Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Section PGA is proud to recognize Doris Zhao, PGA, as the Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball recipient for June.
The Wilson Game Ball honors PGA Professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to the game of golf. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lecturer with the UNL PGM program embodies these qualities through her dedication and passions she shows in leading our future PGA Professionals in the classroom and beyond.
“Being honored for the Wilson Game Ball is truly meaningful and the recognition from my peers means so much to me,” Zhao said. “It’s humbling and it also reminds me how important it is to continue to give back, whether that’s mentoring our PGM students, supporting my colleagues, or growing the game in new ways.”
Zhao’s passion for the game has been evident ever since she walked into the University doors as a freshman. As a student, she always demonstrated professionalism and a true desire to learn how to be the best PGA Professional that she could be. After graduating, she has returned to the program but this time, in a much different role.
“Taking on this new role with the UNL PGM has been both exciting and extremely rewarding. It’s given me a chance to translate both the years of industry experience and what I learned throughout my years as a student into lectures that will help shape the the next generation of PGA Golf Professionals,” Zhao said.
Long-time UNL PGM Professor Brad Goetsch nominated Zhao for many reasons, one being that she is a “team player”. Outside of her lectures, Zhao has been there for each of her colleagues and she’s been willing to help in any area that she’s asked. Whether that’s with recruiting, tournaments or assisting with internships and the students work experience.
“She has shifted from her previous role in green grass to her new faculty role with the PGA Golf Management Program in an absolutely seamless way. Her mission of helping others to be the best versions of themselves as they prepare to enter our industry is abundantly apparent. Every single action supports this mission.,” Goetsch said.
Her arrival to the UNL PGM program came at a time when the classrooms sizes we’re growing rapidly and there was a strong need for an additional staff member and Zhao was the perfect fit.
“I want to continue to encourage our students to try new things, test their limits and not to be afraid to make mistakes. In my opinion, those are some of the best ways to learn and I want to push them all to be the the best they can be,” she said.
Nominations for the next Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball will open on July 1st and will close at 11:59 PM on July 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.