The Next Chapter for the Nebraska Section PGA

The Next Chapter for the Nebraska Section PGA

Written by Stu Pospisil | Omaha World Herald Reporter & Lead Writer

After a century of growth—especially over the past 35 years—the Nebraska Section PGA has earned its reputation as one of the true gems of the PGA of America. But what comes next?

The game itself is evolving—how it’s played, where, when, and by whom. Graduates of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s PGA Golf Management (PGM) program will continue to provide the lifeblood for the Section, including its future leaders.

The Section’s territory, covering Nebraska and western Iowa, remains fertile ground for new courses—and, in turn, new opportunities for Section membership and leadership.

A Foundation for Continued Growth

“The footings for growth are in place,” said Greg Neujahr, PGA, of Champions Run, who chairs the Section’s 2025 Centennial Gala Committee. He’s joined in that optimism by Tony Pesavento, PGA, of Omaha Country Club—a charter inductee into the new Nebraska Section Hall of Fame—and Seth Scollard, PGA, the Section’s Assistant Executive Director.

Interest in golf has surged since the 2020 pandemic, when it became one of the few activities people could safely enjoy together while social distancing. Public awareness of the Section’s role has also increased, helped by the creation of the PGA REACH Nebraska Foundation.

Internal stability has been another key to success. Since 1988, the Section has had only two Executive Directors: Bruce Lubach, who helped set the table, and his successor, David Honnens.

Expanding the Game’s Reach

Scollard believes the future depends on bridging traditional and nontraditional golf experiences.

“Traditional golf needs to capture those starting in the game through nontraditional experiences—and that will lead to more diversity,” he said. “Some of the barriers we’ve faced, like course access and equipment, are being addressed by several organizations. For us, our Foundation plays a big role in that.”

He points to the influence of Topgolf and similar experiences: “We’ve captured all these new golfers. The question now is, how do we transfer them to the golf course?”

Facilities are increasingly blending technology and play—adding simulators, Toptracer ranges, and other innovations to attract players.

“Take Miracle Hill in Omaha,” Scollard said. “Its Toptracer building gets people to the course—they’re 20 feet from the first tee. It’s an easy transition from trying golf to truly playing it.”

Creativity will be crucial, he added, as more PGA Professionals move lessons from the range and putting green onto the course itself.

“What opportunities can we bring to facilities that let people try golf without breaking the bank—without having to buy clubs just to see if they like it?” Scollard said.

Redefining the PGA Professional

For Pesavento, the role of the PGA Professional is more visible and valued than ever, thanks to the Section’s community outreach.

“It used to be, people at places like the Field Club or OCC would say, ‘You’re a PGA member—what does that even mean?’” he said. “They thought it was just about playing in pro-ams or receiving some education. They didn’t understand what the Nebraska Section was, or that we have no connection to the PGA Tour.”

Now, he said, that’s changing: “The Section’s involvement in the community gives us an identity. Members are supporting programs like Birdie Bonanza, which funds the Foundation. We’re just doing a better job overall.”

A Pipeline of Talent

Many of the Section’s newest members are graduates of UNL’s PGA Golf Management Program, launched in the early 2000s. The program is now setting enrollment records, thanks in part to Joe Canny, the Director of the UNL PGM Program.

PGM keeps Nebraska students in-state for both college and career—and increasingly attracts out-of-state students who stay after graduation.

“It used to be a badge of honor for PGM kids to leave Lincoln for fancy destinations,” Pesavento said. “Now, at Omaha Country Club, everyone on our staff came through that program. They’re feeling more attached to Nebraska—and staying. The kids they’re turning out are great.”

Neujahr has seen that firsthand, citing alumni like Nathan Kalin and Nick Muller, who now serve as PGA Professionals at cornerstone facilities.

“Our future is our Assistants, our Associates, our PGM program,” Neujahr said. “Since COVID, there’s been more interest—from kids and even second-career adults—wanting to get into golf. What Joe Canny’s done to raise freshman numbers is incredible.”

A new mentoring program connects PGM students and PGA Associates with experienced PGA Professionals.

“They meet regularly, make sure they’re on track,” Neujahr said. “Mentorship is going to be big. The business is growing, golf is growing, and we need people. It’s a good time to get into golf. Compensation is rising, jobs are improving, and kids are noticing.”

A Hotbed for Golf Development

Nebraska has caught national attention as a center for golf course development, with recent openings like CapRock Ranch, Lost Rail, Landmand, GrayBull, and the upcoming Battle Run.

“People see Nebraska as a golf state now,” Scollard said. “From a PGA member standpoint, it’s more attractive. We’re around 340 Members and Associates right now—I don’t see why we couldn’t reach 500 within 10 to 15 years.”

He noted that growth doesn’t require dozens of new courses: “Think about the value a PGA Professional brings to nine-hole courses. More PGA members are stepping into general manager roles, too. Facilities are realizing what a PGA member can do.”

Looking Ahead

For David Honnens, the future is bright—especially through the Foundation’s work.

“There are so many opportunities,” he said. “Junior golf in Nebraska continues to grow. The competitive side is strong, but what’s really exciting is the grassroots level—our Clubs for Youth program, putting Callaway clubs and pushcarts into high schools statewide. We’re seeing more young ladies playing, which is remarkable.”

He added that UNL’s PGM program will become the largest in the country by fall 2025—a milestone that reflects the state’s golf culture.

“When people think of golf, they think East Coast or West Coast,” Honnens said. “But the PGA of America knows that across the country, when you look at standout Sections, Nebraska is right there with the best of them.”

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.