Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Jon Petersen, PGA of Tiburon Golf Club as their Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball recipient for the month of June.

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. That mission is being put on display by Petersen alongside his students and their successes on the golf course through competitive golf tournaments.

For the past 13 years, Petersen has been the Director of Instruction at Tiburon GC in Omaha, NE. Over the course of his teaching career, Petersen has fostered genuine relationships with his students on the golf course and he’s measured his own success through the success of his students.

“Why do I do it? Watching my students grow on and off the golf course, seeing them improve their game while winning golf tournaments and meeting their goals. That’s why I do it. It’s about their success and the process it takes to reach their maximum potential”, Petersen said when asked what he cherishes about his career.

His passion, dedication and love for teaching the game of golf is evident and he’s left a lasting impact on many young lives. Recently, his students have put on a display across the Section and even across the country.

Jon Petersen’s students successes over the past month:

  • 8 of his 15 students competing in the 2024 Nebraska High School Boys State Golf Championships finished in the top 10 in their respective classes
    • Longtime student Conner Steichen (UTEP Commit) won the Class A State Individual Title
  • Luke Strako earned NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American Honors
  • Attended the 2024 U.S. Open with student and fellow instructor Carson Schaake
  • Beau Petersen won the 57th Nebraska Junior Am
  • Christopher Atkinson advanced through the 1st Stage of US Am Qualifying
  • Sam Vocelka won the 2024 Nebraska Boys 16+ Junior PGA Championship
    • Beau Petersen finished runner-up
  • Chloe DiPrima won the 2024 Nebraska Girls 13-15 Junior PGA Championship
  • Six Students made the 2024 Nebraska Match Play Championship Bracket
    • Beau Petersen advanced to the 36-Hole Match Play Final
  • Tye Treadwell shot an opening round 68 (-4) in the AJGA Junior All-Star at Webster
  • Several students have won on the Nebraska Junior Golf Tour

The statistics, awards and accomplishments speak for themselves and Petersen’s students have truly been dominant in recent months and even years. In 2021, Petersen won the Nebraska PGA’s Teacher of the Year award proving his success and his students successes have been consistent and sustained.

In addition, Petersen enjoys to play the game competitively himself, and most times, he plays it pretty darn well. One of his favorite parts about his job is on-course teaching and playing competitively alongside his students. In a way, they push each other to be better.

“I get to play golf with some really good, young players. We talk about course management and the importance of it, golf IQ, and they all like to beat me any chance they get. I’m always up for the competition and I think it’s created a fun and competitive atmosphere for all of us”, Petersen said.

When it comes down to it, Petersen says he’s nothing without his students. He’s grateful for their trust in him and their willingness to put in the necessary work it takes to reach their full potentials.

“These students work hard, they love and believe in the process. They want to compete throughout the year and sometimes it ends with a win and that makes it even more fun”, he said.

Petersen mentioned he’s not only thankful for his students, but the facility that he calls home.

“I get paid to do something that I love in all seriousness, rarely does it ever feel like a job. I’m grateful for the support I get from Tiburon Golf Club and how they’ve treated me over the years”, said Petersen.

Petersen and his students have built a program and culture around winning because they know what it takes. He mentioned one of the coolest parts of the journey has been seeing former students come back and remain engaged with younger students. The past students have turned to mentors and began to make an impact of their own. The passing of the torch represents the encouraging and welcoming environment Petersen has built.

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

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.