- The 2014 Wells Fargo Nebraska Open Champion – Chris Thompson, Lawrence, KS
COLUMBUS - Professional golfers will be driving and putting to aid a cause that will benefit community college students when the 26th annual Nebraska Open tees off in Columbus Sept. 14-17.
This annual event will raise $78,000 this year for scholarships that will be given to students attending Nebraska’s community colleges.
The Nebraska Open is coordinated by Nebraska Public Power District and has raised close to $1.5 million in scholarship money over the last 26 years. These scholarships are given to the Central Community College Foundation and distributed to students attending Nebraska’s community colleges within NPPD’s service territory. Scholarships are distributed to Central, Mid-Plains, Southeast, Northeast, and Western Community College Systems.
“Sponsors have come from across the United States to help improve the quality of life for students in Nebraska. This annual event continues to provide opportunities for community college students to complete or continue their degrees, or simply get a start on their college education,” said NPPD President and Chief Executive Officer Pat Pope. “It has been a great opportunity for NPPD to work with the Nebraska Section of the PGA, the Nebraska Golf Association, and the Central Community College Foundation to coordinate one of Nebraska’s largest golf events.”
Endorsed and administered by the Nebraska Section of the PGA and the Nebraska Golf Association, the tournament has been held at the Elks Country Club since 1991. More than 50 businesses are sponsoring this year’s event, with many participating in Thursday’s 18-hole scramble with professional golfers that begins at noon.
Wells Fargo returns as the title sponsor, along with national, regional and Columbus-based companies such as Behlen Mfg. Co., Mike’s Auto Sales, Eakes Office Solutions, Kelly Supply Co., Nebraska Energy Federal Credit Union, and U.S. Bank.
The Pro-Am portion of the tournament kicks off at noon on Thursday, September 14, and is followed by a three-day, professional-amateur, 54-hole tournament beginning Friday, Sept. 15 and concludes Sunday. Play begins at 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday.
An awards ceremony for the Nebraska Open winner will be held Sunday
at the putting green, beginning at approximately 3 p.m.
Returning to the Nebraska Open Tournament in 2017 are the following: