Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska PGA Section is proud to recognize Carly Ulrich, PGA, Director of Player Development at Fremont Golf Club, as the August Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball recipient.
The Wilson Game Ball Award recognizes PGA Professionals who go above and beyond in serving their facilities, communities, and the game of golf. Ulrich’s impact at Fremont Golf Club can be seen through her commitment to player development, junior golf, women’s programming, and creating opportunities for golfers of all ages to develop a lifelong connection with the game.
Ulrich was nominated by Nathan Kalin, PGA, who highlighted her passion for teaching and the impact she continues to make through Fremont Golf Club’s player development programs.
“Carly Ulrich, PGA, Director of Player Development at Fremont Golf Club, oversees all of the club’s player development programming,” Kalin said. “She designs, manages, and instructs our TRAX Junior Golf program, introducing the game to more than 120 children each year while fostering a fun, engaging environment for young golfers to learn and grow.”
Her influence extends well beyond junior golf. Ulrich also leads Fremont Golf Club’s Ladies Welcome to Golf program, incorporating the Operation 36 curriculum into a 10-week series of clinics and on-course playing experiences.
“Through her instruction and encouragement, she has helped many new golfers develop confidence and a lifelong enjoyment of the game,” Kalin said.
In addition, Ulrich plays a vital role in coaching Fremont Golf Club’s PGA Jr. League team, which has consistently competed at the highest levels of the program.
“Her passion for teaching, commitment to growing the game, and ability to positively impact golfers of all ages make her an exceptional PGA Professional,” Kalin said. “For these reasons, Carly Ulrich is highly deserving of the Wilson Game Ball Award.”
For Ulrich, player development is about much more than helping someone improve their swing or lower their score. It provides an opportunity to invest in people and create relationships that can last far beyond the golf course.
“I love player development because it allows me to not only improve someone’s golf game but also invest in them as an individual,” Ulrich said. “Investing in people is critical for the game of golf to sustain play and continue growing.”
With golf continuing to experience strong participation, Ulrich believes helping new golfers feel comfortable and excited about getting on the course is essential to maintaining that momentum.
“Golf is in a great place right now, and I love helping people feel inspired to get out on the course, including getting their entire families involved,” Ulrich said. “It brings me great joy to watch people improve and to receive updates after a great round. Even more than that, I love the lifelong connections that the game of golf creates.”
Few areas of the game mean more to Ulrich than junior golf.
“Junior golf is rooted in my core, and I strive to make this part of the game a priority while constantly improving our offerings,” Ulrich said. “The more kids we can inspire to love this game, the more families will come out to play.”
That impact has been especially evident at Fremont Golf Club, where Ulrich has watched junior participation create a ripple effect throughout families.
“We have seen this firsthand at Fremont Golf Club, and I love watching parents and grandparents bring their kids out to the course,” she said. “We are constantly finding ways to expand our programs, which is incredibly rewarding.”
Ulrich has also witnessed tremendous growth in junior golf throughout the Nebraska PGA Section and credits the collaborative efforts of PGA Professionals, Section staff, and junior golf programs across the state.
“Junior golf across the state also continues to grow,” Ulrich said. “We are blessed to have a wonderful Section staff—especially Kurt Karcher—who put their hearts and souls into junior golf. We are lucky to have the NJG and so many great PGA Jr. League programs across the Section.”
Those opportunities are not only introducing more young players to the game, but also helping local juniors develop into accomplished competitive golfers.
“I love the opportunities available to these kids at all ages,” Ulrich said. “We are seeing great players develop, and more local kids are earning collegiate and Division I scholarships. We have exceptionally talented teachers across our Section, and it truly shows.”
Receiving the Wilson Game Ball Award carries special meaning for Ulrich because the recognition comes from fellow PGA Professionals within a Section she holds in such high regard.
“I am extremely honored to be nominated and selected for the Wilson Game Ball,” Ulrich said. “This is a wonderful recognition, especially since we have so many talented golf professionals.”
Congratulations to Carly Ulrich, PGA, on being named the Nebraska PGA Section’s August Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball recipient, and thank you for your continued dedication to player development, junior golf, Fremont Golf Club, and growing the game throughout Nebraska.
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.