54th Nebraska Match Play Championship
Wild Horse Golf Club, Gothenburg
June 15-19, 2021
Kluver Comes Back to Win Nebraska Match Play
Norfolk's Luke Kluver came back to win the 53rd Nebraska Match Play Championship at Hillcrest Country Club in Lincoln in the 36-hole Final on Friday. Elkhorn's Ryan Nietfeldt took a 3-up lead after the first 18 holes, but Kluver played the final 14 holes in 6-under par to comeback for the 5-and-4 win. Visit the Scoring tab above for the final bracket, and see the recap below.
Leaderboard
February 14, 2021
June 26, 2020
June 24, 2020
June 23, 2020
June 1, 2020
February 26, 2020
November 14, 2019
June 14, 2019
Enter This Championship Online
Entry Deadline: 5pm CDT on Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Eligibility
Entries are open to amateur golfers with an active Handicap Index® based on ratings for men not exceeding 6.0 under the World Handicap System™ issued by a "member club" of the Nebraska Golf Association and a resident of Nebraska (see NGA residency below).
NGA Residency: An individual is considered to be a resident of Nebraska if they: a) maintain either a primary or a secondary residence in Nebraska, or b) are an active duty member of the United States Military stationed in Nebraska, or c) are a student physically attending college in Nebraska within a time period four-months prior to the event, or d) are a graduate of a Nebraska high school attending an out-of-state college. If these criteria are in question, the NGA Tournament Committee shall render any final decision.
Amateur Status: All players must conform with the Rules of Amateur Status as approved by the USGA.
Code of Conduct:
The NGA may reject an entry application, revoke an accepted application, expel from the Championship and/or suspend a player from future championships if the player engages in conduct detrimental to the integrity and image of the game of golf and/or public confidence in the NGA. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to, damage to the golf course or the player's equipment, verbal or physical abuse of spectators, officials, volunteers, or staff, blatant or excessive profanity, disorderly behavior, failure to abide by club rules, or any other unbecoming conduct.
Entry Fee
Entry fee of $175 must be paid by every player. Entry fee will be refunded regardless of reason if the NGA is notified (402-505-4653) before the close of entries. After the close of entries, fee will be refunded in the event of a medical condition, if requested no later than June 14. No refund for any reason after June 14. A $30 service charge will be deducted from all refunds.
Closing Date
EXEMPT PLAYER ENTRY APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY NGA NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021 TO MAINTAIN EXEMPT STATUS AND GUARANTEE A SPOT IN THE FIELD.
ENTRY APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY NGA NO LATER THAN 5 P.M. C.D.T. ON TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2021.
Late applications are not acceptable and will be automatically rejected. (Entries by telephone, e-mail, or FAX not acceptable.) Time limit for entries means time of receipt at NGA (not time entry is sent or transmitted to NGA). Entries should be submitted early to allow ample time for delay or error in transmission. The risk of delay or error in transmission lies solely with the entrant and the NGA will have no liability with respect to any such delay or error and the consequences therefrom, including rejection of the entry.
Players
The championship field will be limited to 156 players. If more than 156 entries are received by the June 8, 2021 deadline, the field will be comprised of players that filed entries by the deadline in these categories:
1. From the NGA Player Rankings, the top 50 point leaders as of January 1, 2021
2. From the NGA Point Standings, the top 25 point leaders as of June 1, 2021
3. Those golfers that qualified for match play at the 2020 Nebraska Match Play Championship
4. Special Exemptions selected by the NGA Board of Directors
5. Remainder of the field determined by order of entry
*Entry applications received by exempt players following the June 1, 2021 deadline will be processed under category 5 above.
Practice Rounds
To make arrangements for a practice round at a time convenient to Wild Horse Golf Club please contact the club at (308) 537-7700. Practice round rate is $60 including cart.
