Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Tom Erlandson, PGA, as the Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball recipient for the month of April.
The Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball recognizes PGA Professionals who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to their facilities, their players, and the game of golf. Few embody that spirit more than Tom Erlandson, who has spent over two decades as the Head PGA Professional at Woodland Hills Golf Course.
Erlandson recently stepped back from his leadership role, opening the door for the next generation of professionals to grow in the very environment he helped shape. Yet, his commitment hasn’t wavered—he continues to assist in the pro shop, mentor staff, and lead instruction for Nebraska Section PGA HOPE classes serving area Veterans.
“It’s always nice to be recognized for your hard work, dedication to our facility, the industry and our players,” said Erlandson. “Going through the ins and outs of managing the golf course you don’t always get that. Things like the Wilson Game Ball let us know that we are appreciated and that people do notice.”
Erlandson’s path into the profession came from a lifetime in athletics, and a growing love for golf that turned into a career.
“After high school, golf became not only a hobby but a passion of mine. And I have been very fortunate to be able to make a career out of that passion,” Erlandson said. “Being a PGA Member is the pinnacle of my professional life. Our customers know that when they see the PGA behind my name, they are going to be treated well and have someone at the facility that understands all aspects of the game and the business of golf.”
Now in his 25th year at Woodland Hills, Erlandson reflects on how the course and its community have become an extension of his family.
“My family and I moved to the Woodland Hills neighborhood in 2011. We live behind the 13th green. I am, and will always be, a husband and father first. But Woodland Hills—the owners, neighbors, and players—are an extremely big part of who I am,” he said. “I have tried to create an atmosphere that welcomes every level player and people from all walks of life.”
Under Erlandson’s leadership, league play at Woodland Hills has grown from 30 rounds a week to over 400. The facility now hosts approximately 90 outside events each season and has cultivated a strong community of regular players.
“When I became the PGA Professional, we were kind of known as a destination course—never seeing the same customers very often,” he explained. “Because of leagues, our VIP program, and an increase in memberships, we now have a very large extended family of golfers. Woodland Hills is very simply—home.”
In addition to his work at the course, Erlandson is a strong supporter of the PGA Golf Management (PGM) Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, recognizing its importance in developing future professionals.
“The young men and women in the PGM program will be taught by experts of the game in virtually all aspects of the business,” he said. “They are simply the future ‘Toms’ that will take our industry forward and continue its growth.”
Erlandson’s influence has extended to many colleagues and students—among them, Joel Johnson, PGA, who nominated him for the award.
“Tom is known as the face and heart of Woodland Hills Golf Course. His ability to remember and greet guests by name after just one meeting is something I strive for in my position,” Johnson said. “I consider Tom to be the consummate professional and am proud to have worked for him and to be able to call him a friend.”
As Erlandson continues to shape the game through mentorship, service, and unwavering dedication, his impact is felt by every golfer who steps foot on Woodland Hills—and by the future professionals he’s helped inspire.
He credits his enduring career to the support of his family: his wife of 32 years, Christine; sons Trey, a junior at UNL studying actuarial science, and Tyler, a sophomore at Iowa State majoring in aerospace engineering; and their beloved pets—dogs Sweetie, Ginger, Missy, Lily, and Sammi, and their cat Kitty.
Nominations for the next Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball will open on May 1st and will close at 11:59 PM on May 15th.
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.