Ed Neel named PCMGA Most Improved Player

Howie Tiger

On March 22 Bud Held, president of the PebbleCreek Men’s Golf Association, announced the Most Improved Player for the 2017 golfing season. That player is Ed Neel. The announcement took place just prior to PCMGA tournament play.

Ed was born in California but lived in numerous places as the son of a US Air Force Lt. Colonel. He graduated from the University of Nebraska – Omaha with a degree in geography. He followed the “family business” and attained the same rank in the Air Force as his dad. His specialty was cartography, a perfect fit. He was stationed in Hawaii for four years, his favorite assignment (no kidding!). He was also involved in missile operations in Wyoming. After his 21 years of service, he joined a non-profit company specializing in space systems engineering to support the Air Force. He moved to PebbleCreek in 2003.

Ed has been playing golf for over 50 years. His lowest handicap ever was a seven. He’s had one hole-in-one in his golf career that coming in 2001 at the Brambleton Regional Golf Course in Northern Virginia. Ed attributes his improvement in 2017 to new custom fitted clubs and work on his short game.

The PCMGA uses the USGA method to determine who is The Most Improved Player. The formula used is a ratio that encompasses the handicap index at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year. The formula also takes into account that it is more difficult to improve from an index of 10.0 to a 5.0 than it does to improve from a 25.0 to a 20.0. The PCMGA player with the highest ratio is the winner.

A check for $25 was awarded to Ed.

Congratulations to Ed for a great  season!