The NebGolf Podcast

Landmand Golf Club owner and NebGolf board member Will Andersen joins the podcast to talk about the upcoming feature on Golf Channel (April 21 at 6:30 p.m. CT), 'Anything But Little: The Story of Landmand Golf Club.' Produced by Danny Christiansen and Directed by Jason Jahnke, the documentary features owner Will Andersen and architects Rob Collins and Tad King, along with several of the usual characters that have made Landmand into what it is.

NebGolf board member John Knicely sits down with Nebraska Golf Hall of Famer Tom Sieckmann of Omaha. The two talk about Sieckmann's upbringing in Omaha, his collegiate career at Oklahoma State, playing professional golf across the world, his PGA Tour career and the two Masters Tournaments he played in.

USGA Director of Handicapping Education and Outreach Lee Rainwater joins the podcast to get us prepped for the active posting season in Nebraska. He talks about the changes to the World Handicap System, including 9-hole scores, 10-17 hole rounds, short courses, Playing Conditions Calculation, Target Score and more. NebGolf's Ben Vigil also gives some updates on happenings in Nebraska Golf, including championship entries opening, Nebraska on Tour, GrayBull survives a wildfire, and more on the active posting season.

Dr. Apollo Stack of OrthoNebraska joins the podcast to talk about his work as an Interventional Spine and Pain Management Physician, and how he helps golfers with back and neck injuries. NebGolf's Ben Vigil also gives some updates on happenings in Nebraska Golf, including Andy Sajevic's U.S. Mid-Am run, as well as the home stretch of the competitive season.

Elkhorn's Scott Gutschewski joins the podcast to talk about his third Korn Ferry Tour win, and first since 2008. NebGolf's Ben Vigil also gives a merchandise update, and previews the Nebraska Four-Ball and U.S. Open Local Qualifying.

Anna Midyett and her father, Patrick, join the podcast to talk about her experience at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on the eve of The Masters. 

Roch Gaussoin, a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, (6:40) joins the podcast to talk about winning the USGA Green Section Award, the UNL Turfgrass Program and more. NebGolf's Ben Vigil also talks active posting season opening, championship entries, Nebraska Junior Golf and a couple of announcements by the USGA.

Former NebGolf intern John Dechant (8:30) joins the podcast to discuss his new book, Little Poison, his days as an intern and more. NebGolf's Ben Vigil also talks the new logo launch, championship entries and Nebraska Junior Golf.

Kearney's Mandi Sedlak joins the podcast after playing in the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst No. 6 in North Carolina. NGA Staff Member Ben Vigil is joined by NGA Communications Intern Damon Bennett to summarize the last month of champions and discuss the end of Damon's internship.

Communications Intern Damon Bennett is joined by NGA Staff Member Sam Oehm and fellow Boatwright Intern Max Hollman to discuss the busy championship season in the last month, and give picks for who will hoist the Claret Jug at the 150th Open.

Omaha native John Rathouz of the Caddie Network joins the podcast to preview another major, the 122nd U.S. Open a The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. NGA Staff Members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm are also joined by NGA Communications Intern Damon Bennett to talk about the last few weeks of competitions.

Omaha native John Rathouz of the Caddie Network joins the podcast to preview the PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Joe Canny and Brad Goetsch of the University of Nebraska's PGA Golf Management program join the podcast to talk about their growing program, the technology they have on campus and the places their students and alumni get to go. NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also recap U.S .Open Local Qualifying, a Handicap Nugget of the Week, talk the best feeling in golf and recurring segments Nebraska on Tour and College Golf Roundup.

TPI Certified Physical Therapist Paul Murray joins the podcast to discuss OrthoNebraska's Golf Performance program, and how they help golfers recover from and prevent injuries, as well as improving performance. NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also recap the Nebraska Four-Ball, preview U.S .Open Local Qualifying, a Handicap Nugget of the Week and recurring segment College Golf Roundup with a ton of conference championship updates.

Millard North head boys golf coach Jake Hirz  joins the podcast to discuss becoming the new captain of the Junior Cup Team, for this year's Kansas-Nebraska Junior Cup Matches. NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about new corporate partner and presenting sponsor of the NebGolf Podcast, OrthoNebraska, the Masters, preview the Nebraska Four-Ball, and recurring segments Nebraska on Tour and College Golf Roundup.

Omaha native John Rathouz of the Caddie Network joins the podcast to preview The Masters, where he caddied in 2009 for John Merrick, who finished T6 in his first appearance. NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about attending a USGA/PGA Rules of Golf Workshop in Denver, the Masters and Nebraska on Tour.

Omaha native Scott Hoffman joins the podcast to talk about designing Lost Rail Golf Club, opening this year in Gretna. NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about the active posting season ahead, the best public golf trips in Nebraska, Nebraska on Tour and a College Golf Roundup.

