NEBRASKA PGA PROFESSIONALS JOIN STUDENTS WITH UNL PGM PROGRAM TO SHARE EXPERIENCES, ADVICE AND MORE ON THE COURSE

Ashland, NE. – Nebraska PGA Professionals teamed up with students from the University of Nebraska PGA Golf Management Program for a great day at Quarry Oaks Golf Club. Not only were the students able to tee it up alongside NEPGA Professionals in a competitive event, but the day was more about our Professionals sharing experiences and advice as the aspiring PGA Professionals from UNL PGM’s program look to follow in their footsteps.

From future Assistant and Head PGA Professionals to merchandisers to competitors, the field boasted young aspiring golfers targeting several different paths in the business. Past president of UNL PGM’s program, Brendan Bond talked about the opportunities the program brings to their students.

“If you’re looking to come into UNL PGM’s program, I couldn’t be more of an advocate for it. It’s given so many great opportunities and not just ones to work in the golf industry but we get to travel the country. So many of our students including myself have done internships across the country and seen so much of the world and that is something unique about our degree path here at the University”, said Bond.

Being in the golf business and being part of the UNL PGM program begins with having a special love for the game and determination to grow the game. UNL PGM’s Secretary Breanna Reynolds talks about her passion and how it’s led her to this career path.

“If you have a passion for golf then this industry and career path is for you. Not only do you get to play the game and practice yourself, but you meet so many amazing people and those connections you make along the way are what make you grow as a PGA Professional”, said Reynolds.

The students at the PGA Golf Management Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln share the mindset that they want to change the game and make it inclusive to all.
“Once I am a PGA Member, I plan to incorporate as many females as possible because there is an obvious shortage of women in our industry. I want to be an advocate for them and push the game to them, it’s so much fun and we have so many opportunities as females out here”, said Reynolds.

“I have always taken a lot of importance into junior golf, that’s where I got started with the game. I had the luxury of having so many great junior golf opportunities in my home state of Illinois, and I think it’s so important to make it available and fun for our youth. That will be my main initiative when I gain PGA membership”, said Bond.

The partnership between the Nebraska PGA and the University of Nebraska’s PGA Golf Management program has been beneficial for each side and Thursday’s event showcased that. 13 Nebraska PGA Professionals were placed on teams with students from the program in a Pro-Am style event at Quarry Oaks GC. Congratulations to the team of Bob Saffer, PGA, John Craw, PGA, Ian Brandt, Seth Sheriff, and Corey Kruger on shooting a team total of 136 (-6) to win the event.

While the competition was fun for everyone involved, the day was highlighted by the connections made and most importantly, recognizing our 2020 Nebraska PGA Scholarship Recipients. At the beginning of the day, UNL PGM students Matt Gilsdorf and Kobe Taylor were honored as this year’s scholarship winners with $2,000 checks to go towards their college education. Nebraska PGA’s Executive Director and CEO, David Honnens, PGA talked about the importance of the event and handing out the scholarships.

“It was a special day to reward two scholarships to well deserving students of the University of Nebraska’s PGM program. Matt and Kobe have showed great determination to grow the game of golf and to succeed as future PGA Professionals and that’s what the award is all about,” said Honnens.

All in all, the event was a tremendous way for our Nebraska PGA Professionals to connect with the future of our industry and we want to thank everyone that came out to play to be part of the event. We would like to thank Director of Golf Joe Sutter, PGA, Head PGA Professional Brian Steventon, PGA, Superintendent Ken Cuddy and the entire Professional staff at Quarry Oaks Golf Club for hosting us! We would also like to thank AHEAD USA and Chesterman Co. for supporting the event and for helping us make it happen.

1 Bob Saffer Crooked Creek GC   F -6 136
John Craw
Ian Brandt
Seth Sheriff
Corey Kruger

2 Jared Keenan Crooked Creek GC   F -3 139
Jacob Wright
Collin Toner
Kyle Murray

T3 Jim White Fairways at Lincoln   F E 142
Andrew Martin
Nelson Smith
Joel Johnson

T3 Sarah Pravecek Wilderness Ridge   F E 142
Breanna Reynolds
Joseph Sherman
Emily Gustafson

5 Mark Baumann Eagle Hills   F +1 143
Michael Verkinderen
Dylan Beck
Jackson Hamlin

6 Drew Van Ert Ashland GC   F +3 145
Chris Rasmussen
Noah Vahle
Ryan Kamentz

T7 Phil Palmer Miracle Hill G&T   F +5 147
Andrew Colson
John Brightmore
Jack Olson
Chase Largen

T7 Bernie Blan College Heights Country Club   F +5 147
Billy Rhiley
Ryan Douglas
Hunter Deines

9 Jared Frost Miracle Hill G&T   F +6 148
James Rust
Matthew Gilsdorf
Jason Palmer
Kobe Taylor

10 Anthony Driscoll Bent Tree   F +7 149
Tyler Jennings
Joseph Utz
Jason Stewart

11 Dominick Mitchum Omaha CC   F +9 151
Connor Jensen
Carson Tatro
Brendan Bond

12 Daniel Palmer Omaha CC   F +16 158
Jack Christensen
Samuel Gage
WoNo Yoo