As I sit and look back, a lot has happened personally and professionally in my career since being elected to PGA membership in January of 2008.
My passion for the game began as one of the first students and graduates of the PGM Program at UNL under the direction of Dr. Terry Riordan, PGA, and Scott Holly, PGA. During my time at UNL I completed internships at Champions Run, Firethorn Golf Club and Golf Galaxy, ultimately deciding the direction I wanted to pursue was with a private golf club. Upon graduating from the PGM Program, I was fortunate to secure a Seasonal Assistant Golf Professional position at Champions Run under Greg & Dawn Neujahr, PGA, which allowed me to be mentored by the best in the business of golf operations and merchandising. In all, I spent seven years at Champions Run, the last two being with the title of Head Golf Professional.
In April of 2013 I was named the Head Golf Professional at Fremont Golf Club in Fremont, NE, the position I still hold today. This has been a fantastic opportunity to apply all of the skills I learned at Champions Run along with managing ownership of the merchandising operation into my own Head Professional position.
While being mentored by the best professionals in the PGA, I was motivated to get involved and give back to the Nebraska PGA via the committee structure. I was the Membership Chair for four years, and during that time had the opportunity to mentor apprentices and help them earn their PGA Membership. I was a member of the Tournament Committee for four years, and in 2013 decided to run for the office of Secretary of the Nebraska PGA. I was honored to win the election with the support of my peers, and now serve as the Vice President of the Nebraska PGA.
Of all the great things that have happened professionally, none compares to the joy of building a supporting family. To be successful in the golf business, you have to have the support of your spouse and children, and that is something I feel extremely lucky to have. My wife, Shelly, and I have been married for over nine years and are parents to two fabulous boys, Harper (5) and Henrik (10 months).
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/7tdv