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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.
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Omaha, NE – The 2026 Union Bank & Trust Pro+Ladies Jamboree, held on July 20th at Champions Run, brought together Nebraska PGA Professionals and women amateur golfers for another outstanding day of competition while continuing its mission of growing girls’ junior golf across Nebraska.
The annual event is a collaboration between the Nebraska PGA, Nebraska Golf Association (NebGolf), and Nebraska Women’s Amateur Golf Association (NWAGA). Beyond the competition, the Jamboree serves as an important fundraiser supporting programs that provide opportunities for young female golfers throughout the state.
The highlight of this year’s event came from Brady Schnell of Firethorn Golf Club, who fired a 64 (-8) at Champions Run to win low-professional honors. He totaled 9 birdies on the day to collect a two-shot victory. Finishing runner-up was our defending professional champion in Seth Porter of The Club at Indian Creek with an impressive 66 (6-under). Justin Herron, PGA, Mark Foelbaek, PGA and Ryan Vermeer, PGA all tied at 67 (5-under) for a third place showing.
In the team competition, each Nebraska PGA Professional was paired with three NWAGA members from their home club to compete in a two net best-ball format across three separate flights.
Valley, NE – Presented by Club Car and Nebraska Golf & Turf, The Pines Country Club welcomed 44 teams of Nebraska PGA Professionals for one of the Section’s premier events of the season—the Pro/Assistant Championship.
The championship featured a 36-hole continuous best-ball format, with each two-player team counting the lowest individual score on every hole toward the team total.
Teams were primarily Professionals from the same facility and were assembled in accordance with PGA classification guidelines. Each pairing included at least one Professional holding an A-1, A-4, A-9, or A-13 classification alongside a teammate classified as either A-8 or B-8. Because of these eligibility requirements, several Professionals competed on multiple teams, creating an added layer of excitement atop the leaderboard.
Following a 10:00 a.m. shotgun start, competitors battled hot temperatures and steady winds that made low scores difficult to produce. The challenging conditions, however, didn’t slow down Omaha Country Club’s Alex Schaake.
Schaake came out firing, recording three birdies over his first six holes while simultaneously leading both of his teams to the top of the leaderboard. Competing alongside Dom Mitchum, PGA, on one team and Tony Pesavento, PGA, on the other, Schaake quickly established himself as the player to watch early in the championship.
After the opening 18 holes, Schaake turned in a bogey-free 63 (9-under) on his own ball, helping propel the team of Schaake and Dom Mitchum, PGA, to the top of the leaderboard heading into the afternoon round.
Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska PGA Section is proud to recognize Greg Gilg, PGA, General Manager of Field Club of Omaha, as the June recipient of the Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball Award.
The Wilson Sporting Goods Game Ball Award recognizes Nebraska PGA Professionals who make a meaningful impact on their facility, their community, and the game of golf through exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the profession.
Gilg’s influence extends well beyond the traditional responsibilities of a General Manager. Whether he’s promoting the club through creative social media content, organizing innovative member programming, helping maintain the facility alongside his staff, or mentoring the next generation of PGA Professionals, he consistently leads with a servant’s mindset and a commitment to making those around him better.
One of the many reasons for Gilg’s nomination was his willingness to do whatever is needed to help his team succeed. From jumping in to clean the pool himself to hosting Nebraska PGA education workshops at Field Club of Omaha at no cost, he continually demonstrates that no task is beneath a leader.
Receiving recognition from fellow PGA Professionals makes the honor especially meaningful.
“Awards from your peers always mean a little more because it’s validation from those who understand what it takes,” Gilg said. “Our Section is filled with incredible professionals; finding a niche where you can add value to those around you is something we all strive for. The goal is to make the game and business just a little bit better than when you started.”
