Lincoln, NE – With one spot in the 2026 Pinnacle Bank Championship on the line, the Nebraska PGA hosted a 36-hole qualifying tournament open exclusively to players with Nebraska ties. A field of 30 hopefuls teed it up at Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, each chasing a coveted berth into the 2026 Korn Ferry Tour event in Omaha. To earn their place in the field, they would have to survive a 36-hole birdie fest.

Following a two-hour rain delay, play finally got underway, and the birdies came early. Leading the charge was last year’s runner-up, Matthew Schaefer. Playing in the opening group of the day, the Fordyce native turned in 5-under par at the turn, setting the pace for the rest of the field.

Close behind was Omaha’s Alex Schaake, who ignited his round with an eagle on No. 6 to reach 6-under. Schaake posted an opening-round 65 (7-under), the second-lowest score of the morning. The only player to better him was former champion Nate Vontz of Lincoln. Vontz carded a bogey-free 64 (8-under), vaulting into sole possession of the lead heading into the afternoon round.

As the final round got underway, Vontz appeared to lose his grip on the lead. Even par through his first five holes, he watched several players climb past him on the leaderboard before finding another gear.

The Lincoln native birdied Nos. 6, 8, 9, 11, and 12 to quickly work his way back into contention, pulling within a shot of the lead. At the same time, current Nebraska Men’s Golf standout Jackson Benge mounted a charge of his own, becoming the first player to reach 13-under par.

With the pressure mounting, Vontz delivered his best stretch of the day. He birdied Nos. 15 and 16 before reaching the par-5 17th green in two and converting the eagle putt, extending his advantage to four shots heading to the 18th tee. A closing par sealed the victory and he posted rounds of 64-63 for a 17-under total to punch his ticket into the 2026 Pinnacle Bank Championship presented by Woodhouse.

The win marks Vontz’s third career appearance in the Korn Ferry Tour event and his second as a professional. The victory was made even more special as it came at the course where Vontz grew up playing and where his father, Dennis, has served as Head Golf Professional since 2003.

Benge and Schaake finished tied for runner-up to earn the first and second alternate positions after both remained in contention until the closing holes.

The Nebraska PGA would like to thank all 30 competitors for participating in this year’s qualifier, as well as Head Golf Professional Dennis Vontz and the entire staff at Highlands Golf Course for their outstanding hospitality in hosting the event.

The 2026 Pinnacle Bank Championship presented by Woodhouse begins August 6, when the Korn Ferry Tour’s top players return to Omaha for one of the circuit’s premier summer stops.

For full results and more information on the Nebraska Qualifier, click HERE.

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.

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.