Andy Hamilton, Head Superintendent at Beatrice Country Club, joins the podcast to talk about the dry winter in Nebraska and the challenges it presents to superintendents as we move toward the golf season. NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about Sam's time at the WM Phoenix Open, the best No. 2s in Nebraska, Nebraska on Tour and a College Golf Roundup.

Former NGA Intern Connor Stange joins the podcast to talk about his new gig as a Communications Specialist for the PGA Tour Champions. NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about yet another a new course coming to Nebraska, the NebGolf Awards, the 2022 NGA Championship Schedule and a Nebraska on Tour update.

NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm talk about the year that was 2021 in Nebraska golf. 

NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm talk about the 2021 Nebraska Golfers of the Year, including highlights, achievements and some incredible stats. They also talk about the end of the active posting season in Nebraska and some numbers from the 2021 season, along with a brief Nebraska on Tour update.

NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm are back in the booth, and recap the end of the NGA's competitive season, including the Nebraska Intercollegiate and NSAA Girls' State Golf. They also talk about the USGA and R&A's new Rules of Amateur Status and regular segments Nebraska on Tour and College Golf Roundup.

Lincoln's Jay Moore joins the podcast to talk about advancing to the Round of 32 at the 2021 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship this week at Sankaty Head Golf Club in Siasconset, Massachusetts. NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also recap the past few weeks for the NGA, including the Nebraska Senior Match Play Championship, Nebraska Women's Mid-Amateur Championship, Interclub Championship, a Course Rating Trip to CapRock Ranch in Valentine, and segments Nebraska on Tour and College Golf Roundup.

Elkhorn's Scott Gutschewski joins the podcast to talk about earning his PGA Tour Card for the first time since 2011. NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm are back to recap the past few weeks for the NGA, including the Nebraska Mid-Amateur Championship, Director's Cup, and a little preview of the next week.

This time on the NebGolf podcast, NGA staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm are back on the reigns to recap the past few weeks for the NGA, including a couple USGA qualifiers, the Kansas-Nebraska Junior Cup, and we preview the upcoming Nebraska Mid-Amateur Championship.

This time on the NebGolf podcast, host Geoff Exstrom recaps a wild few weeks around the NGA circuit. That includes the always entertaining Nebraska Amateur as well the Girls and Junior Amateurs. Then, Geoff brings on Aurora Boys Golf Coach and Team captain of Team Nebraska Craig Badura to preview the upcoming Nebraska-Kansas Junior Cup. They preview each Team Nebraska member, how difficult Wild Horse GC can be and how good Nebraska Junior golf has gotten around the state. 

Communications Intern Geoff Exstrom sits down with now Firethorn GC Head of Instruction Steve Friesen ahead of the 113th Nebraska Amateur Championship. Geoff and Friesen dive deep into the 1998 Amateur Championship which is when Friesen won his lone Amateur title at Lochland CC breaking numerous records including lowest score (21-under) and largest margin of victory (13 strokes). Their discussion also includes Friesen's favorite moments of that championship and what he remembers about Lochland as the championship returns to the course for the first time since that 1998 title. Lastly, Geoff and Ben break down what's been happening about Nebraska golf and preview what should be an exciting four days of golf to crown the ultimate champion of Nebraska Amateur Golf. 

NGA Staff members Ben Vigil, Craig Ames and Sam Oehm hop on the mic to talk about their experiences at the 41st U.S. Senior Open that took place at Omaha Country Club. From chasing down Stephen Ames for an interview to hearing Colin Montgomerie complain about another golfer's shoes, there's plenty of behind the scenes stories. In addition, hosts Geoff Exstrom and Laurel Berry catch you up on the latest news around the NGA circuit including a U.S. Amateur qualifier, Nicole Kolbas competing at the U.S. Girls' Junior Amateur and previewing a couple of upcoming NGA events. 

NGA Communication Interns Geoff Exstrom and Laurel Berry recap a few events that occurred around the Nebraska golf world including the most recent U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifying at Champions Run and how Team Nebraska won the 53rd Four-State title for the second time in three years. Then, both preview the 41st U.S. Senior Open taking place at Omaha Country Club as well as the U.S. Amateur Qualifier next week at Lochland CC in Hastings, Nebraska. Then, NGA Staff member Ben Vigil talks to Omaha World Herald golf writer Stu Pospisil about his humble beginnings on the Nebraska golf beat as well as his brand new book titled "Nebraska Golf: Out of the Shadows" that just hit the shelf. 

NGA Communications Interns Geoff Exstrom and Laurel Berry recap what was an insane past few weeks in the Nebraska golf world with the Nebraska, Junior and Girls' Match Play along with the Senior Amateur Championship. Then, Geoff chats with Carson Schaake who qualified and played at the 121st U.S. Open. Geoff and Carson talk about a plethora of topics including Carson's experience at Torrey Pines and how special it was for his brother, Alex, to caddie for him. 

