LINCOLN, NE – Over 400 years separated the experience of the Nebraska Section PGA Members and UNL-PGM Students who teed it up in the Second Annual “Legends and Young Guns Golf Classic” at Highlands Golf Course. In one round of golf relationships for a lifetime were made. “Although we are separated by four or five decades, we are just as passionate about the game of golf and to spend the afternoon with the next generation of PGA Members was very rewarding for all of the PGA Members who played,” said John Craw, PGA, Past-President of the Nebraska Section PGA. The event kicked off with a morning round table session and during this session it was evident the UNL-PGM PGA Students were soaking up this opportunity to interact with Nebraska PGA Members who were either 50+ or had 20+ years’ experience as a PGA Member. “As a student to have the opportunity to learn from and interact with these PGA Members who have had tremendous careers and ask them questions about how to begin my career was priceless,” said Nathan Vaughn, President of the UNL-PGM Student Club.
After the morning pleasantries two (2) PGA Members were paired up with three (3) UNL-PGM PGA Students in a best-ball format. The PGA Members were identified as, “Legends” and the UNL-PGM PGA Students were referred to as, “Young Guns.” It was safe to say, that these aspiring PGA Members impressed these current PGA Members. The level of golf played by the “Legends and Young Guns” was very impressive as all the teams finished under-par in the blustery conditions. In the end, the team of Ross Barnes, PGA, Joey Chandra, Jason Palmer and Dylan Dauenhauer captured this inaugural event at 14-under-par 130. Mike Schuchart, PGA helped the team immensely as he was a ‘Blind Draw’ to help the team who only had four players.
The day concluded with four (4) UNL-PGM PGA Students receiving scholarships for the 2019-2020 school-year. Eric Kovarik and Kyle Murray received $1,000 scholarships. Joel Johnson and Blake Schroeder received $2,000 scholarships.
The Nebraska Section PGA would like to thank our sponsors for today’s tournament, AHEAD USA, regional sales rep, Clark Smith, PGA, Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola, Bushnell Golf, regional sales rep John Novosel and Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO regional sales rep, Tad Leistico. Lastly, this event would not be possible without the support of Highlands Golf Course staff led by Denis Vontz, PGA Head Professional and Golf Course Superintendent, Matt Noble.
Team Results:
1 Ross Barnes Blind Draw Joseph Chandra Jason Palmer Dylan Dauenhauer 66-64–130 -14
T2 Tom Hearn Joe Sutter Josh Baldus Collin Toner Corey Kruger 65-66–131 -13
T2 Scott Holly Mike Schuchart Blake Schroeder James Rust Doris Zhao 64-67–131 -13
4 Charlie Borner Don Germer Kyle Murray Beth Hildebrant Sam Pella 67-67–134 -10
5 John Craw Bob Saffer Travis Loudner Austin Miller Gabby Carollo 67-72–139 -5
6 Cory Fletcher Greg Johannesen Bill Rhiley Tanner Oelke Arihant Mittal 68-72–140 -4
T7 Terry Riordan Chris Thomson Nate Vaughn Joel Johnson Eric Kovarik 70-71–141 -3
T7 Mark Mooberry Marc Cruse Brendan Bond Patrick Haug Blare Bauer 70-71–141 -3
About The Nebraska Section PGA
The Nebraska Section of the PGA is one of 41 Sections that together comprise the PGA of America. The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of approximately 261 PGA Members and 21 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 players 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.
The Nebraska Section PGA, 610 J Street, Suite #10, Lincoln, NE 68508