Championship Schedule
Tuesday, June 15
7:00 a.m. - Practice Areas Open
7:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. - Player Registration (Morning Wave)
8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. - Round One, Stroke Play Qualifying Starting Times (Morning Wave)
12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. - Player Registration (Afternoon Wave)
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. - Round One, Stroke Play Qualifying Starting Times (Afternoon Wave)
Wednesday, June 16
7:00 a.m. - Practice Areas Open
8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. - Round Two, Stroke Play Qualifying Starting Times (Morning Wave)
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. - Round Two, Stroke Play Qualifying Starting Times (Afternoon Wave)
7:30 p.m. (Approx.) - Play-Off, if necessary
Thursday, June 17
6:30 a.m. - Practice Areas Open
7:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. - Round of 32 Match Play
2:00 p.m.-3:10 p.m. - Round of 16 Match Play
Friday, June 18
6:30 a.m. - Practice Areas open
7:30 a.m.-8:00 a.m. - Quarterfinals
12:30 p.m.-12:40 p.m. - Semifinals
Saturday, June 19
6:30 a.m. - Practice Areas open
7:30 a.m. - 36-Hole Final
Championship Guidelines
NGA Championship Guidelines
Terms of Competition
Entry Form Terms of Competition
Exemptions
2021 Exemptions
Player Memorandum
Player Memorandum - Championship
Pace of Play Information
Stroke Play Pace of Play Policy
Match Play Pace of Play Policy
Rules Documents
NGA 2021 Local Rules and Terms of Competition
Championship Notice to Players (Draft 1.0)
Media Guide
Nebraska Match Play Championship Media Guide
Wild Horse Golf Club
40950 Road 786
Gothenburg, NE 69138
Golf Shop Phone - (308) 537-7700
Website - playwildhorse.com
General Manager - Tony Collins
Superintendent - Josh Mahar
Course Yardage
| HOLE | PAR | YARDAGE | ALTERNATE YARDAGES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 405 | 363 |
| 2 | 4 | 478 | 431 |
| 3 | 5 | 537 | |
| 4 | 3 | 171 | 160 |
| 5 | 4 | 367 | |
| 6 | 5 | 548 | |
| 7 | 4 | 364 | 244 |
| 8 | 4 | 451 | 433 |
| 9 | 3 | 185 | 155 |
| Out | 36 | 3,506 |
| HOLE | PAR | YARDAGE | ALTERNATE YARDAGES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 4 | 408 | |
| 11 | 3 | 126 | |
| 12 | 4 | 442 | |
| 13 | 3 | 208 | 191 |
| 14 | 5 | 559 | |
| 15 | 4 | 342 | 307 |
| 16 | 4 | 445 | 418 |
| 17 | 5 | 548 | |
| 18 | 4 | 418 | 384 |
| In | 36 | 3,496 | |
| Total | 72 | 7,002 |
| YEAR | CHAMPION | HOMETOWN | SITE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Luke Kluver | Norfolk | Hillcrest Country Club, Lincoln |
| 2019 | Caleb Badura | Aurora | The Players Club, Omaha |
| 2018 | Alex Schaake | Omaha | Champions Run, Omaha |
| 2017 | Jay Cottam | Hebron | Shadow Ridge Country Club, Omaha |
| 2016 | Rylee Reinertson | Gibbon | Firethorn Golf Club, Lincoln |
| 2015 | Michael Colgate | Kearney | The Prairie Club, Valentine |
| 2014 | Bryce Brown | Lincoln | The Country Club of Lincoln |