NGA Staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm recap a busy few weeks for the NGA, starting with the best thing they saw this week (or these past weeks), and recaps of the Nebraska Women's Match Play Championship, U.S. Senior Open Qualifying, U.S. Girls' Junior Qualifying and Carson Schaake Qualifying for the 121st U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. We also introduce the 2021 NGA Communications Interns Lauren Berry and Geoff Exstrom and talk to them about how their first few weeks with the NGA have been and what they're excited about this summer.

Iowa's Mike McCoy, one of the most decorated amateur golfers in USGA history, joins us to talk about the 2013 U.S. Senior Open at Omaha Country Club and his path to the 2021 U.S. Senior Open. He's played in 62 USGA Championships, won the 2013 U.S. Mid-Amateur, played on the 2015 USA Walker Cup Team, and hasn't missed a U.S. Senior Open since 2013. NGA Staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about the best thing they saw this week (or these past weeks), some U.S. Senior Open announcements, a Nebraska Four-Ball recap, officiating the Big 12 Men's Golf Championship, the long-awaited Course Rating Trip, U.S. Open Local Qualifying, and a quick college golf roundup.

Rob Collins of King-Collins Golf Course Design joins us this week to give some updates on Landmand Golf Club in Homer, Nebraska, what changes have been made to the original design, the work that's left to be done, and what it's going to mean to the world of golf. NGA Staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about the best thing they saw this week, the start of championship season with the Nebraska Four-Ball this weekend, some LPGA Tour talk,  Nebraska on Tour and a college golf roundup.

PGA Tour Champions caddie and Omaha native Troy Martin joins us to talk about caddying for some all-time greats, including Dave Stockton Sr., Jerry Pate, Nick Price, Nick Faldo, Mark Calcavecchia,  Jay Haas and currently Peter Jacobsen. He also talks about his company, Bucket Boy Graphics, which designs and produces yardages books for the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and more. NGA Staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about the best thing they saw this week, the announcement of the Inaugural Nebraska Women's Mid-Amateur, Masters recap and takeaways, Nebraska on Tour and a college golf roundup.

Husker golfer Kate Smith joins us to talk about playing in the Augusta National Women's Amateur, her experience in the competition and then playing a practice round at August National Golf Club, her Sugar Bowl win, Logos Under Repair, and what her future looks like. NGA Staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about the best thing they saw this week, Hitting the Slopes, a big week in women's golf with the ANA Inspiration and Augusta National Women's Amateur, everything from Thursday at the Masters, Nebraska on Tour and a college golf roundup.

Husker Women's Golf Head Coach Lisa Johnson joins us to talk about her team's big Sugar Bowl win, her days playing golf at Gonzaga for a basketball coach, senior Kate Smith picking up her first collegiate win and playing in the Augusta National Women's Amateur, coaching an internationally diverse golf team and more. NGA Staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about the best thing they saw this week, Hitting the Slopes, some Rules of Golf situations from the weekend, a big week in women's golf with the ANA Inspiration and Augusta National Women's Amateur, Nebraska on Tour and a college golf roundup.

A breakup followed by a global pandemic led to a big year of golf for Omaha's Andrew Dillon and his friend Zach Kurmel. Andrew, joined frequently by Zach, played over 200 rounds at more than 100 golf courses in Nebraska and six other states in 2020, ranging from private clubs to munis, and many 9-hole courses as well.  They join us on the podcast to tell us about their 2020, and the many stories they took away from a year full of golf. NGA Staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about the best thing they saw this week, their go-to orders at the turn, Hitting the Slopes, Nebraska on Tour, college golf roundup and a World Handicap System segment covering acceptable scores for posting.

The USGA's Mike Trostel joins us to talk some Nebraska golf history, including a look at the great amateur Johnny Goodman, and his wins at the 1933 U.S. Open and 1937 U.S. Amateur. With the U.S. Senior Open returning to Omaha in 2021, we also talk some USGA Championship history in Nebraska, including the last edition of the U.S. Senior Open in 2013 at Omaha Country Club. NGA staff members Ben and Sam also talk about some volunteer opportunities for the U.S. Senior Open, the NGA Team Interclub Program, Hitting the Slopes, Nebraska on Tour, a Husker Sugar Bowl win, walking vs. riding and more.

Craig Ames, Executive Director of the Nebraska Golf Association, joins us to talk about how he started his career with the NGA, and what the early days of his career were like. He talks about his experiences working as a Rules Official at the U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur and the Masters. NGA Staff Members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm cover a few other topics as well, including the beginning of the active posting season, the opening of championship entries, Hitting the Slopes, Nebraska on Tour and a College Golf Round Up. 

