where she still resides. From 2013-2018, she took over as the General Manager/Director of Golf at the PGA Tour designed course, Falconhead Golf Club.
Gunia played an instrumental role in turning the property around and she successfully negotiated the sale of the golf course as a General Partner in 2018. Her involvement at Falconhead GC was another example of the tremendous work she’s done in the business of golf.
To this day, many people wonder what it would’ve been like to be Laura Gunia. To be a woman working in a field dominated by men. Her answer is quite simple.
“It all comes down to confidence. I got the Assistant Professional job and then Head Professional, not because of my gender but because of my ability,” she said.
For Gunia, it was never about being the first woman or collecting accolades. It was about her unwavering passion for golf.
“Golf teaches so many life lessons. It comes with challenges but endless rewards. The game shaped me as a person, and I’m grateful it’s been such a significant part of my life.”
Her advice to young girls with similar dreams is as timeless as the game itself.
“Believe in yourself. The greater your faith, the smaller your fear. Surround yourself with mentors who inspire you. Love what you do, work hard, and stay true to yourself. The rest will work itself out.”
Laura Gunia’s story is one of resilience, determination, and passion — a testament to the spirit that makes Nebraska PGA history so special and a big reason her father is so proud. (Ron & Laura Gunia pictured below.)
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.