LINCOLN, NE — The Nebraska Section PGA is proud to announce that Tony Collins, PGA, Director of Golf at Wild Horse Golf Club in Gothenburg, has been selected as the 2025 Nebraska PGA Golf Professional of the Year.

The award is the highest honor presented by the Section and recognizes a PGA Professional who demonstrates outstanding leadership, strong moral character, and a significant record of service to the game of golf, the PGA of America, and their community. Collins exemplifies those qualities daily through his work at Wild Horse and his ongoing commitment to growing the game throughout Nebraska.

Nebraska PGA’s Dawn Neujahr had the pleasure of delivering the exciting news to Collins.

“It was a very surreal moment when Dawn called to tell me I’d been selected as Golf Professional of the Year. I was standing alone in the middle of our half-demolished kitchen at the club, and I couldn’t muster anything more than, ‘Thank you so much,’” Collins said.

A Nebraska native, Collins returned to the state in 2021 and has since become a driving force within the Nebraska Section. Known for his player-first approach and servant leadership style, he has elevated Wild Horse’s reputation as one of the premier public golf destinations in the region while maintaining a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for golfers of all backgrounds.

At Wild Horse, Collins’ impact is visible well beyond day-to-day operations. Under his leadership, the club has experienced significant growth in participation, programming, and long-term vision. Junior golf has flourished, with participation expanding from approximately 15 juniors in 2021 to more than 60 annually today. Through PGA Jr. League, PGA camps, and daily access to the facility, Collins has helped make Wild Horse a true home away from home for young golfers in the Gothenburg community.

That commitment continues with the development of The Pony, a five-hole short course currently under construction and scheduled to open in the summer of 2026. Designed to introduce and challenge golfers of all skill levels, The Pony will always be free for juniors as part of an agreement with the Wild Horse Foundation—further reinforcing Collins’ dedication to accessible player development.

Collins has also played a central role in shaping the future of Wild Horse Golf Club as a destination facility. Since arriving, he has helped guide the creation of a mission statement and strategic plan, leading to major capital improvements including additional lodging and a newly renovated and expanded clubhouse. The project will add expanded dining, retail space, indoor simulator technology, and community gathering areas—enhancing both the golfer experience and the club’s role in local tourism.

Beyond the golf course, Collins is deeply involved in the Gothenburg community. He volunteers his time with numerous civic organizations and has been instrumental in fundraising efforts that have generated more than $40,000 in scholarships for local youth and young agricultural professionals. Through the Wild Horse Foundation, Collins continues to champion initiatives that support junior golf, education, and community engagement.

Service to the Nebraska Section PGA has also been a hallmark of Collins’ career. He has hosted and assisted with numerous Section, Nebraska Junior Golf, and Nebraska Golf Association events, including championships, qualifiers, junior tournaments, and high school competitions. His willingness to open his facility and share best practices has made him a trusted resource among his peers.

Equally impactful is Collins’ commitment to mentoring the next generation of PGA Professionals. A PGA Member since 2011, he has guided and developed assistants and apprentices throughout his career, many of whom remain in the golf industry today. At Wild Horse, his leadership has fostered a positive workplace culture, steady staff growth, and a turnover rate well below the national average.

“Tony doesn’t just run a golf course,” one colleague noted. “He fosters a culture of excellence that reflects the very best of the Nebraska Section.”

The Nebraska PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award honors those who lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and inspire others through their actions. In every sense, Tony Collins, PGA, embodies those ideals.

“Once the dust settles on our current clubhouse expansion, I will without a doubt use the honor as motivation to continue to be the best golf professional I can be. It will motivate me to continue to do as much as I can for this great Section and its professionals every single day,” Collins said.

The other Nebraska PGA Award Winners for 2025 are:

  • Golf Professional of the Year:  Tony Collins, PGA, Wild Horse Golf Club, Gothenburg, NE
  • Teacher of the Year:  Ryan Norman, PGA, Ryan Norman Golf Academy, Council Bluffs, IA
  • PGA Professional Development: Kevin Drew, PGA, PGA of America Career Consultant, Papillion, NE
  • Bill Strausbaugh-Club Relations:  Jon Moore, PGA, Champions Run, Omaha, NE
  • Youth Player Development:  Karrie Van Ravenswaay, PGA, The Ridge Golf Club, Sioux Center, IA
  • Merchandiser of the Year-Public:  Joe Sutter, PGA, Quarry Oaks Golf Club, Ashland, NE
  • Merchandiser of the Year-Private:  Brandon Wedding, PGA, Omaha Country Club, Omaha, NE
  • Facility of the Year:  Tatanka Golf Club, Niobrara, NE
  • Patriot Award:  Phil Palmer, PGA, Miracle Hill Golf & Tennis, Omaha, NE
  • Sales Representative of the Year:  Blake Collier, PGA, Titleist, Omaha, NE
  • Assistant Professional of the Year:  Gabby Carollo, PGA, Champions Run, Omaha, NE
  • Player Development:  Alex Janssen, PGA, Oak Hills Country Club, Omaha, NE

In addition to these awards the Nebraska PGA would also like to recognize the Players of the Year for 2025:

  • Nebraska PGA Player of the Year:  Justin Herron, PGA, Oak Hills Country Club, Omaha, NE
  • Nebraska PGA Senior Player of the Year:  Jon Petersen, PGA, Tiburon Golf Club, Omaha, NE
  • Assistant Player of the Year:  Mark Foelbaek, PGA, Country Club of Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
  • Women’s Player of the Year:  Sarah Pravecek, PGA, Wilderness Ridge Club & Resort, Lincoln, NE

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.