Lincoln, NE— Dawn Neujahr, PGA, of Champions Run was selected for the Section’s highest honor bestowed on a PGA Member as the 2022 Nebraska PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Neujahr was elected to membership into the PGA of America in April of 1996. Neujahr’s professional career began at Oak Hills Country Club under Director of Golf, Robert “Bob-Father” Vermeer, PGA in 1992. In 1997, both Dawn and her husband, Greg Neujahr would team up at Council Bluffs Country Club until December of 2001. In January of 2002, the Neujahr’s would move to Champions Run where Dawn has established one of the premier boutiques in the country. Under Dawn’s leadership, Champions Run is an eight-time Nebraska PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private Award Winner.

In addition to being active at her club, Neujahr had been involved within the Section’s governance serving on Junior Golf, Public Relations, Player Development and Tournament committees. This passion to serve led Neujahr to run for Secretary and ultimately become the first woman to be elected as an Officer of the Nebraska PGA.

“When I ran for office, my goal was not to just be the first woman, but I felt it was my time to give back to our Association that has afforded me a wonderful career and some amazing life experiences. I want to help continue the vision of the former leaders of our Section and keep us moving forward in the community and growing the game,” said Neujahr.

Neujahr’s leadership continues to reach far outside of the Section as she is serving her third consecutive term on the PGA Membership Committee under PGA of America President, John Lindert, PGA. Most recently, in November of 2022, Neujahr was instrumental in advocating for a resolution to add an inclusionary statement to the PGA of America’s Constitution where there once was an exclusionary statement. This resolution passed unanimously!

“Dawn has played a vital role in our Section and Association becoming more inviting to join. She has become an advocate of change and making sure our game looks more like the world we live in today,” said David Honnens, PGA CEO of the Nebraska PGA.

Neujahr embodies the PGA of America’s mission in establishing and elevating the standards of the profession and growing interest and participation in the game of golf and this latest achievement solidifies these accomplishments.

Full List of 2022 Nebraska PGA Special Award Winners:

Golf Professional of the Year: Dawn Neujahr, PGA – Champions Run, Omaha, NE

Teacher of the Year: Jeff Henry, PGA – Country Club of Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

PGA Professional Development: Greg Gilg, PGA – Field Club of Omaha, Omaha, NE

Bill Strausbaugh-Club Relations: Mike Schuchart, PGA – Wilderness Ridge, Lincoln, NE

Player Development: Karrie VanRavenswaay, PGA – The Ridge Golf Club, Sioux Center, IA

Youth Player Development: Kurt Karcher, PGA – Nebraska PGA, Lincoln, NE

Merchandiser of the Year-Public: Scott Bruha, PGA – Dane Creek at Ord Golf Course, Ord, NE

Merchandiser of the Year-Private: Nathan Kalin, PGA – Fremont Golf Club, Fremont, NE

Facility of the Year: Oak Hills Country Club, Omaha, NE

Sales Representative of the Year: David Durham, PGA – Titleist

Assistant Professional of the Year: Sarah Pravecek, PGA – Stone Creek Golf Course, Omaha, NE

Patriot Award: Mark Nygaard, PGA – Eagle Hills Golf Course, Papillion, NE

In addition to these awards the Nebraska Section PGA would also like to recognize the Players of the Year for 2022:

Nebraska Section PGA Players of the Year for 2022:

Nebraska PGA Player of the Year: Ryan Vermeer, PGA – Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE

Nebraska PGA Women’s Player of the Year: Sarah Pravecek, PGA – Stone Creek Golf Course, Omaha, NE

Nebraska PGA Senior Player of the Year: Ted DiGiacomo, PGA – Golf Galaxy Omaha and Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE

Nebraska Assistant Player of the Year: Jay Cottam, PGA – Meadowlark Hills Golf Course, Kearney, NE

All of the winners will be recognized at the Nebraska Section PGA Spring Meeting to be held Monday, April 3rd, 2023 at Hillcrest Country Club, Lincoln, NE. Congratulations to every Nebraska PGA Member that was nominated for a Special Award in 2022 and thank you to our Special Awards Committee for all of the hard work they put in throughout this process.