Lincoln, NE – Wilderness Ridge Club & Resort hosted a record 36 teams for the 20th Annual Golf Fore The Troops Pro-Am, presented by Nelnet. Since the event’s inception, more than $210,000 has been raised to support military families through college scholarships awarded to military personnel and their children.
Co-chairmen Jim White, PGA Master Professional, and Dave Breetzke launched the event 20 years ago with a simple vision: to make a positive impact on Nebraska’s military community. While they hoped the tournament would make a difference, neither could have imagined the success it would achieve over the years.
“To make it to 20 years is a bit of a surprise, but I think that goes to show how much support this event has received, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” said White.
“We wanted to find a way to give back to our military community here in Nebraska, and this tournament has given Jim and me a small way to do just that,” said Breetzke.
White’s father served during World War II and participated in the D-Day invasion, a connection that helped inspire White to establish the tournament alongside Breetzke.
“Most of us have had family members who served in the military, and even a few of our Nebraska PGA Professionals are veterans themselves,” said White. “I think that’s why this event has resonated with so many people over the years.”
Hear more from the Co-Chairmen here!
While the fundraising impact of Golf Fore The Troops remains at the heart of the event, the competition has always been an important component as well—and one that White has especially enjoyed throughout the tournament’s 20-year history.
The record field of 36 teams competed in a two-net team format, while Nebraska PGA Professionals also participated in a separate Professional-only competition.
In the Professional division, PGA Life Member Chris Wiemers was among the first players on the course and posted an impressive 5-under-par 66 to establish the early clubhouse lead. However, one of the final groups of the day produced a remarkable finish as Tiburon Golf Club’s Carson Schaake continued his outstanding season by firing a tournament-record 8-under-par 63. Schaake birdied four of his final five holes to secure Low Professional honors and set a new scoring mark for the event.
Schaake’s success didn’t stop there. Teaming up with amateurs Brian Dytrych, John Erickson, and Aaron Riggins, the group completed a sweep of the major titles by posting an impressive 22-under-par total to claim the team championship.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Director of Golf Sarah Pravecek, PGA, Director of Agronomy Gabe Aguirre, and the entire staff at Wilderness Ridge Club & Resort for their outstanding hospitality and support in hosting this year’s event.
A special thank you goes to title sponsor Nelnet, along with supporting sponsors Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola, Vinnie Krikac State Farm Insurance Agency, Mizuno Golf, Miller & Sons Golf Cars (E-Z-GO), Bushnell Golf, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Their continued support helps make Golf Fore The Troops possible and allows the event to continue making a meaningful impact on military families throughout Nebraska.
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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.