Lincoln, NE – Wilderness Ridge Country Club hosted 33 teams for the 19th Annual Golf Fore The Troops Pro-Am, presented by Nelnet. Since the inception of the event, its raised more than $220,000 for military families which have been given out in college scholarships to military personnel and/or their children. Co-chairmen Jim White, PGA MP and Dave Breetzke started the event with a vision to make a positive impact, but they never could’ve imagined the success it has had over the years.
“This is a very small thing we can do to give back to those who make tremendous sacrifices for us,” said White.
White’s father served during World War ll and was involved with D-Day, influencing his decision and motivation to begin the tournament alongside Breetzke.
“Mostly all of us have had some part of our family play a role in the military and even a few of our Nebraska PGA Professionals are Veterans themselves and I think that’s why this event has resonated with so many,” said White.
Hear more from the Co-Chairmen here!
Along with the fundraising aspect of Golf Fore The Troops, the competition has always been a strong part of the event and a piece that White has enjoyed on top of the positive impact. With that being said, the 33 teams competed in a 2-net format while each of the Nebraska PGA Professionals played in a Professional-only event on top.
In the Professional-only division, four players finished in red figures led by a familiar champion during this year’s Nebraska PGA circuit, Carson Schaake of Tiburon Golf Club. The heater continued as he shot a field best 66 (5-under) to win Low-Professional honors after a bogey-free day featuring five birdies. Finishing one-shot off of Schaake was Happy Hollow Club’s Ryan Vermeer, PGA. Tying for third was Jon Petersen, PGA of Tiburon Golf Club and Mike Coatman, PGA of Firethorn Golf Club with respective rounds of 70 (1-under).
In the team event, several squads shot incredible scores but none better than PGA Life Member Chris Wiemers and his amateur teammates Kelly Vande Mheen, Scott Veitzer and Eric Wilson. Their team shot a blistering 120 (22-under) in the two-net format to win by one shot over Brady Schnell’s team from Firethorn Golf Club. Wiemer’s team got off to a hot start as they were 10-under through 8 holes and they never looked back. Their squad will forever be etched into the long-standing Golf Fore The Troops Pro-Am plaque.
We extend our sincere thanks to General Manager Andrew Van Ert, PGA, Head Golf Professional Brad Bailey, PGA, Director of Agronomy Gabe Aguirre, and the entire Wilderness Ridge CC staff for their outstanding hospitality and support of the event.
A special thank you to our title sponsor Nelnet, along with supporting sponsors Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola, Vinnie Krikac’s State Farm Insurance Agency, Mizuno Golf, Miller & Sons Golf Cars (E-Z-GO), Bushnell Golf and Tito’s Handmade Vodka for making this event possible.
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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.