Lincoln, NE – After five consecutive Section Championships, the Nebraska PGA hosted a Pro-Am at Hillcrest Country Club, presented by Nebraska Golf & Turf (Club Car). 32 teams teed it up in the Capital City with a unique format in play. The teams battled in a ‘Lone Ranger’ format which is like the traditional 2-Net Best Ball format but with a twist. Each hole, one player was designated as the ‘Lone Ranger’ and their score automatically counted as one of the two best balls with the second being the next best of the three. In addition, the Nebraska PGA Professionals competed in a stroke-play format on top of the team event.
When it was all said and done, 10 Nebraska PGA Professionals managed to shoot under par at the tree-lined country club led by a familiar name. Ryan Vermeer, PGA of Happy Hollow Club fired one of his best rounds of the season with a bogey-free 65 (7-under) to win low-Professional honors. Finishing in solo second was PGA of America Career Consultant Kevin Drew, PGA with his own 66 (6-under). Rounding out the top three was Brady Schnell of Firethorn Golf Club and Caleb Badura of Riverside Golf Club with respective rounds of 67 (5-under).
In the ‘Lone Ranger’ team event, the squads of Kevin Drew, PGA/EJ Hamilton/Ryan Wampler/John Gudenrath and Brady Schnell/Dave Clouse/Hayden Meyer/Andy Brown both shot 130 (14-under) to tie at the top. Rounding out the top three in the team division was Sam Jonell, PGA/Peyton Koch/Jeff Reitz/Brent Stirek with a solid score of 132 (12-under).
We would like to thank Director of Golf Mike Brown, PGA, Head Golf Professional Sonya Freese, PGA, Superintendent Brian Hellbusch and the entire team at Hillcrest Country Club for hosting us. We also want to thank our presenting sponsor Nebraska Golf & Turf (Club Car) as well as our supporting sponsors J.R. Barger & Sons Concrete, Gregg Young Automotive Group, Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola, Mizuno Golf, Vinnie Krikac’s State Farm Insurance Agency, Coors Light, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Bushnell & Tito’s Handmade Vodka for continuing to support our Nebraska PGA Professionals through today’s Pro-Am event.
2023 Hillcrest Pro-Am Professional-Only Results
2023 Hillcrest Pro-Am ‘Lone Ranger’ Team Results
ABOUT THE NEBRASKA SECTION PGA
The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of nearly 300 PGA Members and Associates who strive to promote the enjoyment and growth of the game of golf. 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.