Omaha, NE – For the first time this season, Nebraska PGA Professionals teed it up in a Professionals-only event, with trophies—and bragging rights—on the line. Presented by Coors Light, White Claw, and Twisted Tea, the 27-hole Pro/Pro/Pro tournament was hosted at The Players Club of Omaha. The format featured 1-best ball on the front nine, a scramble on the back nine, and a modified alternate shot on the Highland nine. With windy and chilly conditions in play, scoring came at a premium as the field battled through a tough test.
After 27 holes, just four strokes separated the top 10 teams, and for most of the day, the leaderboard remained wide open. But one consistent thread throughout the round was the steady play of three Nebraska PGA legends: Pete Hagen, PGA (Johnny Goodman GC), Jim White, PGA MP (The Fairways at Lincoln), and PGA Life Member Don Germer.
Despite a slow start, the trio found their rhythm late on the front nine, carding birdies on holes 6, 8, and 9 to build momentum heading into the scramble. They caught fire with a 6-under 30 on the back and entered the final stretch on the Highland nine in prime position. Birdies on the first two holes pushed them into the lead—but their momentum stalled. White, Hagen, and Germer played the final seven holes in even par, finishing the day at 11-under.
As they cooled off, another team turned up the heat.
The Firethorn Golf Club trio of Steve Friesen, PGA, Mike Coatman, and Brady Schnell made their charge during the scramble format, highlighted by a five-birdie barrage from holes 14 through 18. Their hot streak vaulted them up the leaderboard and set the stage for a dramatic finish. By day’s end, the Firethorn squad matched the 11-under total, forcing an exciting playoff between the two teams.
As the Nebraska PGA celebrated its 100th anniversary on Sunday, April 13, it was only fitting that the following day delivered a playoff filled with talent, legacy, and drama. In the end, it was the Firethorn Golf Club trio who rose to the occasion, edging out the legendary squad with a clutch par on the first playoff hole to claim victory in the Section’s first Professional-only event of the season.
We would like to thank General Manager James Rolls, PGA, Director of Agronomy Adam Dredge and the entire staff at The Players Club of Omaha for hosting us. We would also like to thank Coors Light, White Claw and Twisted Tea for being our presenting sponsors. Lastly, we want to give a shoutout to our supporting partners Miller & Sons Golf Cars (E-Z-GO), Sterling Cut Glass, the PGA Tour, Antigua Apparel, PRG Golf, Bushnell Golf and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Next week, Nebraska PGA Professionals will team up with Veterans from PGA HOPE Nebraska, the military pillar of PGA REACH Nebraska. Fremont Golf Club will host the inaugural event that aims to make a positive difference.
ABOUT THE NEBRASKA SECTION PGA
The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of over 300 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.