Professionals of Impact in the Nebraska PGA
Tom Weekes – The Pro Who Painted a Legacy
Written by Bob Denney | Historian Emeritus – PGA of America
Tom Weekes can take pride in a string of feats in what is now nearly a 66-year PGA of America career. He was a golf course owner, an inspiring teacher, an avid artist, the second PGA Master Professional in the Association’s history, and the 17th president of the Nebraska PGA Section.
Weekes also could swing a golf club with authority, winning back-to-back Nebraska PGA Senior Championships in 1982 and 1983. And he is the owner of several “Weekes’ Believe It or Not” moments on the course.
Weekes has recorded 14 holes-in-one, the first coming in 1946 and the last in the summer of 2021, when his 8-iron found the bottom of the cup at age 88 at Old Dane Golf Club in Dakota City, Nebraska.
“All of them were just luck,” Weekes chuckled, having celebrated his 92nd birthday on March 16, 2024, just ahead of the Section Centennial and ranks as the eldest and longest serving Nebraska PGA member.
During the chaotic 1960s, on a day most of us only dream about, Tom Weekes quietly posted two holes-in-one in a round on what was then the-Executive Course at Camelback Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. The renowned 18-hole layout had yet to be built on the site.
“I was a national committeeman representing Nebraska for the Young Republicans,” said Tom. “I was there for a national meeting and was pretty active in the group at that time. I wanted to get out and play, and went by myself.”
Arriving on what he thought was the fifth tee, Tom struck a 9-iron, sailing his tee shot into the hole on a green that was in clear view.
“A guy that I had not seen was on the green, and he started laughing,” said Tom. “He then yelled back at me, ‘You played the wrong hole!”
With one ace nullified, Tom pressed on and reached the 12th hole. Again, he was using a 9-iron, and this time he was indeed playing to the correct green. His tee shot took one bounce and popped into the hole.
“That was one I did count,” he said. “When I finished, I didn’t see anyone around, and just got dressed and went to dinner. I had never told that story to any writer, and I just added it up to some crazy things that I have done over the years.”
Some years later, Tom happened to leave his mark at Omaha Field Club, and the tale also has a wacky ending.
“I went out in 40, and came home on the back nine in 28 – that was with a double-bogey on the 18th hole. My drive found the trees, which were about in the middle of the fairway.”
Born in Nebraska City, Tom was a 1954 graduate of the University of Nebraska, where he was in the ROTC program, and suffered a shoulder injury that led to a medical discharge from military service.
He began his golf career as a teaching professional at a driving range at Irvington in northwest Omaha.
In 1958, Weekes and his wife, Ruth, each students at the University of Nebraska, saw a golf course had gone up for sale. Tom was finishing his master’s degree in education.
They dropped out of school to buy the South Ridge Golf Course in South Sioux City, Nebraska, a property that had opened in 1929 with sand greens. By the time the Weekes stepped in, there was grass on the putting surfaces at South Ridge.
Ruth was operating the golf shop while Tom split time as superintendent and giving lessons. Meanwhile, Tom Weekes was elected to PGA membership on April 16, 1959.
“We had terrible hours, and it was a ma and pa deal in those days,” said Tom. “We charged fifty cents per round, but it was a time when we knew that we were bringing enjoyment to those who coming out to learn the game.”
“It was hard work, but we both survived, and enjoyed our time there,” said Ruth.
Weekes was president of the Nebraska PGA from 1974-75, and was the 1975 Section Professional of the Year.
“We were a close group of Professionals back then,” said Tom. “We had Western Iowa in the Section at the time, and we respected everybody else. That was the strength of how we moved forward.”
The Weekes would spend “plenty of winter time” in Carmel, California, best known for its legendary sunsets. Weekes’ father, Dr. Thomas Weekes Sr., who had introduced his son to golf, had a house in Carmel.
The two played many rounds together, including their share at Pebble Beach.
“I remember my dad and I first got to play Pebble Beach and the green fees were $7.50,” said Weekes. “When we came back a couple years later, they were $15, and my dad said, ‘They are getting pretty pricey here.”
Tom said he began painting when he was in college, and Carmel and many other standout landscapes helped inspire his love for capturing the great outdoors on canvas.
“I like to paint wildlife, still life,” he said. “It’s a wonderful hobby.”
Beyond his PGA service, Tom didn’t have to take long to recount his favorite golf memory.
“That was watching my daughter, Liz, play golf,” he said.
Liz, who is today, Liz Chilton, played from 1978-80 at the University of Nebraska, and then transferred to Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, where she was an NAIA All-American.
Liz recalled her father’s almost casual mention of that 14th hole-in-one.
“I wanted to get one more,” Tom said to his daughter. “I didn’t want to die on No. 13.”
Liz went on to become a nurse practitioner, and now, in retirement, has expanded the family legacy.
The Weekes have three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
“My dad taught people to enjoy the game,” said Liz. “Between his family and those he helped learn golf; he fostered the love of the game.”
There are folks who still call him for lessons, and he has been there despite balance issues on the practice tee at Whispering Creek (Golf Club in Sioux City, Iowa).
Tom became the second PGA Master Professional in Association history on June 1, 1972.
The PGA Master Professional program, established in 1969, recognizes PGA Members who make a significant effort to improve themselves as golf professionals and maintain the highest level of excellence for themselves and their operations.
In 2016, Tom Weekes – a golf professional and man for all seasons – was inducted into the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame.
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.