Lincoln, NE – Highlands Golf Course welcomed both Nebraska PGA Professionals and UNL PGA Golf Management students for a full day of competition featuring simultaneous events.
Leading up to the championship, Nebraska PGA Professionals competed in a season-long points race to qualify for the 28-player, professional-only Vinnie Krikac State Farm Insurance Agency Nebraska PGA Cup Series Championship. Players were seeded based on scoring average and battled in an 18-hole qualifying round, with the top five (and ties) advancing to the afternoon alternate-shot shootout for the title.
In addition, a team event paired two NEPGA Professionals with two UNL PGM students in a unique four-person format. The front nine was contested as best-ball, while the back nine shifted to a scramble. This structure provided a special opportunity for current PGA Members to connect with aspiring professionals from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Play began with a 10:00 a.m. shotgun start. In the professional qualifying round, Mike Coatman of Firethorn Golf Club and Alex Carper, PGA of Alex Carper Golf delivered one of the most impressive performances in tournament history. The duo fired a flawless bogey-free 18 holes, carding 10 birdies and two eagles to finish at 14-under par, leading the field. Close behind were Tony Driscoll, PGA (Whispering Woods GC) and Carson Schaake (Tiburon GC) at 11-under, followed by Mitch Klooz (Champions Run) and Kyle Schellpeper, PGA (Wayne CC) at 10-under. Four more teams tied at 9-under, setting up a seven-team alternate-shot shootout.
The shootout was filled with drama from the very first hole. A tie-breaking chip-off advanced Austin Miller, PGA (Omaha CC) and Mark Foelbaek, PGA (CCL). On the next hole, Foelbaek drove the green on No. 2, but Schellpeper answered with a brilliant chip-in eagle to send him and Klooz forward.
The final showdown came down to Schellpeper & Klooz versus Coatman & Carper. After tying three straight holes, the championship was decided on No. 18. With his partner facing a difficult 70-yard approach, Schellpeper calmly sank a 30-foot birdie putt to seal the victory.
After their strong 10-under qualifying round and clutch playoff performance, Schellpeper and Klooz were crowned the 2025 Vinnie Krikac State Farm Insurance Agency Cup Series Champions.
In the Nebraska PGA & UNL PGM team event, the team of Coatman, Carper, Logan Kollofski, and Drake Holm carded an outstanding 18-under to capture the title.
The Nebraska Section PGA extends sincere thanks to Vinnie Krikac for his continued support of the Nebraska Section PGA, Nebraska Junior Golf, and PGA REACH Nebraska. Gratitude also goes to event partners Nebraska Golf & Turf (Club Car), Sterling Cut Glass, and the PGA Tour for their support. Finally, a special thank you to Host Professional Dennis Vontz, PGA, and the entire Highlands Golf Course staff for hosting a first-class event.
Click HERE for the 2025 Nebraska PGA Cup Series Results
Click HERE for the 2025 Nebraska PGA / UNL PGM Results
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.