bill strausbaugh award materials
This section of my site is dedicated to showcasing some of my previous work as it relates to my nominations for both the Bill Strausbaugh Award and the Professional Development Award for 2024. I kindly ask that you also review my website through the home page above to gather a more comprehensive view of me as a professional.
One of my screens from a golf stats webinar
Involvement in civic activities and local charitable causes within the community
I'm always looking for ways in which I can not only give back to the community but do so while spreading the joys of the game.
Led a series for OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at UNL showcasing the golf industry to a large group of lifelong learners.
Conducted a series of golf statistics webinars for the Nebraska Junior Golf Community.
Member of the Faculty Fellow for Student Success- a group focused on efforts to increase educational outcomes of all students at UNL.
Hosted multiple coaching workshops for local high school golf coaches.
Served on the Education Abroad Scholarship Review Committee to help distribute funds to allow students from all disciplines to study abroad.
UCARE (Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research) Proposal Review Committee- Working to help fund multiple deserving undergraduate research projects across a wide variety of disciplines.
Worked to increase scholarship pool for UNL PGA Golf Management Students to more than $30,000 annually. This is in addition to helping students to run their annual spring scramble fundraiser which amounts to more than $10,000 of additional scholarship money for students in the program.
Co-Advise the PGA Golf Management Student Club helping to prepare students for civic life beyond the program.
Service to the nebraska pga and the association
I take great pride in always being available to the section and the association to help elevate our profession whenever the opportunity arises.
Assisted with multiple NJGT Events on an annual basis in an official capacity including the new Spring and Fall Series Events sponsored by the program.
Served Nebraska Section PGA on Special Awards Selection Committee
Nebraska PGA Section Involvement:
Junior Golf Committee Chair (2013-2014)
Increased Jr. Rounds more than 20%
Increased registration revenue by more than 50%
Education Committee Chair (2018-2019)
Created numerous educational offerings for section membership
Re-launched the Nebraska PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit featuring speakers of national prominence
Screen capture from the Herb Graffis Award video featuring myself working with a junior golfer
One of my student groups on the Swilcan Bridge in St. Andrews
Contributions to building and growing the image of the game of golf, the pga professional and the association
I'll do whatever I can wherever I can to spread positive images of PGA of America Professionals across the globe.
52 of 268 professionals in NE Section have been in one or more of my classes-Many more around the country and globe.
Launched a new podcast for the program titled “Launch” focused on informing the public about aspects of our program and highlighting student and alumni successes.
Led students in undergraduate Research Projects related to golf.
Over 300 graduates produced, many of whom are making tremendous waves in the industry.
Leading role in organizing annual PGA Merchandise Show attendance including booth setup, hotels, transportation, and all activities for roughly thirty student attendees each year.
Run Spring Demo Days across the state of Nebraska
involvement & contribution toward improving the skills of other pga professionals
Most of my day to day is focused on this aspect of our industry. Improving the skills of PGA Professionals starts with improving the skills of future PGA Professionals. I go to great lengths to find opportunities inside and outside the classroom to go well beyond the established curriculum, interacting with PGA Professionals wherever possible to elevate all.
Organized and successfully operated the second offering of our AGRI 311 course on Golf Operations/Turf Operations Communications and Relationships.
PGA of America test results improved year over year.
Leveraged technologies such as TrackMan, Flightscope, Foresight, Full Swing Simulators, BodiTrak, High-Speed Video, K-Vest, MySwing 3D, and others in teaching and coaching students.
Increased core competencies of our graduates over those from other universities by augmenting our program with additional materials such as TrackMan University, PXIII fitting certifications, PGA.COACH (ADM), etc.
A group of future PGA Professionals and Future Superintendents tearing down the walls during a talk with Bill Irving at Wolf Creek in Kanas City.
Overall integrity and recognition as a person of outstanding character
The list below is simply a list of the specific awards that I've previously received. I list these under this heading because they're one of the best sources I have to affirm that others recognize my outstanding character and integrity. Beyond this, I only have what I have established through personal relationships that I've cultivated over the years.
Nebraska PGA Horton Smith Award – 2017 & 2019 (PGA Professional Development)
National PGA Herb Graffis Award (Nebraska Section) – 2020
UNL Education Abroad - Student’s Choice Award – 2018
Omtvedt Innovation Award for Teaching - Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources – 2020