Nebraska PGA's tournament season continued with the 2nd Annual Legends and Young Guns Classic at the Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, Nebraska. Students from the University of Nebraska’s PGA Golf Management Program teamed up with the Nebraska PGA professionals for a best ball showdown.
Before the players teed off, the Nebraska PGA legends interacted with the PGA students by sharing memories and giving advice to the young aspiring golfers. With over 400 plus years of experience in the group of PGA professionals, there was plenty for the students to learn and to take away from today's event.
Nebraska PGA legend Mike Schuchart talked about the importance of today's event for the section and the PGA students involved. Mike stated, “It's a fantastic event because this is the future of golf. These kids will eventually grow up and one of them will take my job, which is what we want. We want to try to develop really quality golf professionals that are very enthusiastic about the game have a passion for the game.”
Shortly after the players teed off to begin play, a light shower of rain started coming down before the sun finally came out. Though the sun was out, strong winds carried on throughout the round making for tough conditions for the competition.
The team of Ross Barnes, PGA, Joey Chandra, Jason Palmer, and Dylan Dauenhauer finished at 14 under winning the Second Annual Legends and Young Guns Classic. After play concluded and scores were entered, the section awarded four hardworking students in UNL's PGA Golf Management Program with scholarships to go towards their education. I spoke with the four student recipients after the exciting news was announced.
Junior Eric Kovarik stated “All this hard work and the years it took me to build up these experiences in my education about the golf industry has inspired me. It has been overwhelming, but it’s great to finally succeed and I know that the hours invested in my education have paid off.”
Senior Joel Johnson communicated, “Yeah, it really pays off for everything I've done so far with time invested on my internships and everything else I've learned. With all the lessons I've experienced, it is a huge bonus to receive a scholarship from the Nebraska PGA Section and I very much appreciate it."
Kyle Murray, Senior from Beatrice stated, "You know, I've I put a lot of hard work into who I want to be and what I want to do for the rest of my life, and I really think that the golf industry fits me well and this is what I want to do for my career.”
Senior Blake Schroeder found his voice when he said, “It's really hard to present this award. It means a lot and goes to show you that if you put in the time given what it is for those who put in the work on it.”
The Nebraska Section of the PGA along with the PGA Golf Management Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln would like to thank USA Bushnell Golf, Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola and Srixon/Cleveland Golf and XXIO CEO Tad Leistico for sponsoring and making today's event possible.
We would also like to thank head golf professional Dennis Vontz, PGA and the rest of the staff at Highlands Golf Course for hosting such an awesome event.
A BIG SHOUT OUT to Brett Renner with the Nebraska Section of the PGA for providing us with his report and his interviews. Brett is one special person.
Here is the actual interview and recap of the 2nd Annual Legends and Young Guns Classic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTQJV7H2abQ
Thank you Brett!
More details at: https://grassland.unl.edu/pga-program