NEBRASKA PGA NEWS
February 2026
THE TEAM
OFFICERS/BOARD
President Mike Schuchart, PGA
Vice President Phil Palmer, PGA
Secretary— Bobby O’Keefe, PGA
Honorary President—Dawn Neujahr, PGA
Board Member Tony Baranowski, PGA
Board Member Joe Wiegand, PGA
DISTRICT 8 DIRECTOR
Phil Anderson, PGA
Incoming Aaron Krueger, PGA
NEBRASKA PGA STAFF
Executive Director/CEO David Honnens, PGA
Assist. Executive Director Seth Scollard, PGA
Managing Director—Renee Tyson
Tournament Director—Derek Carlson, PGA
Junior Golf Director Kurt Karcher, PGA
Digital Media Director Brett Renner
Director of Foundation Programs—Amber Bogle
Administrative Assistant—Tiffany White
Development Officer Bob Danenhauer
Community Relations Coord. Margie Smith
ON THE TEE
NEBRASKA SECTION PGA 2026 HALL OF FAME CLASS
The Nebraska Section PGA proudly announces the induction of its second Hall of Fame Class, celebrating a distinguished group of PGA Professionals whose impact has left a lasting mark on golf across our Section and beyond.
This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have exemplified excellence throughout their careers — not only through competitive success, but through meaningful leadership, dedicated service, and an unwavering commitment to growing the game. Each inductee represents the very best of what it means to be a PGA Professional: a steward of the sport, a mentor to future generations, and a champion for their communities.
Selection into the Nebraska PGA Hall of Fame is guided by criteria that reflect the core values of the Association: integrity, character, leadership, promotion of the PGA brand, and a sustained legacy of contribution. From elevating their facilities and mentoring young professionals, to advancing initiatives through PGA REACH Nebraska and strengthening the fabric of the golf community, these honorees have shaped the Section in ways that will endure for years to come.
The 2026 Hall of Fame Class builds upon the foundation established by the inaugural group, further defining the standard of excellence within the Nebraska PGA. Their collective achievements and lifelong dedication to the game serve as both a celebration of the past and an inspiration for the future. See below to meet the five newest inductees and to read more about each of them.
NEBRASKA PGA ANNOUNCES
NEW SECTION PARTNERSHIP WITH OAKLEY
The Nebraska Section PGA is proud to announce a new partnership with Oakley, the global leader in performance eyewear and apparel, beginning with the 2026 tournament season.
Throughout the 2026 season, Oakley will have a visible presence at Nebraska PGA championships and events, including brand activations, on-site exposure, and product integration. The partnership also emphasizes Oakley’s commitment to supporting PGA Professionals at the facility level, reinforcing the brand’s connection to the game and the professionals who grow it every day.
“We are excited to welcome Oakley as a new partner of the Nebraska PGA,” said David Honnens, PGA, Executive Director/CEO of the Nebraska PGA. “Oakley is a brand that aligns perfectly with the modern professional golfer— innovative, performance-driven, and authentic. This partnership allows us to elevate the experience at our tournaments while also delivering meaningful value to our PGA Professionals and their facilities.”
“Oakley is committed to supporting PGA Professionals and the game of golf at every level,” said Ewan King, Senior Golf Sales Manager at Oakley.
“Partnering with the Nebraska PGA allows us to engage directly with professionals and golfers across the state, while showcasing the performance benefits of our eyewear and golf products in competitive environments.”
The Nebraska PGA represents more than 340 PGA Professionals and Associates across the state, who are dedicated to growing the game, supporting their communities, and delivering exceptional golf experiences. This partnership with Oakley further strengthens the Section’s ability to serve its members while enhancing the visibility and professionalism of its events.
The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Jerad Palmer, PGA the recipient of the Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball for the month of February
In 2025, Palmer made a commitment that would shape the future of junior golf in Alliance. After building a strong foundation for junior programming at Skyview since taking over in 2020, he knew it was time to take the next step launching a PGA Jr. League program at the facility.
The result? Fourteen juniors participated in the inaugural season the highest number of any new facility starting PGA Jr. League in 2025 within the Section.
