The Nebraska Section Associate and Mentorship Site serves as a comprehensive hub for associates. It's designed to provide valuable insights on best practices for progressing through coursework, facilitate connections with fellow associates and PGA mentors, and offer resources to effectively plan required materials for completing each level. Additionally, the site supports PGA members who are interested in mentoring associates and assisting them both personally and professionally as they navigate their associate coursework journey."
Click HERE to visit the Nebraska PGA website
For both new and current associates, the following is a suggested roadmap to effectively navigate your coursework, quizzes, seminars, and portfolio activities.
The Nebraska PGA and PGA Education Faculty and Staff are here to support you throughout Level 1 and the entire PGA Associate Program. To complete Levels 1, 2, & 3 successfully, follow these steps:
New: Automated Portfolio Review for Facility Management Activities
The PGA of America has introduced an Automated Portfolio Review tool for Facility Management Portfolio Activities. This tool provides prompt, actionable feedback and applies the same standards and criteria as before for all Level 1 Professionals. It is especially helpful for associates on a tight timeline or those at non-traditional facilities that may not have tournaments, golf cars, or rules scenarios.
What You Need to Know:
The Automated Portfolio Review is not a revamp of the entire PGM Program and does not review Teaching & Coaching Activities.
It is designed to help you progress efficiently through Level 1 Facility Management requirements.
Level 1 Requirements & Activities:
To complete Level 1, you will need to address the following areas:
Career Enhancement
Identifying Growth Opportunities
Professional Career Planning
Rules of Golf
Golf Car Fleet Management
Customer Relations
Tournament Operations
Business Planning
How to Progress Quickly:
Preparation:
Review course manuals, pre-seminar activities, and quizzes.
The Level 1 seminar is virtual. Click here for the current Seminar Schedule. Register early, especially during winter months.
Seminar Attendance:
Attend seminars (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:30 pm).
Portfolio Completion:
After the seminar, complete and submit all required Facility Management portfolio activities for approval using the Automated Portfolio Review tool via your PGA Portal.
Additional Guidance:
Complete pre-seminar activities and quizzes after each lesson.
You may schedule the seminar before finishing the course manuals, but aim to be well-prepared.
Further Requirements:
These steps are consistent across all levels. Choose a career path to progress to Level 2. After Level 3, a comprehensive test (3.1) will be conducted.
Submit a completed portfolio post-seminar. Purchase the next level's materials before advancing.
Compensation Profile:
Don’t forget to complete your PGA Compensation Profile. This tool provides valuable insights into industry compensation trends and helps you benchmark your salary and benefits. COMPLETE THE COMPENSATION PROFILE HERE
Associate Roadmap to Completing Level 1
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you with your Level 1 activities. Refer to the following slides for more detailed information
OVERVIEW:
Teaching & Coaching:
Conduct a lesson
The same 4 videos as the Observe and Take a Lesson videos
The same worksheet as Observe and Take a Lesson, but with a new point of view
Player Engagement:
Activity 1: Observe a program (at another facility) and include a video during your observations.
Activity 2: Design a program for your facility (4 total parts)
Obtain your ADM Certification
Customer Relations:
Activity 1- Moments of Truth
Activity 2- Strategies and Skills
Golf Car Fleet Management
Rules of Golf:
Tutorial video
Tournament Operations:
Plan, prepare, and run a tournament (Observation)
Review and evaluate
Career Enhancement:
Career Plan (with interview)
Resume
Cover letter
Embarking on your professional journey is both challenging and exciting, and having the right support can truly make a difference. Mentee support is a crucial resource for career growth, offering guidance, insights, and encouragement from seasoned PGA professionals who have been in your shoes. Engaging with a mentor provides personalized development of your skills, expansion of your network, and a deeper understanding of the golf industry.
If you're ready to take your career to the next level, we encourage you to complete the Mentee Request Form. This is your opportunity to tap into the wisdom and experience of those committed to your success. After submitting your form, a PGA Professional will connect with you to start your mentorship journey.
Your mentorship will follow a structured 6-step process, designed to enhance both your personal and professional development. This journey is essential not only for your growth but also for allowing us to provide comprehensive feedback at the year's end. By fully engaging in this program, you'll gain invaluable insights and guidance from your mentor, aiding in your preparation for future career milestones.
