LINCOLN, Neb. – Each year the Nebraska Section PGA is pleased to reward distinction and honor to PGA Professionals for their contributions to the game of golf and their communities at the Section and National level. These awards recognize extraordinary accomplishments, expertise, distinction and service. It is with great pride that the below PGA Professionals have been nominated by the Nebraska Section PGA Nominating Committee for the following prestigious awards. The Nebraska Section PGA Selection Committee will announce the winners of each of these awards on January 21, 2021.
Golf Professional of the Year – The highest award our Section presents. This award is based on overall performance as a PGA golf professional, including leadership, service and promotion of the game. Nominees: Kevin Drew, PGA; Connor Farrell, PGA; Dominick Mitchum, PGA; Gil Russell, PGA and Seth Scollard, PGA.
Teacher of the Year – Awarded for excellence in golf instruction along with overall performance as a golf professional. Nominees: Kevin Boehler, PGA; Jeff Henry, PGA; James Kinney, PGA; Jonathan Mielke, PGA; Zac Morley, PGA; Sarah Pravecek, PGA and Bob Saffer, PGA.
Bill Strausbaugh Award – Awarded to an individual who by their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves in the areas that truly reflect the characteristics and qualities that Bill Strausbaugh possessed during his lifetime – service to his Association, service to his fellow PGA professionals in helping them improve their employment situations and service to the community. Nominees: Mike Antonio, PGA and Seth Scollard, PGA.
PGA Professional Development Award – Bestows special recognition for outstanding service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA golf professional. Nominees: Greg Neujahr, PGA and James Sieckmann, PGA
Youth Player Development – Awarded to the PGA golf professional who is a leader in junior golf, reflects the image and qualities that juniors can emulate, and provides opportunities for juniors to learn and play golf. Nominees: Jonathan Mielke, PGA; Austin Miller, PGA; Zac Morley, PGA; Sarah Pravecek, PGA and Karrie Van Ravenswaay, PGA.
Merchandiser of the Year/Private Facility – Recognizes the PGA golf professional that has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf. Nominees: Ky Molholm, PGA; Jon Moore, PGA; Nick Muller, PGA and Brandon Wedding, PGA.
Merchandiser of the Year/Public Facility – Recognizes the PGA golf professional that has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf. Nominees: Jake Burling, PGA and Matt Shaner, PGA.
Facility of the Year – Recognizes the golf facility that has played an important role in Section activities, as well as promotion of the game of the golf for men, ladies and juniors. Nominees: Awarii Dunes GC, Axtell, NE; Dakota Dunes CC, Dakota Dunes, SD; Field Club of Omaha, Omaha, NE; Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, NE; Hillcrest CC, Lincoln, NE; Oak Hills CC, Omaha, NE; Scottsbluff CC, Scottsbluff, NE; Stone Creek GC, Omaha, NE and Tiburon GC, Omaha, NE.
Sales Representative of the Year– Based on overall performance as a sales representative including product knowledge, service, professionalism, and involvement in Section activities. Nominees: Marc Cruse, PGA, Columbia; Matt Geschke, PING; Kyle Kortebein, Travis Matthews; Tad Leistico, Cleveland/Srixon; Tyler Schaaf, Mizuno; Stan Sheffield, FootJoy; and John Sheridan, Under Armour.
Assistant Professional of the Year – This award is based on overall performance as an assistant professional, including leadership, service and promotion of the game. Nominees: Brad Bailey, PGA; Jake Burling, PGA; Brian Fauss, PGA; Justin Henry, PGA; James Weaver, PGA and Brandon Wedding, PGA.
Player Development – Based on the PGA golf professional’s growth of the game leadership commitment at the Section and National levels and the impact made at the facility. Nominees: Tony Baranowski, PGA; David James, PGA; Alex Janssen, PGA and Sarah Pravecek, PGA.
Patriot Award – Recognizes the PGA Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America. Nominees: Mike Antonio, PGA; Owen Schuette, PGA and Seth Scollard, PGA
About the Nebraska Section PGA
The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of approximately 262 PGA Members and 25 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.