Omaha, NE – The Nebraska Section PGA hosted one of its final major championships of the season at Shadow Ridge Country Club with the 2026 Team Championship, presented by Miller & Sons Golf Cars, Evolve Golf, Coors Light, White Claw Hard Seltzer, and Twisted Tea.
A total of 36 two-player teams competed in the 36-hole, one-day event. The opening 18 holes featured a best-ball format, followed by a scramble format for the final 18. After several days of consistent rainfall leading up to the championship, preferred lies were implemented for the duration of the tournament.
The championship began with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start, and low scores quickly followed. Ted DiGiacomo of Happy Hollow Club and Brian Steventon, PGA, of Shadow Ridge Country Club got off to a fast start, carding five birdies over their first nine holes to grab an early share of the lead. The best round of the best-ball portion came from Nebraska Men’s Golf Coach Judd Cornell, PGA, and Brady Schnell of Firethorn Golf Club, who posted a blistering 8-under-par 64.
Scoring heated up even more during the afternoon scramble, with several teams taking advantage of the format. Defending champions Mark Foelbaek, PGA, of Country Club of Lincoln and Caleb Badura of Whispering Creek Golf Club entered the day looking to repeat. After opening with a 5-under-par 67 in the best-ball portion, the duo needed something special in the afternoon—and they delivered.
Foelbaek and Badura caught fire during the final 18 holes, firing an incredible 13-under-par 59 to surge up the leaderboard. Their spectacular closing round moved them to 18-under for the championship and gave them the clubhouse lead.
With two holes remaining, Cornell and Schnell sat two shots back and needed a strong finish to force their way into a tie. They delivered, making birdie on the par-5 second hole before adding another birdie on the par-3 third to close out their round and match Foelbaek and Badura at 18-under.
The sudden-death playoff between Foelbaek/Badura and Cornell/Schnell headed to the first tee and was contested under a best-ball format. On the opening playoff hole, Schnell found the fairway before hitting a tremendous approach shot past the hole and spinning it back to just two feet.
Schnell calmly converted the birdie putt to clinch the title, securing the victory for Cornell and Schnell. The two Lincoln-based Professionals were crowned champions of the 2026 Nebraska PGA Team Championship, presented by Miller & Sons Golf Cars, Evolve Golf, Coors Light, White Claw Hard Seltzer, and Twisted Tea.
The Nebraska Section PGA extends its sincere gratitude to presenting sponsors Miller & Sons Golf Cars, Evolve Golf, Coors Light, White Claw Hard Seltzer, and Twisted Tea for their continued support of the Nebraska PGA and its Professionals.
Special thanks also go to supporting partners the PGA TOUR, Sterling Cut Glass, Rolex, Bushnell Golf, Onform, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, whose contributions helped make the 2026 Team Championship a success.
Finally, the Nebraska Section PGA would like to thank Director of Golf Joe Finnegan, PGA, and the entire professional staff at Shadow Ridge Country Club for their exceptional hospitality, course preparation, and support throughout the championship.
Click HERE for the final results!
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.