We appreciate your enthusiasm and commitment to growth. Thank you for seizing this opportunity.
Mission Statement: The mission of the Mentorship Program is to provide meaningful connections that allow both the mentor and mentee to grow, personally and professionally.
Impact Statement: Mentorship has a transformative impact, fostering personal and professional growth through meaningful connections and guidance. By bridging experience with aspiration, mentorship cultivates leaders, enhances skills, and broadens perspectives. Participants emerge more confident, knowledgeable, and prepared to navigate the complexities of their careers. The ripple effect of mentorship extends beyond individual development, strengthening communities and industries alike by creating a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and support.
Qualifications of the Mentor Initiative:
To achieve points towards the Deferred Compensation Program you must complete 10 hours of mentoring (per associate). All PDRs for mentorship will be awarded upon completion of the program at the end of the year. Deferred Comp runs through the PGA Fiscal Calendar (4/1-3/31). We have provided a 10-hour guideline for your use and complete during your year-long mentorship.
Guiding someone on their professional journey is both rewarding and impactful, and your mentorship can truly make a significant difference. As a mentor, you are a crucial resource for career growth, offering your guidance, insights, and encouragement to PGA associates who are just starting out.
By engaging with a mentee, you have the opportunity to impart personalized development, help them expand their network, and deepen their understanding of the golf industry. Your experience and wisdom are invaluable assets that can shape the future of aspiring professionals.
The mentorship program follows a structured 6-step process, crafted to enhance both personal and professional growth. This journey is essential not only for the mentees' development but also for allowing the program to provide comprehensive feedback at the year's end. By fully engaging in this program, you will play a vital role in preparing mentees for future career milestones.
To get involved, please complete the registration form below. Once submitted, your registration will be reviewed by the Nebraska PGA Employment & Education Committees. You will then be assigned associate(s) who best align with your career path, personality, or geographical location. Given the collective interest, multiple mentors may be assigned to an associate based on total sign-ups. Once a mentee is assigned, we encourage you to proactively reach out to the supervising professionals of each associate to aid the mentorship process effectively.
We appreciate your dedication and commitment to fostering growth within our community. Thank you for embracing the opportunity to be a guiding influence.
Mentorship Important Documents:
NEPGA Mentorship Packet Print out
Use this as a guide throughout the year when assisting your mentees in their career journey
PGA of America Mentoring Guide: Tailored to each career path, this document includes a portfolio activity checklist to guide your journey with your Associate Professional.
NEPGA Mentorship Tracking Form
As a valued mentor, your role is crucial, and completing this form at every interaction with your mentees is essential. Please fill out this form for each individual you mentor, adhering to each step within the Mentorship model throughout the year.
2025 NEPGA Mentorship Recap & Best Practices (AVAILABLE January 2027)
The Section will compile a comprehensive summary of feedback, best practices, and action steps from all mentors. Please use this information to update, improve, and adapt your program for 2027. Additionally, a detailed recap of your personal mentorship program will be emailed to you in January."
Please click on the lists below to access contact information for current PGA Associates, Young Professionals, and individuals who have requested mentorship. It is the responsibility of the PGA Mentor to initiate contact with Associates once you have been paired be the committee.
2026 Nebraska PGA Associate List (do we want this?)
(Current PGA Associates in the Nebraska PGA and their level)
Jon Moore
Greg Gilg
Joe Wiegand
Kevin Drew
David Honnens
For any questions on how to get involved, please don't hesitate to contact any of the individuals listed below:
Jon Moore, PGA | Head Professional, Champions Run | Mentorship Committee Chair | jonmoore@championsomaha.com
Greg Gilg, PGA,CCM | General Manager, Field Club of Omaha | Employment Chair | ggilg@fcomaha.com
Joe Wiegand, PGA | Head Golf Professional, Benson Golf Course | Membership Chair | joe.wiegand@cityofomaha.org
Kevin Drew, PGA | Career Consultant, Iowa & Nebraska | PGA HQ Liason | kdrew@pgahq.com
David Honnens, PGA | Executive Director, Nebraska Section | Staff Liason | dhonnens@pgahq.com