Niobrara, NE – For the first time in Nebraska PGA history, Tatanka Golf Club hosted a Pro-Am event featuring Nebraska PGA Professionals and amateurs from across the Section. Located in Niobrara, Nebraska, this championship course—designed by Paul Albanese—showcases the natural beauty of the rolling prairie and the tribal land of the Santee Sioux Nation. Recognized for its scenic vistas and challenging layout, it has quickly become one of the premier golf destinations in the Midwest.
The professional format for the round was Individual Stroke Play, while the team competition followed a 1 Gross and 1 Net ball combination. Under sunny skies and light winds, 24 teams teed it up at the newest host site on the Section’s Pro-Am slate. Today’s event also featured the final two Tito’s Handmade Vodka Holes of the Week, presented by Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of Nebraska. (For more on the season-long challenge, click HERE.)
In the Professional-only event, Tiburon Golf Club’s Carson Schaake not only picked up another victory—he did it in dominant fashion. The Omaha native fired a bogey-free round highlighted by six birdies and two eagles, carding a blistering 62 (-10). Adding to the day’s low scoring, Mark Foelbaek, PGA (Country Club of Lincoln), and Justin Herron, PGA (Oak Hills Country Club), each turned in impressive rounds of 65 (-7). Rounding out the top five were Shane Zywiec, PGA (Highlands Golf Course), and Ryan Vermeer, PGA (Happy Hollow Club), who both finished with rounds of 70 (-2).
In the team competition, Herron partnered with Michael Marsh, Mark Germer, and Bob Junk. The foursome caught fire on their closing nine holes to secure the win at 15-under, edging the field by two shots in an impressive performance. Finishing runner-up were Matt Eilrich, PGA (Fairways at Lincoln), and his amateur partners Brock Peters, Bob Klopnieski, and Dillon Eaves. Claiming third place was Shane Zywiec and his amateur teammates—Chip Sorenson, Brook Darnell, and Craig Kubicek—who posted a strong 12-under finish.
The Nebraska PGA extends its gratitude to Director of Golf Troy Harder, PGA, and his entire professional staff at Tatanka Golf Club for not only hosting a Section event for the first time but also providing a first-class experience for our players. We also thank our supporting partners who made the event possible: Vinnie Krikac’s State Farm Insurance Agency, Gregg Young Automotive Group, J.R. Barger and Sons, Nebraska Golf & Turf (Club Car), Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola, Dynamic Brands, Lucky Eleven Hospitality Group, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
With the 2025 tournament schedule nearing its conclusion, the Nebraska PGA Cup Series is next on deck.
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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.