Fremont, NE – The Nebraska Section PGA joined forces with PGA HOPE Nebraska to host the inaugural HCIS Pro/Veteran Event at Fremont Golf Club. Sixteen five-player teams—each made up of two PGA Professionals and three PGA HOPE graduates—competed in a scramble format, with the top four teams advancing to an afternoon alternate-shot shootout.
The day kicked off on the driving range, where Chris Darr of Mizuno Golf North America offered veterans the chance to demo Mizuno’s new 2025 equipment line. Mizuno also generously donated two drivers and two putters, which were raffled off to veteran participants prior to the start of play.
“This opportunity with the Nebraska PGA and PGA HOPE allows us to give back to the game and our nation’s heroes,” said Darr.
A shotgun start at 10:00 AM signaled the beginning of the tournament. While the event was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and powerful conversations between veterans and professionals, the competitive spirit was very much alive throughout the day.
The team of Jon Petersen, PGA, Carson Schaake, Kevin Pritchard, Bob Pelletier, and Justin Weeks started their round on hole No. 14 and quickly set the tone with a birdie, followed by an eagle on the par-5 15th. Their hot start propelled them to a bogey-free 55 (16-under), the lowest score of the day. With the best score in regulation, they secured an automatic spot in the final shootout pairing.
Claiming the second shootout spot was the team of Sarah Pravecek, PGA, Brad Bailey, PGA, Clifton Ellis, Zack Klapperich, and Ben Prater, who fired a 59 (12-under), highlighted by a streak of seven consecutive birdies on the back nine.
The final two teams to make the shootout were Team Shaner/Zywiec and Team Palmer/Frost, who faced off in a dramatic first-round alternate shot showdown on hole No. 7. After both teams made par, the match was decided by a sudden-death chip-off, where Frost delivered the winning shot for his team.
Team Palmer/Frost then advanced to face Team Pravecek/Bailey on No. 8. Once again, both teams carded pars, leading to another chip-off. This time, Pravecek sealed the win with a spectacular shot to just two feet from the pin.
In the final showdown on No. 9, Team Pravecek/Bailey met Team Schaake/Petersen for the championship. Following a booming drive by Petersen and a few miscues by their opponents, Schaake/Petersen’s squad capitalized and emerged victorious, winning the first-ever HCIS Pro/Veteran event in memorable fashion.
We would like to thank Director of Golf Nathan Kalin, PGA and his entire staff at Fremont Golf Club for hosting us. We would also like to thank our title sponsor HCIS as well as our supporting partners Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola, Vinnie Krikac’s State Farm Insurance Agency, and Mizuno Golf for making this event possible.
Next week, Nebraska PGA Professionals will team up with amateurs from across the Section as they head to Oak Hills Country Club for the next event.
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.
ABOUT PGA REACH NEBRASKA
PGA REACH Nebraska is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and the charitable arm of the Nebraska Section PGA. PGA REACH Nebraska is program-based and supported by the Nebraska Section PGA Golf Professionals. PGA REACH Nebraska’s mission is to positively impact lives through the game of golf. The Foundation has 3 core pillars of focus: Military, Youth and Inclusion. Each pillar is supported by programs that are executed to carry out our mission.
ABOUT PGA HOPE
PGA HOPE is a 6-week program that provides military veterans with free golf experiences taught by PGA Professionals. Upon completing the program, Veterans are considered “graduates” and will remain engaged every year through other PGA HOPE activities and events provided by PGA REACH Nebraska. Learning and playing the game of golf is a proven activity that has positively impacted thousands of veterans nationwide. PGA HOPE is a program that is truly making a difference, as golf has become a therapeutic part of the rehabilitation process for many veterans with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.