Omaha, NE – The final four competitors in the Nebraska PGA’s annual Match Play Championship gathered at Omaha Country Club for an exciting conclusion to the season-long event. Supported by the PGA TOUR and Rolex, the championship began in May with a 64-player bracket, culminating in Thursday’s semifinal and championship matches.
With one of the Section’s most prestigious trophies on the line, four talented competitors entered the day with their sights set on the title.
The morning semifinals featured two highly anticipated matchups. On one side of the bracket, Justin Herron, PGA, of Oak Hills Country Club faced Brady Schnell of Firethorn Golf Club. On the opposite side, Mike Coatman, PGA, of Firethorn Golf Club squared off against five-time champion Ryan Vermeer, PGA, of Happy Hollow Club.
In the Schnell–Herron matchup, both players came out firing, each recording two birdies on the front nine in a tightly contested battle. However, Schnell seized control on the back nine, delivering a flawless, bogey-free performance that included four birdies. The Firethorn Golf Club Teaching Professional ultimately secured a 3&1 victory over the former champion to punch his ticket to the afternoon final.
The second semifinal saw Vermeer establish an early advantage, maintaining a narrow one- to two-hole lead for much of the match against Coatman. Drawing on his championship experience, Vermeer remained steady throughout the round before pulling away late to secure a 3&1 victory, earning another opportunity to add to his impressive Match Play Championship resume.
The afternoon championship match set the stage for a compelling showdown between five-time champion Ryan Vermeer and former touring professional Brady Schnell.
Both competitors wasted little time showcasing their talent, trading birdies throughout an entertaining front nine. Each player carded three birdies on the opening nine holes, setting the tone for a closely contested championship battle.
The momentum shifted early on the back nine when Schnell stumbled with consecutive bogeys on holes 10 and 11. Vermeer capitalized on the opportunity, building an advantage that would prove difficult to overcome.
Refusing to go down without a fight, Schnell mounted a late charge with birdies on Nos. 12 and 14. Despite his efforts, Vermeer remained composed and closed out the match on the 16th hole, securing a 3&2 victory and his sixth Nebraska PGA Match Play Championship title.
With the victory, Vermeer added 2026 to his event resume, having previously captured the title in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2024.
The Happy Hollow Club Teaching Professional navigated a challenging bracket, defeating several of the Section’s top competitors on his way to the title.
- Round of 64: Defeated Joe Sutter, 5&4
- Round of 32: Defeated Brad Bailey, 1 UP
- Quarterfinals: Defeated Kevin Drew, 3&2
- Semifinals: Defeated Mike Coatman, PGA, 3&1
- Championship: Defeated Brady Schnell, 3&2
The Nebraska PGA extends its sincere appreciation to PGA TOUR and Rolex for their continued support of the Match Play Championship and for helping provide this outstanding season-long competitive opportunity for Nebraska PGA Members.
We would also like to thank Director of Golf Tony Pesavento, PGA, Head Golf Professional Dominick Mitchum, PGA, and the entire staff at Omaha Country Club for their exceptional hospitality and for hosting the semifinal and championship matches.
Congratulations to Ryan Vermeer, PGA, on capturing his sixth Nebraska PGA Match Play Championship title!
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.