PGA REACH Nebraska Partners with the Pinnacle Bank Championship presented by Aetna for a Week to Remember

Since 2013, PGA REACH Nebraska, the charitable arm of the Nebraska Section PGA, has been positively impacting lives through programming and the game of golf. In a partnership with the Pinnacle Bank Championship presented by Aetna, PGA REACH Nebraska was able to showcase the three pillars (Youth, Military & Inclusion) they touch on a national stage. The Korn Ferry Tour’s regular-season finale being in Omaha represented the perfect opportunity for the foundation to spread awareness of the good they’re doing in the community.

During all four days of the championship, PGA HOPE Nebraska Veterans were invited to hang out at the Hero Hut tent on No. 9 green which was a free benefit for their service to our country. The HOPE graduates enjoyed the camaraderie, food, drinks and fantastic views of play. Presented by PGA REACH Nebraska, the Hero Hut Tribute Wall gave attendees the opportunity to write a message of appreciation and love to those who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms.

PGA HOPE Nebraska Graduates were invited to a golf clinic located at The Club at Indian Creek driving range on Tuesday evening.

Korn Ferry Tour players Brandon Crick and Tom Whitney shared their tips and tricks when it comes to being Professional golfers. It was a perfect evening as PGA HOPE graduates asked several questions about golf and their journey

Next up, our youth pillar was highlighted through our 2022 Nebraska PGA Jr. League Section Championship that took place at The Club at Indian Creek alongside the Korn Ferry Tour event. Our PGA Jr. League All-Stars spent the day warming up on the range next to Tour Professionals before teeing off on the Red Feather course. After the season began with more than 60 teams and 1,400 juniors from across the state, our Section Championship came down to four 13U teams and two 17U teams with one from each division advancing to the regional event in Wisconsin.

The 9-hole competition was capped off by Eastern Nebraska’s All-Star Harper Kalin draining a 60+ foot putt that ignited the crowd and wrapped up the event in a perfect way.

After the completion of Saturday’s play, the All-Star teams advancing to the regional event in Wisconsin were: Eastern Nebraska (101) in the 13U division and The Ridge Golf Club (70) in the 17U division. The event was a tremendous experience for everyone involved and in the words of PGA Professional Nathan Kalin, “something the juniors will never forget in their lifetime.”

Led by the Korn Ferry Tour’s President Alex Baldwin, Nebraska PGA’s Dawn Neujahr, Pinnacle Bank Championship’s Tournament Director Jessica Brabec and former Husker Women’s Golfer Sarah Sasse-Kildow spoke to future generations of women before the final round of the championship. The prominent women shared stories, advice and how they got to where they are in the business of golf. The seminar capped off PGA REACH Nebraska’s week and allowed them to showcase their inclusion pillar.

President of the Korn Ferry Tour, Alex Baldwin spoke Digital Media Director Brett Renner following the ‘Fore Her Golf Summit’. “The girls were full of energy and clearly have a passion for the game and it was my pleasure to speak to them about potential opportunities and how they can leave an impact on the game we all love,” Baldwin said.

This was one of the more impactful weeks for PGA REACH Nebraska since its inception and it was a culmination of all of the hard work many have put in throughout the years. The foundation is grateful for the opportunities it had to highlight its programs and it wouldn’t have been possible without the Pinnacle Bank Championship presented by Aetna.