| 2013 | Andy Sajevic | Fremont | Elks Country Club, Columbus |
| 2012 | Kevin Stanek | Bellevue | Platteview Country Club, Bellevue |
| 2011 | Kevin Stanek | Bellevue | Wild Horse Golf Club, Gothenburg |
| 2010 | John Hurley | O'Neill | Omaha Country Club, Omaha |
| 2009 | John Hurley | O'Neill | Willow Lakes Golf Course, Bellevue |
| 2008 | Brandon Crick | McCook | ArborLinks, Nebraska City |
| 2007 | John Hurley | O'Neill | Hillcrest Country Club, Lincoln |
| 2006 | Patrick Duffy | Omaha | Shadow Ridge Country Club, Omaha |
| 2005 | Jon Deines | Beatrice | Wild Horse Golf Club, Gothenburg |
| 2004 | Travis Minzel | Lincoln | Norfolk Country Club |
| 2003 | Ryan Nietfeldt | Omaha | Riverside Golf Club, Grand Island |
| 2002 | A.J. Elgert | Lincoln | Indian Creek Golf Course, Elkhorn |
| 2001 | Pete Godwin | Omaha | Elks Country Club, Columbus |
| 2000 | Knox Jones | Lincoln | The Country Club of Lincoln |
| 1999 | Jason Bender | Elkhorn | Firethorn Golf Club, Lincoln |
| 1998 | Steve Friesen | Lincoln | Hillcrest Country Club, Lincoln |
| 1997 | Judd Brewer | Lincoln | Beatrice Country Club |
| 1996 | John Sajevic | Fremont | Highland Country Club, Omaha |
| 1995 | Pete Godwin | Omaha | Omaha Country Club |
| 1994 | Knox Jones | Lincoln | Happy Hollow Club, Omaha |
| 1993 | Scott Ahl | Elkhorn | Platteview Country Club, Bellevue |
| 1992 | David Clouse | Friend | Elks Country Club, Columbus |
| 1991 | Larry Sock | Lincoln | Heritage Hills Golf Course, McCook |
| 1990 | Larry Sock | Lincoln | Willow Lakes Golf Course, Bellevue |
| 1989 | John Sajevic | Fremont | Fremont Golf Club |
| 1988 | Jim Sieckman | Omaha | The Country Club of Lincoln |
| 1987 | Bill Spangler | Lincoln | Lochland Country Club, Hastings |
| 1986 | David Walker | Omaha | Oak Hills Country Club, Omaha |
| 1985 | Bryan Hughett | Lincoln | Highland Country Club, Omaha |
| 1984 | Scott Howerter | Lincoln | Hillcrest Country Club, Lincoln |
| 1983 | Rennie Sasse | Lincoln | Elks Country Club, Columbus |
| 1982 | Mike Schuchart | Lincoln | Beatrice Country Club |
| 1981 | Mike Hughett | Lincoln | Capehart Golf Club, Offutt AFB |
| 1980 | Tom Olson | Omaha | Highland Country Club, Omaha |
| 1979 | Knox Jones | Lincoln | The Country Club of Lincoln |
| 1978 | Doug Smith | Lincoln | Norfolk Country Club |
| 1977 | Larry Sock | Lincoln | Omaha Country Club |
| 1976 | Tom Olson | Omaha | Hillcrest Country Club, Lincoln |
| 1975 | Dan Bahensky | Lincoln | Capehart Golf Club, Offutt AFB |
| 1974 | Tom Sieckman | Omaha | Skyview Golf Course, Alliance |
| 1973 | Charles Walter | Lincoln | Fremont Golf Club |
| 1972 | Mike Ley | Lincoln | Highland Country Club, Omaha |
| 1971 | Bill McNaught | York | Lochland Country Club, Hastings |
| 1970 | Charlie Borner | North Platte | The Country Club of Lincoln |
| 1969 | Matt Taber | Lincoln | Happy Hollow Club, Omaha |
| 1968 | Tim Bateman | Lincoln | Norfolk Country Club |
Nebraska Match Play Championship Records 1968-2020
Champions
