Lincoln, NE – As the Nebraska PGA wrapped up its Centennial season, it was fitting that the final Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball of 2025 went to someone whose leadership helped define one of the most meaningful moments of the year.
Don Germer, PGA Life Member, was selected as the December recipient for his instrumental role as Chairman of the Nebraska PGA’s inaugural Hall of Fame Selection Committee. From helping establish the nominating and selection committees to guiding the criteria and process itself, Germer dedicated countless hours to ensure the Nebraska PGA Hall of Fame was launched with the integrity and significance it deserved.
“It was, of course, an honor to chair the Selection Committee,” Germer said. “I didn’t really know how our Hall of Fame would be received—truthfully, I don’t think anyone did. But after the Gala, it was such an emotional evening. Seeing what it meant to Jack Hoskins made it the coolest thing I’ve ever been a part of, and something I’ll never forget.”
That emotional impact was on full display at the 2025 Nebraska PGA Centennial Gala, held at the Omaha Hilton, where the inaugural class of six Nebraska PGA Members was officially inducted. Germer served as one of the emcee’s for the evening, welcoming each inductee to the stage and helping tell the story of their careers in front of a packed room of peers, family, and friends.
When asked why it was easy to say yes when Nebraska PGA Executive Director David Honnens asked him to lead the effort, Germer answered candidly—and with his trademark humor.
“Well, I love Honnens,” Germer said. “He’s a little goofy, and at first I really thought, ‘This guy hasn’t thought this through asking me to be part of something so important to the careers of Nebraska PGA professionals. But it worked out.”
Beyond the laughs, Germer’s motivation runs deep.
“The Nebraska PGA gave me an avenue to have a career,” he said. “Jeff Porter, PGA and the GOAT (Jim White, PGA MP) got me involved as an officer more than 30 years ago. Time is probably the one thing I don’t have a lot of anymore, but there was no way I was passing up this opportunity.”
For Germer, the inaugural Hall of Fame class wasn’t just a list of deserving professionals—it was a reflection of a lifetime spent in the game.
“The six PGA Members basically span my life in golf,” he said. “We have so many great professionals with great careers that need to be recognized. I was 13 years old the first time I remember seeing Bob Popp. Now, in my 70s, being able to honor one of my best friends, Tony P., was something unbelievable.”
In the days leading up to the Gala, Germer joined Nebraska PGA staff as inductees were surprised at their facilities and homes with NFL-style Hall of Fame welcomes—moments that proved just as emotional as the ceremony itself.
“Presenting the inductees at the Gala was pretty easy—they were all so deserving,” Germer said. “But the day we surprised Tony, Mike, Jack, Mike Schuchart, and Jim was nerve-wracking. I was emotional and nervous, which is not a great combo when you’re trying to be official.”
Through his leadership, humility, and deep love for the Nebraska PGA, Don Germer helped ensure the Hall of Fame began the right way—by honoring the people who built the foundation of the Section. As the Centennial season comes to a close, the Nebraska PGA proudly recognizes Germer as a fitting final Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball recipient of 2025.
Nominations for the next Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball will open on January 1st and will close at 11:59 PM on January 15th.
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.