Lincoln, NE – In a collaboration between the Nebraska PGA, Nebraska Golf Association and the Nebraska Women’s Amateur Golf Association (NWAGA), the fourth edition of the Union Bank & Trust Pro + Ladies Jamboree took place at The Country Club of Lincoln. The event raises funds for girls junior golfers across Nebraska in three separate ways.
First, the Laura Saf Scholarship is presented annually by the Nebraska Golf Foundation to a junior golfer that is working on becoming an elite player and needs financial assistance.
Next up, is PGA REACH Nebraska’s Clubs FORE Youth Program which supplies new clubs, push carts and PGA instruction to high school girls golf programs across the Section.
Finally, the third benefactor of the event is NWAGA’s TEE Grant which provides financial support to female junior golfers with golf related expenses. The Union Bank & Trust Pro+Ladies Jamboree continues to make a profound impact on girls across the state.
In addition to raising funds for a great cause, two competitive events take place simultaneously with both a professional-only event and a pro-am event featuring one Nebraska PGA Professional and three NWAGA members. PGA Professionals teamed up with three women from their home clubs for a special day that brings together golfers from all across the state.
“As fun as this day is for us, we’re truly here to raise money for a great cause in honor of our dear friend Laura Saf and all that she stood for”, said NWAGA Vice-President Maggie Peters.
A picture perfect day with beautiful weather welcomed 120 players to CCL and we witnessed incredible play all across the board. The Professional-only leaderboard was one of the most impressive from the entire 2024 season for the Section. Led by Mike Coatman of Firethorn Golf Club with a blistering 63 (-10), 9 players shot under par and five players were 5-under or better. Birdies were flying across the course and both Jay Cottam, PGA of Meadowlark Hills Golf Course and Brady Schnell of Firethorn Golf Club managed to fire rounds of 64 (9-under). Along with his 64, Schnell made a hole-in-one on No. 10 early in his round.
In addition to the Professional event, the teams of Professionals and NWAGA members competing in a best-ball format in three different flights. We want to congratulate all of the flight medalists and the entire field on an impressive display of golf. With that being said, the day meant more than just a competition, it will have a lasting impact on youth scholar athletes in our local communities.
“All three organizations take the funds raised today to impact their respective programs that positively impact people in our communities and that’s why it’s important for our club to host this event”, said Director of Golf Nick Muller, PGA.
For PGA REACH Nebraska, the timing of the Pro + Ladies event couldn’t have come at a better time. Halfway through the round, the news came in from the Exeter-Milligan-Friend high school girls golf team that they advanced through districts to punch their ticket into the Nebraska Girls State Golf tournament. Why is that noteworthy? A little more than a year ago, their golf team was selected by PGA REACH Nebraska to be a recipient of their Clubs FORE Youth Program which donates clubs, push carts and PGA Instruction.
This was proof in real time that the work being done through the Union Bank & Trust Pro + Ladies Jamboree is making a profound impact on the future of our game.
“It’s special to see so many women and people come together in an effort to grow the game of golf and to impact young girls that are aspiring golfers. It was an easy yes for Union Bank & Trust (UBT) to sponsor this event and we’re happy to be a part of it”, said Doris Roberston of UBT.
We want to thank not only Union Bank & Trust but all of our hole sponsors and teams that signed up to compete in such a special event that impacts our communities. We also want to thank the entire staff at The Country Club of Lincoln for once again stepping up to host this event. We’re already looking forward to the fifth edition of the event!
ABOUT THE NEBRASKA SECTION PGA
The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of over 300 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.
ABOUT THE NEBRASKA GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Nebraska Golf Association (NebGolf), founded in 1966, is comprised of all members of public and private clubs and/or municipal or regional golf associations which utilize an approved handicap service recognized by the USGA and provided by NebGolf. Our mission is to uphold and promote the game of golf and its values to all golfers in Nebraska. Among the duties of the Association include governance of member clubs and service as their handicapping and course rating authority, conduct of state golf championships, local USGA qualifying & other notable competitions, promotion of junior golf, presentation of worthwhile educational programs and support of allied golf organizations in Nebraska. The Nebraska Golf Association is an Allied Golf Association of the USGA and carries out core services including Handicap Administration and Oversight, Course Rating, Rules of Golf and Rules of Amateur Status, Tournaments and USGA Championship Qualifiers and USGA Initiatives and Community Programs.