Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Section PGA has proudly inducted its first-ever Hall of Fame class, honoring six remarkable individuals whose careers have profoundly shaped golf in Nebraska and beyond. This milestone recognizes PGA Members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, playing prowess, service, and unwavering commitment to the game. Inductees are celebrated not only for their competitive achievements but also for their enduring contributions to the Nebraska PGA, PGA REACH Nebraska, and the broader golf community.

The Hall of Fame criteria emphasize a blend of qualities: leadership, moral character, promotion of the PGA image, and a legacy that endures through mentorship and service. The inaugural class sets a high standard, embodying what it truly means to be a complete PGA Professional.

Bob Popp Sr., PGA

Bob Popp Sr. was a towering figure in Nebraska golf, whose career spanned over seven decades. Born in 1929 in Belleville, Illinois, Popp began his journey at his father’s Oak Hill Golf Course before joining the PGA in 1949. He held key professional roles across Kentucky, Ohio, and finally Omaha Country Club, where he served as head golf professional for 31 years.

Popp competed on the PGA Tour, recorded 17 holes-in-one, and captured the Nebraska PGA Section Championship twice. Beyond playing, he held leadership roles as Nebraska PGA president and served multiple terms on the PGA Board of Directors. His involvement in national committees — from the Ryder Cup to the Senior Tour — highlights his far-reaching influence.

Among his many honors are the Nebraska Section Teacher of the Year (1965), PGA Professional of the Year (1978, 1982), and the prestigious National PGA Golf Professional of the Year (1982), a distinction no other Nebraska PGA member has received. He was also inducted into the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame in 1992 and the PGA Hall of Fame in 2005.

Popp passed away in 2021 but leaves a legacy marked by professional excellence, mentorship, and tireless promotion of golf in Nebraska.

Quote from Tony Popp, Bob’s brother:

“Bob was very special, and he touched a lot of lives through the game of golf. He truly cared about others and that was shown day in and day out as a PGA Golf Professional. If he was still with us today, I know he would be honored to be in the inaugural class, and it would mean the world to him. Our family is excited about the news.”

Jack Hoskins, PGA

Jack Hoskins’s career reflects long-term excellence and leadership in the Nebraska PGA community. He earned the Golf Professional of the Year award twice, in 1979 and 2000, and was honored with back-to-back Professional Development Awards in 1979 and 1980. In 1985, he received the Bill Strausbaugh Award, recognizing his mentorship, integrity, and community involvement. Hoskins also served two consecutive terms as Nebraska PGA president from 1979 to 1980.

One of the most impressive parts of Hoskins’ career as a PGA Professional was the number of Assistants he hired under him during his tenure and the amount of those Assistants that went on to earn bigger roles in the industry thanks to his guidance and mentorship. His decades of dedication not only advanced the game but also shaped the professionalism and culture of the Nebraska PGA.

Jack Hoskins on his induction:

“Being inducted into the Nebraska PGA Hall of Fame lets me know that all the efforts and time I put into promoting the PGA and growing the game of golf was appreciated by my fellow professionals. I am excited to be honored at the 2025 Nebraska PGA Gala and that will also give me an opportunity to catch up with fellow PGA Professionals that I haven’t seen in quite some time. I am truly honored and blessed for this opportunity.”

Bob Schuchart, PGA

Following in the footsteps of his father, Bill Schuchart, Bob Schuchart was a Nebraska PGA stalwart for over 50 years. He retired after 26 years as Head Golf Professional at Holmes Park Golf Course in Lincoln. Schuchart served two terms as Nebraska PGA President and was instrumental in establishing the current Nebraska PGA office.

A dedicated teacher and promoter of the game, Schuchart coached many future professionals and maintained strong competitive credentials, including qualifying for the PGA Club Professional Championship and runner-up finishes in the Nebraska PGA Assistants Championship, the Nebraska PGA Section championship and the Section’s pro-assistant championship.

Bob’s son, Mike Schuchart, followed in his footsteps just like he did with his own dad. Mike Schuchart has been a staple of Wilderness Ridge and he currently serves as the President of the Nebraska PGA. The Schucharts represent the only three generation family within the Nebraska PGA.

Quote from Mike Schuchart, Bob’s son:

“Bob’s induction into the inaugural class of the Nebraska PGA Hall of Fame is incredibly exciting, humbling, and unexpected — but so well deserved. To see my father honored for all his hard work, dedication to the PGA and the game of golf, and for truly exemplifying what it means to be a PGA of America Golf Professional, is a powerful moment. It has never been about the accolades for him, but about the love of the game, the people who play it, and the professionals who make it all possible.”

