Columbus, NE – Honorary Nebraska PGA Member, Jack Crowley has his name added to the Wells Fargo Nebraska Open trophy. This marks the 33rd year of Nebraska’s State Open, one of the biggest Professional golf events in the midwest. Players from all over the country flock to Columbus to compete for the $70,000+ purse, but there’s another component to the event that makes it even more special, something Jack Crowley envisioned and brought to life.
The Wells Fargo Nebraska Open started in 1992 when Nebraska Public Power District was contacted by the Nebraska Section of the PGA and The Central Community College Foundation.
“It has been the perfect marriage of Business, Industry and Education”, said David Honnens, PGA, CEO of the Nebraska PGA.
Jack Crowley, then Executive Director of the Central Community College Foundation provided the vision and brought everyone to the table. Today, the event celebrates over $2 million in scholarships being awarded to students throughout the Central Community College system and if it weren’t for Jack, none of this would’ve been possible.
Jack’s significant contributions to The Wells Fargo Nebraska Open will continue to be recognized for the rest of time as the tournament’s trophy now bears his name, “The Jack Crowley Trophy.”
“Today, we get to honor Mr. Jack Crowley by naming the trophy after his name. Jack’s vision for this tournament has impacted thousands of lives in the Nebraska Community College System and that should forever be remembered”, said Honnens.
The Central Community College Foundation has helped thousands of students through scholarship awards and has seen its assets grow to a peak of over $38 million since it was founded in March 1989. Crowley is a big reason for that, and an even bigger reason for the way the State Open has flourished. Back in 2021, Crowley was invited to attend the 30th anniversary of the event to hit the ceremonial tee shot where a large gathering of people watched his ball find the fairway.
Longtime Nebraska PGA Professional Jim White is good friends with Crowley and they sat in the board room next to each other as the first plans were put together to get the State Open off the ground back in 1992. White spoke about Crowley’s impact on both the tournament and the thousands of lives impacted by the event.
“Jack’s a great guy and a dear friend of mine and he trusted the Nebraska Section PGA’s vision to create the State Open”, said White.
“With his role within the Central Community College System, it was a match made in heaven to tie the tournament together with college scholarships for Nebraska students. He had a lot of passion for both golf and the students, and he followed through. 33 years later, more than $2 million has been raised and given out to Nebraska kids, and that wouldn’t have been possible without him”, said White.
The 33rd edition of the event was led off with yesterday’s Pro-Am at Elks Country Club and more than $70,000 was raised once again for scholarships. It’s a special year for everyone involved on both sides of the event and we’re grateful so many young lives have and will continue to be impacted through the tournament.
We want to thank all of the partners, businesses and corporations that have believed in our mission and donated to the great cause through sponsorships. We also want to thank the Nebraska Public Power District and their entire team for all that they do year in and year out to organize the Pro-Am and all of the money raised.
ABOUT THE WELLS FARGO NEBRASKA OPEN
The Wells Fargo Nebraska Open is endorsed and operated by the Nebraska Section of the PGA and the Nebraska Golf Association and coordinated by Nebraska Public Power District. The proceeds are donated to the Nebraska Community College Foundation, which awards scholarships to hundreds of needy Nebraska students attending five community colleges in the state. These colleges include Central Community College, Columbus, Hastings & Grand Island; Southeast Community College; Lincoln, Milford; Beatrice; Northeast Community College, Norfolk; Mid-Plains Community College, North Platte; McCook; and Western Nebraska Community College, Sidney; Scottsbluff.
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.