This episode of The NebGolf Podcast is dedicated to Hitting the Slopes, the NGA's new video series premiering Tuesday at 7 p.m. on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.  Hitting the Slopes follows a Course Rating trip by staff members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm last spring, during which they rated seven courses in four days. The NGA annually visits 10-20 golf courses to issue new Course, Bogey and Slope Ratings, but the best part is traveling the state and seeing these communities and their cherished golf courses. We showcase these courses and talk to some local members to find out what makes their courses special. Ben and Sam also play a little golf and provide some entertainment with their games, both good and bad. The courses featured include Alma Golf Course, Hi-Line Golf Course, Arrowhead Meadows Golf Course, Cross Creek Golf Links, Broken Bow Golf Club, Atkinson-Stuart Country Club and Wayne Country Club.

Kurt Karcher, Director of Nebraska Junior Golf, joins us to talk about what's new on the NJG scene and how parents can get their kids involved in the game. We're also joined by Kaitlyn and Terry Hanna (hanna.terry@westside66.net) to talk about Westside High School's new training facility, The Swede Center. NGA Staff Members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm cover a few other topics as well, including Tiger's crash, the Genesis Invitational, Nebraska on Tour, Luke Kluver and KU in the desert, a Rules of Amateur Status announcement from the USGA, and some more junior golf talk.

Golf Course Architect Gil Hanse joins us to talk about CapRock Ranch, his original design opening near Valentine, Nebraska this year. We also cover his love for the sandhills area, designing courses all over the world and his restorations at championship golf courses that will host the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. NGA Staff Members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk more in depth about CapRock Ranch, Mike Whan as the new USGA CEO, a big week in Nebraska on Tour, the 200 Club and more.

NGA Vice President and longtime volunteer rules official Bob Planansky joins us to talk about how he became involved with the Rules of Golf and where it took him, from the U.S. Junior Championship to Pac-12 and NCAA events and more. NGA Staff Members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also follow up on Patrick Reed and the Distance topics from last week, take a look at some Handicap Index statistics, recap the Big Ten Match Play for the Huskers and Iowa's Alex Schaake, Nebraska on Tour with Nate Lashley on a hot streak, and Westside High School's new training facility.

McCook native and current Korn Ferry Tour professional Brandon Crick joins us to talk about his life on Tour, winning the Nebraska Amateur at the extinct Ironwood G&CC, playing in the U.S. Open, what it's like to play golf with Larry the Cable Guy and more. NGA Staff Members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also cover a couple hot issues in the world of golf, Patrick Reed and the USGA and R&A's distance report, the return of college golf and Nebraska on Tour with Nate Lashley in contention in Phoenix.

Former Blackshirt and NFL defensive end Jay Moore joins us to talk about his days as a Husker and in the NFL, getting hooked on golf in college, turning his competitiveness to golf after football, health and fitness specific to golf, Firethorn Golf Club and more. NGA Staff Members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also recap the last half of winners of the NebGolf awards on Twitter, take a look at the USGA Qualifying schedule and more.

Southeast Community College men's golf coach Calvin Freeman joins us to talk about growing up in a small town and learning the game at a 9-hole course, his collegiate and professional career, getting into coach, his obsession with buying putters, his love for Cane's sauce and much more. NGA Staff Members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about Husker Kate Smith getting an invite to the Augusta National Women's Amateur, some of their goals for 2021 and recap the winners of the NebGolf awards on Twitter so far.

Creighton men's golf coach Judd Cornell joins us to talk about his golf career from a junior golfer to a touring professional, coaching at Nebraska and Creighton, and more. NGA Staff Members Ben Vigil and Sam Oehm also talk about winter golf outlets in Nebraska, the NebGolf awards for the best moments of 2020 and take a sneak peek at the 2021 NGA Championship schedule. We also offer a giveaway for listeners of the pod.

Before we kickoff in the podcast in 2021, we took the chance to highlight some of our guests from the summer of 2020. Listen to the best clips from our interviews with Tony Chapman, Kyle Hegland, Charlie Borner Jr., John Rathouz, Craig Badura, Dirk Chatelain and Kate Smith. 

Ben and Sam wrap up #12DaysofChampions, taking a closer look at the final six NGA championships of 2020, coinciding with our #12DaysofChampions videos that debuted on social media last week. Also in this episode is interviews with our 2020 Nebraska Golfers of the Year, Danica Badura (1:03:00), Luke Gutschewski (1:09:15), Ed Wyatt (1:15:30) and Andy Sajevic (1:22:00).

Ben and Sam talk a little U.S. Women's Open, Tiger and Charlie at the PNC Championship, and then dive into the first of two episodes of #12DaysofChampions. We take a closer look at the first six NGA championships of 2020, to coincide with our #12DaysofChampions videos debuting on social media each night.