55th Nebraska Match Play Championship
Riverside Golf Club, Grand Island
June 20-24, 2022
Corporate Partners
Spellerberg Battles Back to Win Nebraska Match Play Title
Bennington's Johnny Spellerberg battled back from a deficit to win the 36-hole Final of the 55th Nebraska Match Play Championship, 2 and 1, over York's Reed Malleck at Riverside Golf Club in Grand Island on Friday. Both players were past Nebraska Junior Match Play Champions, and trying to become the fifth player to also win a Nebraska Match Play title. Spellerberg was down after the first 18 holes, but came back to win his first title, and third NGA title overall. He won the 2010 Nebraska Junior Match Play and is the reigning Nebraska Mid-Amateur Champion. Malleck won his Junior Match Play title in 2020. Visit the Scoring tab above for the final bracket, and watch an interview with the champion and read the recap below.
Leaderboard
June 22, 2022
February 1, 2022
November 10, 2021
June 19, 2021
June 17, 2021
ENTRIES NOW OPEN
Enter This Championship Online
Exempt Player Entry Deadline: Monday, June 6, 2022
Entry Deadline: 5pm CDT on Monday, June 13, 2022
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. Players who withdraw (402-505-4653, x104) prior to the close of entries will receive a refund minus less a $30 service charge. Players who withdraw (402-505-4653, x104) after the close of entries but prior to the competition will not be issued a refund unless the reason for withdrawing is medically related. No refund for any reason after June 19, 2022.
Closing Date
EXEMPT PLAYER ENTRY APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY NGA NO LATER THAN MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 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 MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022.
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 13, 2022 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, 2022
2. From the NGA Point Standings, the top 25 point leaders as of June 6, 2022
3. Those golfers that qualified for match play at the 2021 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 6, 2022 deadline will be processed under category 5 above.
Entries Received
Practice Rounds
Practice rounds will be available beginning May 1st. To make arrangements for a practice round no more than one week in advance at a time convenient to Riverside GC players must contact the golf shop at (308) 382-2648. Practice round rate is $44+tax (walking) or $64+tax (w/ cart).
Championship Schedule
Monday, June 20
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)
Tuesday, June 21
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
Wednesday, June 22
7:00 a.m. - Practice Areas Open
8:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. - Round of 32 Match Play
2:00 p.m.-3:10 p.m. - Round of 16 Match Play
Thursday, June 23
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
Friday, June 24
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
2022 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 2022 Local Rules and Terms of Competition
Championship Notice to Players (Draft 1.0)
Media Guide
Nebraska Match Play Championship Media Guide
Riverside Golf Club
2820 Riverside Drive
Grand Island, NE 68801
Golf Shop Phone - (308) 382-2648
Website - riversidegolfclub.org
General Manager - Tom Foutch
Head Golf Professional - Dennis Fruchtl
Superintendent - Nate Pehrson
Course Yardage
| HOLE | PAR | YARDAGE | ALTERNATE YARDAGES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 462 | |
| 2 | 4 | 444 | |
| 3 | 4 | 397 | |
| 4 | 4 | 388 | |
| 5 | 4 | 409 | |
| 6 | 3 | 197 | 147 |
| 7 | 4 | 320 | |
| 8 | 5 | 511 | |
| 9 | 4 | 387 | |
| Out | 37 | 3,515 |
| HOLE | PAR | YARDAGE | ALTERNATE YARDAGES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 3 | 179 | 158 |
| 11 | 4 | 389 | |
| 12 | 4 | 376 | |
| 13 | 4 | 409 | |
| 14 | 3 | 183 | 163 |
| 15 | 4 | 410 | |
| 16 | 4 | 360 | |
| 17 | 4 | 389 | 310 |
| 18 | 5 | 541 | |
| In | 35 | 3,236 | |
| Total | 72 | 6,751 |
| YEAR | CHAMPION | HOMETOWN | SITE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Johnny Spellerberg | Bennington | Riverside Golf Club, Grand Island |
| 2021 | Nate Vontz | Lincoln | Wild Horse Golf Club, Gothenburg |
| 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 1968-2021
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
Riverside Golf Club, Grand Island 2*
*After hosting in 2022
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*
Andy Sajevic 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
Andy Sajevic 3
social media hub
YouTube
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55th Nebraska Match Play Final Part 2 (Holes 30-35)
2022 Nebraska Match Play Championship | Johnny Spellerberg
2022 Nebraska Match Play Championship | Finalists
2022 Nebraska Match Play Championship | Quarterfinalists
2022 Nebraska Match Play Championship | Woodhead Medalist
55th Nebraska Match Play Final Pt. 1 (Holes 21-28)
2022 Nebraska Match Play Championship
2022 Nebraska Junior Match Play Champion | Jackson Benge
2022 Nebraska Junior Match Play | Match Play Day One
2022 Nebraska Girls' Match Play Champion | Kaitlyn Hanna
2022 Nebraska Junior Match Play Championship | Stroke Play Qualifying
2022 Nebraska Women's Match Play Champion | Megan Whittaker
2022 Nebraska Women's Match Play Championship | Final
2022 Nebraska Women's Match Play Championship | Finalists Interview
2022 U.S. Open Local Qualifying | Local Qualifiers
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