Columbus, NE – A total of 131 professional and amateur golfers from across the country teed off at Elks Country Club for the 34th annual Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nebraska Open. Historically one of the state’s premier golf tournaments, the event also raises scholarship funds for Nebraska community college students. Thanks to support from the Nebraska PGA, Nebraska Public Power District, and BCBSNE, the tournament has now surpassed $2 million in scholarships over its 34-year history—impacting hundreds of local students.
Following the Pro-Am and scholarship banquet, the competition got underway with a purse of more than $70,000. Each year, the field includes top professional and amateur golfers from Nebraska as well as players from around the world who hold cards on various professional tours. Both the professional and amateur divisions compete in the 54-hole event for separate purses, adding extra drama as the tournament unfolds.
After 36 holes, the leaderboard was one of the most tightly packed in tournament history, with 22 players within four shots of the lead. Kansas State Men’s Golf alumnus Cooper Schultz, who had just turned professional on Wednesday, held a one-shot advantage at 12-under. Defending champion Andrew Beckler sat one stroke back at 11-under alongside two other players. Meanwhile, a group tied for fifth included McCook’s Brandon Crick, Omaha’s Ryan Vermeer, and Carson Schaake—setting the stage for an exciting final round.
Through the first nine holes of the final round, three players were tied at the top before one pulled ahead. Virginian Ryan Cole, a James Madison Men’s Golf alumnus, birdied the par-5 13th to take a one-shot lead over Schaake and Beckler. He added another birdie on the par-5 15th to maintain his advantage before a weather delay halted play on the 16th green for an hour.
Cole narrowly missed a birdie on No. 16 but sank a six-footer to save par on No. 17, holding his one-shot lead as he stepped onto the 18th tee—just four swings from victory. However, his approach on the 18th went long, and a failed up-and-down led to bogey and a playoff with Schaake and Beckler. Racing to beat an approaching storm cell, Cole birdied both the first and second playoff holes to clinch the title at the 34th Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nebraska Open.
“I’ve been struggling with my game this summer, and it feels good to know I still have it in me to win a golf tournament,” Cole said afterward.
The victory capped a week of resilience. Cole opened the tournament with bogeys on three of his first four holes but played the remaining 50 holes at 19-under par, showcasing grit and a never-give-up attitude.
“I’m just really proud of myself for hanging in there and battling all week. This will give me momentum heading into Q-School,” he added.
The drama didn’t end with the championship playoff. Waco’s Jaxson Hinze and Iowa’s Bennett Berger tied at 2-under for Low-Amateur honors. On the first playoff hole, Berger made birdie to claim the title. In addition, Ted DiGiacomo, PGA of Happy Hollow Club, finished the week at 4-over par to win Low-Senior honors.
Special thanks go to title sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska for supporting both competitive golf and Nebraska students, as well as to the Nebraska Public Power District for making the Pro-Am a memorable day for everyone involved. Appreciation also goes to Head Golf Professional Derrick Ceder, PGA, Superintendent Eric Bice, and the entire Elks Country Club team for once again hosting a top-tier event.
For full results & more info from the 34th Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nebraska Open, CLICK HERE.
ABOUT THE WELLS FARGO NEBRASKA OPEN
The Wells Fargo Nebraska Open is endorsed and operated by the Nebraska Section of the PGA and the Nebraska Golf Association and coordinated by Nebraska Public Power District. The proceeds are donated to the Nebraska Community College Foundation, which awards scholarships to hundreds of needy Nebraska students attending five community colleges in the state. These colleges include Central Community College, Columbus, Hastings & Grand Island; Southeast Community College; Lincoln, Milford; Beatrice; Northeast Community College, Norfolk; Mid-Plains Community College, North Platte; McCook; and Western Nebraska Community College, Sidney; Scottsbluff.
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.