Most titles: 3, John Hurley (2007, 2009, 2010); Knox Jones (1979, 1994, 2000); Larry Sock (1977, 1990, 1991)
Other Multiple Champions:
John Sajevic 2
Kevin Stanek 2
Pete Godwin 2
Tom Olson 2
Consecutive titles: 2, Kevin Stanek, 2011 to 2012; John Hurley, 2009 to 2010; Larry Sock, 1990 to 1991
Longest Span, First to Last Victory: 21 years, Knox Jones (1979-2000); 14 years, Larry Sock (1977-1991)
Longest Span Between Victories: 15 years, Knox Jones (1979-1994); 13 years, Larry Sock (1977-1990)
Brother Champions: Tom Sieckmann (1974) and Jim Sieckmann (1988); Mike Hughett (1981) and Bryan Hughett (1985)
Father-Son Champions: John Sajevic, Fremont (1989, 1996) and Andy Sajevic, Fremont (2013)
Age
Oldest winner: 44, Pete Godwin, Omaha, 2001 (Elks CC)
Youngest winner: 19, Tim Bateman, Lincoln, 1968 (Norfolk CC); Tom Sieckmann, Omaha, 1974 (Skyview GC); Knox Jones, Lincoln, 1979 (CC of Lincoln); Caleb Badura, Aurora, 2019 (The Players Club)
Youngest Finalist: 17, Tony Pesavento, Omaha, 1974 (Skyview GC); Josh Reinertson, Gibbon, 2008 (ArborLinks)
Course
Most Times Host Site:
The Country Club of Lincoln 5
Hillcrest Country Club, Lincoln 5
Elks Country Club, Columbus 4
Highland Country Club, Omaha 4
Willow Lakes/Capehart GC, Bellevue 4
Norfolk Country Club 3
Omaha Country Club 3
Wild Horse Golf Club, Gothenburg 3*
Happy Hollow Club, Omaha 2
Lochland Country Club, Hastings 2
Beatrice Country Club 2
Fremont Golf Club 2
Platteview Country Club, Bellevue 2
Firethorn Golf Club, Lincoln 2
Shadow Ridge Country Club, Omaha 2
*After hosting in 2021
Match Play
Largest Winning Margin, 36-Hole Match (Final): 11 and 10, John Hurley defeated Tom Kelley, 2007 (Hillcrest CC)
Longest 36-Hole Final Match: 39 holes, Tom Olson defeated Mike Hughett, 1980 (Highland CC)
Most Consecutive Match Play Victories: 12, John Hurley, 2009-2010; Kevin Stanek, 2011-2012; 10, Larry Sock, 1990-1991
Miscellaneous
Most Runner-Up Finishes:
Ryan Nietfeldt 3
Bill Spangler 2
Don Bridge 2*
Knox Jones 2
Mike Hughett 2
Mike Rack 2*
Rob Mullin 2*
Tim Marchese 2*
Tom Sieckmann 2
Lance Lawson 2*
*Never won
Most Times in Final:
Knox Jones 5
Larry Sock 4
Ryan Nietfeldt 4
John Hurley 3
John Sajevic 3
Pete Godwin 3
Tom Olson 3
Bill Spangler 3
Mike Hughett 3
Tom Sieckmann 3
social media hub
YouTube
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Matt Gogel U.S. Senior Open Qualifier Interview
U.S. Senior Open Qualifier Robin Byrd Interview
Kirsten Batae Women's Match Play Champion Interview
Nebraska Women's Match Play Finalists Interview
98th Nebraska Women's Match Play Day 1
The NebGolf Podcast | Mike McCoy
2021 U.S. Open Local Qualifying | Brandon Crick
2021 U.S. Open Local Qualifying | Ryan Vermeer
2021 U.S. Open Local Qualifying | Carson Schaake
2021 Nebraska Four-Ball Champions | Turek & Grandfield
The NebGolf Podcast | Rob Collins
20th Nebraska Four-Ball Championship | Clutch Happens
The NebGolf Podcast | Troy Martin
The NebGolf Podcast
The NebGolf Podcast | Kate Smith & Media Attention
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