Beatrice, NE – Beatrice Country Club played host to both Nebraska Senior and Assistant PGA Professionals for simultaneous championship events. The Assistants field completed all 36 holes of their championship in a single day, while the Seniors played 18 today and will finish with 18 more tomorrow.

The Assistants’ stroke-play event unfolded under near-perfect scoring conditions on a challenging course, setting the stage for an exciting day. Adding to the drama, the top two finishers would earn qualifying spots in the 2025 Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Jay Cottam, PGA, of Meadowlark Hills Golf Course entered the championship riding a streak of three consecutive wins — a run highlighted by a course-record 62 (-9) in last year’s final round. His remarkable form carried over into this year’s event, as Cottam birdied six of his first seven holes to surge into an early lead.

Cottam made the turn at 31 (-5), then poured in four more birdies on the back nine to open his title defense with a field-best 65 (-7). Three shots back was Mark Foelbaek, PGA, of The Country Club of Lincoln. The newly turned Class A PGA Professional birdied three of his final five holes to shoot 68 (-4). He was just three shots behind Cottam but three shots ahead of third place — a crucial margin for the second and final qualifying spot.

Joining Cottam and Foelbaek in the final round pairing was Caleb Badura of Jackrabbit Run Golf Course, who posted a solid opening round of 71 (-1). The three former Nebraska men’s golfers found themselves competing against each other once again — this time as PGA Professionals.

In the first nine holes of the afternoon round, Cottam made two bogies and two birdies, allowing others to make a run. After a costly triple bogey on No. 7, Foelbaek bounced back with a birdie on No. 9, which jolted him into momentum on the back nine. He went on to make three birdies on the closing holes, including Nos. 16 and 17.

Standing on the 18th tee, Cottam held a two-shot lead, leaving Foelbaek in need of a near miracle — which he nearly achieved. Cottam found himself wedged against a tree on his second shot and was forced to punch out to the fairway. Meanwhile, Foelbaek reached the green with his approach, setting up a 30-foot birdie chance to tie the lead after Cottam failed to get up and down to save par.

In heartbreaking fashion, Foelbaek’s putt lipped out after an incredible roll and near-perfect line. Moments later, Cottam rolled in the clinching putt to secure his fourth consecutive title. Cottam finished at 6-under for the day, while Foelbaek was just one shot back at 5-under. Both players earned qualifying spots for the national event, where the top Assistant PGA Professionals will gather at PGA Village.

For more information and for full results, click HERE.

Side by side with the Assistants, the Nebraska Senior PGA Professionals competed in their own championship. Breaking out to an early lead after today’s opening round was PGA Life Member Chris Wiemers, who carded a 69 (-3). Six-time champion Bryan Hughett, PGA, is back in contention, just one shot behind Wiemers at 2-under. Pete Hagen, PGA, of Johnny Goodman Golf Course and J.D. Brake, PGA, of ArborLinks both tied at 1-under to round out the four players under par.

For more results and information about the Senior event, click HERE.

We would like to thank Head Professional Noah Briley and Superintendent Andy Hamilton as well as the entire Professional staff at Beatrice Country Club for hosting us.

We would also like to thank Cleveland, XXIO, Rolex and the PGA Tour for helping make this event possible. The final round of the 2025 Nebraska Senior PGA Professional Championship will tee off tomorrow at 9:30am.

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.