Palmer didn’t just add the program name to the schedule. He built it with intention.
He created an in-house league that featured eight practices and five game days, all centered around a clear and simple goal: giving juniors the opportunity to learn the game of golf while playing on a team and having fun with their friends.
“First off, I’m honored to receive this award for Sky View, and this wouldn’t be possible without staff and volunteer help,” Palmer said. “In my short time here one of my top priorities was to develop a strong junior golf program. We currently have 70+ juniors in our program that has grown from 25 once I took over in 2020, so it was time to do the right thing and get on board with PGA Junior League. First year was good with 14 juniors that had a lot of fun and learned the game along the way. I anticipate this will grow fast once everyone has seen what it’s all about and how much fun we had.”
Starting something new always comes with uncertainty. There’s risk in wondering how it will be received, whether participation will follow, and if the investment of time and energy will pay off. But Palmer embraced that challenge — and in doing so, created a positive experience that is already making an impact at Skyview and throughout the Alliance community. Continue Reading...
PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Application
Are you a PGA of America Member with a child or grandchild applying for or attending college? The PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship is open now and provides scholarships based on evidence of academic achievement during high school or college. The 2026-2027 school year application deadline is April 9, 2026.
How to Apply in 2026-2027
APPLY HERE
Important Dates
• December 9, 2025 - Scholarship application is open.
• April 9, 2026 - Deadline for submitting Application and Supporting Documents
• June 2026 - Notification of Selection Results
• July 2026 - Funds Disbursed
The PGA Financial Assistance Fund was established in 1986 and provides college scholarships to the children and grandchildren of PGA of America Members based on evidence of academic achievement during high school or college. All funding for the scholarships comes from contributions made by the PGA Members. Since its inception, the PGA of America has awarded a little over 4,500 scholarships totaling $9,997,500.00. For the 2024-25 school year, 185 students were awarded academic scholarships totaling $400,000.
CAREER CONSULTANT
Kevin Drew, PGA
PGA of America Career Consultant Serving the Nebraska & Iowa Sections
As your PGA Career Consultant, I’m honored to serve the dedicated professionals of the Nebraska Section. My journey in golf began right here in Nebraska, and after more than a decade as a PGA Member, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact our community has on the game and on each other.
My mission is simple: to help you thrive in your career and to support the facilities that make golf in Nebraska so special. Whether you’re seeking guidance on career planning, resume building, interview preparation, or navigating the ever-evolving landscape of our industry, I’m here as your resource and advocate.
This month, I encourage you to take advantage of the many services PGA Career Services offers. From one-on-one coaching and negotiation support to networking opportunities and educational resources, our goal is to empower you to reach your professional goals. If you’re considering a career move, looking to hire, or simply want to discuss your next steps, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
I want to take a moment to emphasize the power of mentoring within our Section. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to both receive and provide mentorship, and I truly believe it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of being a PGA Professional. Mentoring is about more than sharing knowledge it’s about building relationships, fostering growth, and helping each other navigate the challenges and opportunities our industry presents. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, I encourage you to seek out mentoring opportunities, offer your guidance to others, and continue strengthening the bonds that make our Section so unique.
The relationships we build whether through committee service, tournaments, or day-to-day interactions are the foundation of our Section’s strength. Let’s continue to support one another, share knowledge, and celebrate our collective achievements.
Thank you for your commitment to the game and to each other. I look forward to connecting with you and helping you make the most of your PGA journey.
Kevin Drew, PGA,ARWC PGA Career Consultant Iowa & Nebraska
402-670-2973
kdrew@pgahq.com
Enhanced Offerings at PGA Frisco
Come experience PGA Frisco and the Home of the PGA of America. Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa offers a special $199 room rate for PGA of America Members, along with $100 green fees at Fields Ranch East and Fields Ranch West. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy world-class golf, premier amenities, tour the Home, and more!
