Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Max Hadenfeldt, PGA and Robert Thomason, PGA as co-recipients of the Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball for the month of January.

The mission statement of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is to ignite the true potential in every athlete, and no one does it better than PGA Professionals when it comes to growing the game of golf. This mission was carried out by both Hadenfeldt and Thomason in 2024 when they introduced PGA Jr. League at their respective facilities for the first time.

Throughout the past decade, junior golf has risen to a new level across the Nebraska Section, and the same can be said all the way out in the panhandle. Max Hadenfeldt, PGA is the Director of Golf at Scotts Bluff Country Club while Robert Thomason, PGA is the Head Professional at Monument Shadows Golf Course. The two PGA Professionals love to grow the game of golf and in 2024, they bought into PGA of America program to help them do so.

PGA Jr. League has become a leading program for PGA Professionals across the Nebraska Section and the evidence is in the numbers. In 2024, more than 2,000 junior golfers participated spanning across 41 different facilities. Three of the eight largest programs in the country were hosted in the Nebraska Section (First Tee of Omaha, The Ridge Golf Club and Pine Lake Golf & CC). The unprecedented growth featured Max and Robert’s programs out in the panhandle which brought PGA Jr. League to that region of Nebraska for the first time.

“Western Nebraska has traditionally had some pretty good Junior Golf, and Robert and I both have programs in place to help in the development process, but neither of us had anything like this that helps teach kiddos the logistics and etiquette of playing team golf, rather than traditional technique practices around each club’s practice facilities”, said Hadenfeldt.

After a successful inaugural season of PGA Jr. League, Thomason reflects on their decision to come around to the idea of a new program and the benefits it brought both of their facilities.

“I had a lot of parents that were hesitant about the cost of the program, but after seeing the program in action, those parents wished they would’ve been a part of it. I believe our two programs will continue to grow and be very beneficial for our communities”, said Thomason.

Not only have the two PGA Jr. League coaches bought in, but they both have seen the program impact their junior golfers.

“I personally noticed many more juniors playing and practicing around the facility throughout the summer months. Not only did I see more parents bringing their kids with them to play and practice, I also noticed more juniors pushing their clubs around the facility with other juniors, which reminded me of myself and my buddies from back in the day”, said Hadenfeldt.

Through the program, Hadenfeldt and Thomason recruited 40 junior golfers to participate and throughout the summer, they hosted multiple practices and four official tournaments in which they competed against each other. When asked about the hesitancy to begin the program, Hadenfeldt was honest while shedding some light on why he believes PGA Jr. League is worth it.

“We had major hesitancy because of how busy we get and how many other things we have going on and where do we find the time? Trust me, the time commitment is minor, the kiddos love it, the program is super flexible, the demand is there, and the money is great. To those of you that have considered starting a PGA Jr League program but haven’t quite jumped into it, do it! I’d be surprised if you have any regrets” said Hadenfeldt.

With help and guidance from Kurt Karcher, PGA of the Nebraska Section, both PGA Professionals jumped on board and implemented the new program into their facilities. For that reason and what they’ve done to grow the game of golf to juniors across Western Nebraska, the two NEPGA Professionals were chosen as the first 2025 recipients of our Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball.

“It’s always nice to be recognized by anyone, but especially by your peers and by those who are a part of the same daily grind”, said Hadenfeldt.

“It is very gratifying to be recognized by our peers who know exactly what our days and weeks look like in the summer. PGA Jr League was one of, if not the most enjoyable part of last years golf season. I’m with Max on giving it a chance you won’t regret it”, said Thomason.

Nominations for the next Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball open on February 1st and will close at 11:59 PM on February 15th.

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.