Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Jon Benson, PGA of Mahoney Golf Course as the Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball recipient for the month of March.
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 has been carried out by Benson throughout his 20-year career at Mahoney Golf Course.
Year after year, the game of golf evolves and new technology comes out, trends in merchandise change and most importantly, the game continues to grow and the demand increases. These are all aspects that can make operating a golf facility challenging at times.
Benson is a great example of a Nebraska PGA Professional that works tirelessly to give public golfers the best experience possible when they step foot on property. One aspect of the job that excites Benson, is merchandising.
“I have been fortunate to have worked for two great merchandisers as I was growing up in the industry, Cory Fletcher and Denis Vontz. I enjoy having my merchandise selection to be something that excites the golfer as they walk into our pro shop,” said Benson.
This winter, Benson brought in Mahoney GC’s first indoor simulator bay which features a SkyTrak launch monitor. Not only did this addition provide a place for the public to practice during the offseason, but it was also used for golf lessons.
During the 2024 season, Benson expanded tournament and league play. Leagues nights are available Monday-Friday at Mahoney Golf Course and the tee sheets are consistently full. Along with that, the facility runs several tournaments featuring full fields.
Benson also stands out through his dedication to mentoring the future PGA Professionals that represent the University of Nebraska – Lincoln PGA Golf Management Program.
Currently, Benson employs four students from the program and this has been a consistent approach of his over the years.
“I was once a PGM student at the University of Nebraska and I’ve always wanted to give back by helping the future of our game,” said Benson.
Another way Benson has found a way to give back to the future is by providing Mahoney Golf Course as a place to practice and compete for both high school golf teams and juniors that compete on the Nebraska Junior Golf Tour.
Whether it’s growing the game, mentoring the next PGA Golf Professionals or styling golfers that walk through his shop, Benson has shown a true dedication to the customers at his facility.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by my fellow PGA Professionals for the Wilson Game Ball award. I love being a part of such a fantastic PGA Section striving to grow the game of golf and this will motivate me even more going forward,” said Benson.
Nominations for the next Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball opened on April 1st and will close at 11:59 PM on April 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.