Book Now Open Now: Senior PGA Championship PreRegistration
PGA of America Golf Professionals
and their families can receive complimentary access to the 2026 Senior PGA Championship, April 16-19 at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida. If you plan to attend, please pre-register here by the March 30 deadline. Click here to learn more about complimentary access.
Pre-Register Here
Masters Pre-Registration
Mark your calendars! Pre-registration for the 2026 Masters Tournament will open February 2 exclusively for Class A PGA of America Members, Life Members, and Master Professional Members and will close April 2. For more information, please visit pga.org.
Complete Your 2026 GRP Enrollment Form
The 2026 Annual Facility Authorization Agreement for Golf Retirement Plus is available. Complete the form to participate with over 30 sponsor companies. Schedule an appointment with your GRP Specialist online or by calling 833.PGA.PLUS for enrollment assistance.
Enroll Today
New Dashboard for PGAAssociates
Are you in the PGA Associate Program (3.1) or know someone who is? A new dashboard on PGA.org makes it easy to track progress and see next steps toward PGA Membership. Log in to explore and please encourage your peers in the program to check it out!
Learn More
2026 Tasha Keiter Scholarship
This scholarship supports female students pursuing higher education with a passion for golf, in honor of the late Tasha Keiter of Kearney.
Apply today and continue her legacy.
2026 NJG Membership opened on
Feb 27th Learn more and register HERE .
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER!!
• February 27th: 2026 NJG Membership Registration opens
• March 5th at 9am: Spring Junior Series event registration opens
• March 10th at 9am: 2-Day event registration opens (with handicap restrictions for 18-holers)
• March 11th at 9am: Regular NJG Tour and Adult/Junior event registration opens
• March 12th at 9am: Summit Series events & 18-hole 2-Day (no handicap restrictions) event registration opens
NEED TO KNOW
Looking for ways to ensure more players can participate in your PGA Jr. League programs? Fundraising in your own community and scholarship opportunities provided by the PGA of America REACH Foundation are two options to help make that possible.
FUNDRAISING
Fundraising is a great way to engage your community in your programming. Consider hosting a fundraiser event at a local restaurant, creating a community event and more!
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship opportunities — including financial assistance and military family scholarships — are available to help more players enjoy the 2026 season. Any PGA Jr. League program led by a PGA Coach is eligible, but Coaches must participate in a pre-approval and application process.
PGA of America Golf Professional Karrie Van Ravenswaay seeks to make her PGA Jr. League programming accessible and welcoming at The Ridge Golf Club in Sioux Center, Iowa, where she serves as Head Golf Professional. One way she and her team do that is by seeking out local sponsors to support each of their PGA Jr. League teams, allowing local businesses to invest in the community and players while also offsetting registration costs for players and families.
CELEBRATE
March Birthdays
Kyle Schellpeper, PGA 3/1
Travis Anderson, PGA 3/4
Zachary Lehechka 3/8
Patrick Johnson, PGA 3/8
Bradley Neunaber, PGA 3/8
Karrie Van Ravenswaay, PGA 3/8
Ron Block, PGA 3/8
Jason Meininger, PGA 3/9
Thomas Schneider 3/9
Adam Bradfield, PGA 3/10
Trevor Chesnut, PGA 3/12
Nicolas Polito 3/12
Zach Wetovick, PGA 3/13
Nathan Kalin, PGA 3/13
Clayton Meininger, PGA 3/15
Tom Weekes, PGA 3/16
Kevin Boehler, PGA 3/17
Christopher Jacobson, PGA 3/18
Caleb Malenke, PGA 3/20
Connor Zumbrennen 3/20
Jesse Brodersen 3/23
Anthony Baranowski, PGA 3/23
Brett Bennett, PGA 3/23
Travis Loudner, PGA 3/23
Jordan Williams, PGA 3/24
Denis Vontz, PGA 3/25
Cade Hassel, PGA 3/25
Robert Haney Jr., PGA 3/26
Juan Elizondo, PGA 3/27
Charlie Borner, PGA 3/28
Dylan Dauenhauer, PGA 3/29
Devin Bell 3/29
Christ Cover, PGA 3/29
Landan Maassen, PGA 3/31