Amateurs Win Nebraska Cup Matches in Landslide
GOTHENBURG (July 26, 2019) – The Amateurs went on a historic run on Friday at Wild Horse Golf Club in Gothenburg to win the 47th Nebraska Cup Matches in record fashion.
The Amateur team representing the Nebraska Golf Association defeated the Professional team representing the Nebraska PGA Section, 55-17. The 55 points ties the record for the most scored in the history of these matches. Although, that record was set when teams consisted of 14 players, instead of the current 12, and 12 more points were available. The 38-point winning margin also surpasses the previous record, which was 30 points, set back in 2002 when the Pros won at Shadow Ridge Country Club.
Four-Ball matches kicked off the goodwill even that dates back to 1972, and the Amateurs jumped out to a 26-10 lead. In the four Non-Seniors matches, the Amateurs won 23 of a possible 24 points, while the Pros won both Seniors matches. Omaha’s Alex Schaake and Norfolk’s Luke Kluver made nine birdies and an eagle in their Four-Ball match to win all six points. Aurora’s Caleb Badura and Grand Island’s Cade McCallum also won all six points, as did Lincoln’s Jay Moore and Elkhorn’s Ryan Nietfeldt. Noah Hofman of McCook and Nate Vontz of Lincoln won five of six points in their match.
In the afternoon Singles matches, it was again another runaway victory for the Amateurs, as they won the session 29-7. Kluver, McCallum, Moore and Nietfeldt each swept all three points in their matches to finish the day perfect with nine points. Kluver made seven birdies and chipped in for an eagle-2 on the par-4 15th hole to take down Justin Herron of Pacific Springs Golf Course. Schaake started his match against Husker assistant coach Judd Cornell by holing out for an eagle-2 on No. 1 for the second time during the day. Schaake holed out from 78 yards in the morning, and then matched the feat from 92 yards in the afternoon. He followed with a birdie on No. 2, another eagle on the par-5 third and a birdie on the par-3 fourth to play his first four holes in 6-under. Schaake went on to win 2.5 points against Cornell.
Two legends played each other in the Singles matches, and neither player was able to gain the advantage. Professional Jim White of Fairways at Lincoln, who has played in the most Nebraska Cup Matches, faced Fremont’s John Sajevic and great battle ensued. The 69-year-old White and 63-year-old Sajevic both shot rounds of 69 (-3) and split the points in their match.
The Amateurs reclaim the Cup after losing last year, bringing the all-time series to 26-21 in favor of the PGA. For full results and more, visit the website at the button below.
About the NGA
The Nebraska Golf Association, founded in 1966, is comprised of all members of public and private clubs and/or municipal or regional golf associations which utilize an approved handicap service recognized by the USGA and provided by the NGA. Our mission is to uphold and promote the game of golf and its values to all golfers in Nebraska. Among the duties of the Association include governance of member clubs and service as their handicapping and course rating authority, conduct of state golf championships, local USGA qualifying & other notable competitions, promotion of junior golf, presentation of worthwhile educational programs and support of allied golf organizations in Nebraska. The Nebraska Golf Association is an Allied Golf Association of the USGA and carries out core services including Handicap Administration and Oversight, Course Rating, Rules of Golf and Rules of Amateur Status, Tournaments and USGA Championship Qualifiers and USGA Initiatives and Community Programs.
About the Nebraska PGA
The Nebraska Section of the PGA is one of 41 Sections that together comprise the PGA of America. The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of approximately 245 PGA Members and 24 Apprentices 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.
