Columbus, NE – A total of 115 professional and amateur golfers from across the country teed off at Elks Country Club for the 35th annual Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nebraska Open. Historically one of the state’s premier golf tournaments, the event also raises scholarship funds for Nebraska community college students. Thanks to support from the Nebraska PGA, Nebraska Public Power District, and BCBSNE, the tournament has now surpassed $2.2 million in scholarships over its 35-year history—impacting hundreds of local students.
Following the Pro-Am and scholarship banquet, the competition got underway with a purse of more than $60,000. Each year, the field includes top professional and amateur golfers from Nebraska as well as players from around the world who hold cards on various professional tours. Both the professional and amateur divisions compete in the 54-hole event for separate purses, adding extra drama as the tournament unfolds.
After 36 holes, a familiar face had built a commanding lead heading into the final round. Tiburon Golf Club Teaching Professional Carson Schaake of Omaha, Nebraska, came out firing and never let up.
Schaake opened the tournament in blistering fashion, making four birdies and an eagle over his first seven holes to quickly reach 6-under. He carried that momentum throughout the rest of the round, posting an opening 8-under 63.
He kept his foot on the gas in Round 2, delivering another impressive performance with a 7-under 64. Even more remarkable, Schaake remained bogey-free through 36 holes and built a five-shot advantage heading into the final round.
Schaake’s first bogey of the 54-hole championship didn’t come until his 52nd hole of the week, a testament to just how dominant his performance was from start to finish. He closed with a 4-under 67 to finish at 19-under for the tournament, tying the event’s all-time scoring record.
The victory also carried plenty of history. Schaake became the first Nebraska PGA Member or Associate to capture the title in 20 years, joining Justin Herron, who last accomplished the feat in 2006.
For Schaake, the win also brought some redemption. After falling in a playoff at the 34th edition of the tournament, he returned this year and left little doubt, blitzing the field on his way to winning an event he said he had “been after for years.”
In addition to Schaake capturing the overall championship, Iowa PGA’s Judd Gibb put together a remarkable week of his own, earning the Senior Division title with a three-round total of 2-over.
Claiming the Amateur Division trophy was former Nebraska men’s golfer Harry Crockett, who turned in an impressive performance throughout the week to finish at 5-under for the championship. Congratulations to both Gibb and Crockett on an outstanding week of golf!
Special thanks go to title sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska for supporting both competitive golf and Nebraska students, as well as to the Nebraska Public Power District for making the Pro-Am a memorable day for everyone involved. Appreciation also goes to Head Golf Professional Derrick Ceder, PGA, and the entire Elks Country Club team for once again hosting a top-tier event.
For full results & more info from the 35th Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nebraska Open, CLICK HERE.
ABOUT THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD NEBRASKA OPEN
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nebraska Open is endorsed and operated by the Nebraska Section of the PGA and the Nebraska Golf Association and coordinated by Nebraska Public Power District. The proceeds are donated to the Nebraska Community College Foundation, which awards scholarships to hundreds of needy Nebraska students attending five community colleges in the state. These colleges include Central Community College, Columbus, Hastings & Grand Island; Southeast Community College; Lincoln, Milford; Beatrice; Northeast Community College, Norfolk; Mid-Plains Community College, North Platte; McCook; and Western Nebraska Community College, Sidney; Scottsbluff.
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.