Mike Antonio, PGA

Mike Antonio, Director of Golf at Happy Hollow Club in Omaha, has been a pillar in Nebraska golf. He served as Nebraska PGA President from 2013 to 2015 and played a critical role in launching PGA REACH Nebraska, the charitable arm of the Section, in 2013. Antonio has been recognized twice as Nebraska PGA Golf Professional of the Year and received the Patriot Award for his dedication to PGA HOPE and veterans.

As a competitor, Antonio won the 1990 Nebraska Section PGA Championship and consistently placed as runner-up multiple times. He is deeply involved in community initiatives, notably leading veterans through the PGA HOPE program, which uses golf to support their well-being.

Mike Antonio’s multifaceted career reflects his passion for the game of golf, his leadership within the PGA community, and his unwavering commitment to service. His achievements both on and off the course have left a lasting impact on Nebraska’s golf landscape.

Mike Antonio on his induction:

“I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be selected for the Nebraska PGA Hall of Fame—especially as part of the inaugural class. It’s truly humbling to be recognized alongside some of the biggest names in our organization, and even more so knowing how many great professionals came before me. I owe this honor to the amazing colleagues I’ve worked with over the years—past and present—whose loyalty, hard work, and dedication made this possible. Most of all, I’m thankful for my family. Their support, especially from my wife, Linda Lee, has meant everything. I share this recognition with all of them.”

Tony Pesavento, PGA

With over 40 years as a PGA Professional, Tony Pesavento’s career highlights include serving as Director of Golf at Omaha Country Club since 1993 and holding every office within the Nebraska Section PGA, including two terms as Section President. His leadership helped grow the professionalism of the organization and he played a key role in hosting major events like the U.S. Senior Open.

Tony graduated from Omaha Creighton Prep in 1975 and lettered in golf in 1976 at Nebraska before transferring to Creighton, from which he graduated in 1979. He worked for Nebraska Golf Hall of Famer Gene Johnson at Omaha’s Applewood (now Johnny Goodman) while in PGA Business School. He had the top score in a national class of nearly 600. Before OCC, he was head PGA Professional at Skyline Woods (1983-84), Platteview (1985-86) and Field Club of Omaha (1987 to 1993).

Pesavento has been honored twice as Nebraska PGA Professional of the Year and is a six-time recipient of the Bill Strausbaugh Award for mentorship and service. He is a passionate advocate for junior golf and served on the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame board for over a decade.

Tony Pesavento on his induction:

“I am grateful for the inspiration and motivation I’ve received from my fellow PGA Professionals throughout my journey. Early in my career I was mentored by veteran professionals, who demonstrated what it meant to be a member of our Association. In the middle of my career, my PGA peers kept me focused and engaged. And now, young professionals are teaching me that times change and that there are better ways to accomplish our mission. I am truly humbled and honored by this induction. I am also honored to be a member of our Association and our Section.”

Jim White, PGA MP

Jim White, known as the “G.O.A.T” of Nebraska PGA for his extraordinary playing career, boasts 13 Nebraska PGA Championship titles—the most in the event’s history. Nationally, he won the 2004 Senior PGA Professional National Championship and competed in multiple U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, and PGA Club Professional Championships.

Beyond competition, White helped establish the PGA Professional Golf Management Program at the University of Nebraska, mentoring many PGA professionals including his son, Josh White. He co-designed Lincoln’s Wilderness Ridge Golf Course and founded the Nebraska Golf Academy. In addition, he worked alongside PGA Professional Greg Johannesen to create a new custom fitting system, called PXlll which has been adopted by many and has been used in the UNL PGM’s student curriculum.

Even decades into his career, White remains deeply involved in player development and community engagement.

Jim White on his induction:

“More than anything, it validates my last 50+ years in the golf business. It hasn’t always been easy with mistakes made along the way, but overall, this shows me that I worked hard enough and made enough good decisions that my fellow pros thought I was worthy. Truly an honor to be inducted and I am even more grateful to be included in the inaugural class.”

The Nebraska Section PGA’s inaugural Hall of Fame class represents a legacy of dedication, leadership, and excellence that continues to inspire golf professionals and enthusiasts across the state. Their contributions have shaped the game’s future, enriched communities, and elevated the standards of the profession. As these six legends are immortalized in the Hall of Fame, their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one can make through passion, perseverance, and service to the game. We’re excited to honor this class at the Nebraska PGA Centennial Gala in early December.

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.