Omaha, NE – Champions Run in Omaha welcomed a record-breaking 79 players for the 2025 Nebraska PGA Professional Championship, presented by Club Car (Nebraska Golf & Turf), Corebridge Financial, and Rolex. The 36-hole stroke-play event will send five qualifiers to the national PGA Professional Championship, where top PGA Professionals from around the country will compete. Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club, is already exempt for the national stage as a past champion.

This year’s championship held special significance as it coincided with the Nebraska PGA Section’s Centennial celebration. Adding to the festivities, Nebraska PGA Executive Director David Honnens presented legendary PGA Master Professional Jim White with a custom “G.O.A.T” ring, honoring a remarkable career that spans five decades. White’s accomplishments include 13 Section Championships, 12 Senior Championships, and an astounding 19 Nebraska PGA Player of the Year honors. To learn more history about the Nebraska PGA, click HERE.

In addition to the Section Championship, six women were competing in the 2025 Nebraska Women’s PGA Professional Championship during day 1. The 18-Hole event was won by Sarah Pravecek, PGA of Wilderness Ridge Country Club as she collected her fourth win in her career with a total of 76 (4-over).

Judd Cornell, PGA of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and Steve Friesen, PGA of Firethorn Golf Club, shared the 18-hole lead at 5-under par following strong opening rounds at Champions Run. Justin Herron, PGA of Oak Hills Country Club, sat in solo third at 4-under, while six-time Section Champion Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club, trailed by just two shots at 3-under. Joining Vermeer at 3-under was Jonathan Beaver, PGA of The Ridge Golf Club, making a notable return in his first professional-only Section event in nearly three years.

Tuesday’s final round brought continued favorable scoring conditions at Champions Run, setting the stage for a tightly contested finish. As the afternoon progressed, six players found themselves at 4-under par or better, creating a packed leaderboard with little margin for error. The lead hovered around 7-under for much of the day, adding tension and excitement as players fought for one of the five coveted qualifying spots in the national PGA Professional Championship.

There were several lead changes throughout the final round, but down the stretch, a familiar name emerged at the top once again. Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club, surged ahead with a strong back nine, pushing his round to 5-under on the day and reaching 8-under total with just three holes to play. Despite two late bogeys, Vermeer held steady and was able to clinch yet another memorable victory, adding to his decorated career and further cementing his legacy within the Nebraska PGA Section.

Ryan Vermeer returned to the winner’s circle with rounds of 69‑69, finishing at 6‑under par to secure his seventh Nebraska PGA Professional Championship title, a remarkable milestone especially during the Section’s Centennial year. Finishing tied for runner-up was Shane Zywiec, PGA of Highlands Golf Course and Judd Cornell, PGA of the University of Nebraska.

With Vermeer being exempt into the national event, the next five players on the leaderboard received the spots, giving the Nebraska PGA a bonus player into the PGA Professional Championship once again.

The following players earned qualifying spots:

  • Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club | 6-under
  • Judd Cornell, PGA of University of Nebraska | 5-Under
  • Shane Zywiec, PGA of Highlands Golf Course | 5-Under
  • Jonathan Beaver, PGA of The Ridge Golf Club | 4-Under
  • Justin Herron, PGA of Oak Hills Country Club | 3-Under
  • Steve Friesen, PGA of Firethorn Golf Club | 3-Under

The national championship will be contested at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, OR
from ​April 26-29, 2026.

We would like to thank General Manager Andy Reetz, Director of Golf Greg Neujahr, PGA, Superintendent Greg Jones and the entire staff at Champions Run Omaha for hosting our championship and opening up your course to our PGA Members.

Lastly, we would also like to thank our presenting sponsors Club Car (Nebraska Golf & Turf), Corebridge Financial and Rolex as well as our supporting sponsors Titleist/FootJoy, Callaway, Nike, TaylorMade, and Ship Sticks. We also want to thank our supporting partners Gallagher, Golf Channel and the PGA TOUR.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RESULTS & MORE INFO

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.

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.