Lincoln, NE – Each spring semester, the Nebraska Section PGA awards students in UNL’s PGA Golf Management Program with scholarships to recognize extraordinary work in school and through internships. The candidates that filled out the application were required to have completed Level 1 of the program and an internship within the Nebraska Section. Kearney’s Ashley Waggoner, Holdrege’s Blare Bauer, Lincoln’s Dylan Dauenhauer, Holdrege’s Emily Gustafson and Oakland’s Ian Lundquist represent the group of five students that were awarded this year’s scholarships.

“It was a privilege to sit down and listen to these five incredible individuals tell us why they chose this career path and how they hope to make an impact on the golf industry through their PGA journeys,” said David Honnens, PGA, Executive Director and CEO of the Nebraska Section PGA. Below, you can learn more about each recipient.

Ashley Waggoner – Sophomore in UNL’s PGA Golf Management Program
Ashley describes herself as a “motivated PGA Golf Management student, looking to grow the game of golf while leaving behind a positive impact on people in the game”. She’s worked both in and outside the Section through internships with Wilderness Ridge in Lincoln and Don Law’s Golf Academy in Florida. In addition, she volunteered for the Nebraska PGA by assisting with tournament operations during the Korn Ferry Tour’s Q-School this past year. She’s proud of the Golf Professional she’s turning into and she’s excited to continue to grow throughout the rest of her college career.

Blare Bauer – Senior in UNL’s PGA Golf Management Program
Along with his dedication and work ethic, Blare describes himself as someone that will always be one to serve others before himself. His passion for golf has driven him to enter the golf business with the goal of growing the game. He’s held several different leadership positions with the PGM program highlighted by his tenure as Student Club President from 2020 to 2021. Blare has gained experience through internships with Holdrege Country Club, The Club at Las Campanas, Stonewall Links and Essex Country Club.

Dylan Dauenhauer – Senior in UNL’s PGA Golf Management Program
After playing competitively during his high school years, Dylan recognized his strong passion for the game and decided to take it to the next level by turning it into a career. He aspires of becoming a junior golf instructor one day and that dream ramped up after he completed a 12-month internship at Jim Ager Golf Course, the premier junior facility in Lincoln. Dylan believes playing golf as a PGA Professional is a key part of the career and he strives to learn more about the game every day.

Emily Gustafson – Sophomore in UNL’s PGA Golf Management Program
In addition to playing competitively during her high school career, Emily knew there was a need for women in the game and that motivated her to take golf up as a career through UNL’s PGM program. While she was hesitant at the beginning, her first internship (with Wilderness Ridge) left her more than content and excited for her future in the business. Emily also had the opportunity to work at Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey where she experienced every area of the business. She aspires to be a Head Golf Professional one day.

Ian Lundquist – Sophomore in UNL’s PGA Golf Management Program
When it came down to picking a career, Ian always had the mindset of finding something that he would love to do for the rest of his life and that’s why working in golf was an easy answer. He credits Nick Onken of Oakland Golf Club for “taking him under his wing” and pushing him to explore the opportunities UNL’s PGM Program offers. During the summer after his Freshman year, Ian took a job with the Nebraska Section PGA, working under the Director of Nebraska Junior Golf, Kurt Karcher. In that time, Ian developed a love for working with junior athletes and he enjoyed his time helping run the tournaments while making an impact on the young athlete’s lives.

Congratulations again to all five students that received the 2022 Nebraska Section PGA Scholarship and to all of the students who applied. The UNL PGA Golf Management Program is on an exciting track as they will welcome more than 50 new incoming Freshmen next school year. To learn more about the program, click here.

About The Nebraska Section PGA
The Nebraska Section of the PGA is one of 41 Sections that together comprise the PGA of America. The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of nearly 300 PGA Members and 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.

About UNL PGA Golf Management
UNL is one of 17 schools in the nation (and one of only two in the Big Ten) to have an accredited PGA Golf Management program. A strong academic curriculum at a major university, new facilities and state-of-the-art equipment, highly skilled and knowledgeable personnel, and great industry partners all help our students turn their passion for golf into great careers. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the golf industry through extensive classroom studies, self-study courses, internships, and tournament participation and player development. This includes a basic background in managing golf facilities and related organizations, business and personnel management, restaurant and hospitality management, recreation, and golf instruction. Graduates receive a bachelor’s degree in PGA Golf Management, and with PGA-eligible employment, automatically qualify for PGA membership.