The UNO Golf Team and Back Tee Boys enjoying the Havener Bar-B-Q
Howie Tiger
Several members of PebbleCreek’s own Back Tee Boys played host to the University of Nebraska-Omaha (aka UNO) golf team who were here to compete in the Desert Shootout golf tournament. The tournament was held at Palm Valley Golf Course March 17 through 19. Lee and Donna Havener, Lyman Gallup and Marilyn Reynolds, Jack and Cathy Schafer and Steve and Julie Pirner shared their homes with the five-man team and their coach, Seth Porter. Also the Havener’s neighbors, Chuck and Michelle Smythe, shared their casita.
Introducing the UNO Mavericks: Mitch Ryan, a junior from Omaha; Ben Maskus, a junior from Shawnee Mission, Kansas; Miles Russell, a sophomore from Omaha; Kevin Gordon, a freshman from Toronto, Ontario Canada and Cameron MacGregor, a freshman from Martinez, California.
The team arrived at PebbleCreek the morning of Wednesday, March 16. We arranged for Seth and the team to play a round on the Falls/Palms Course that afternoon. Each was matched up with a threesome of Back Tee Boys, kind of like a pro-am.
After golf that day, the Haveners hosted a bar-b-q. What a beautiful night! The highlight was a close-up magic performance by our own Butch Schoen. Many of us were familiar with Butch’s prowess, so it was fantastic to see the expressions of wonder and amazement on the team’s faces as Butch did trick after trick. Lots of “wows”, “how did he do that?” and head shaking!
Here’s what the hosts and some players had to say about their experience:
Steve and Julie: It was particularly fun to have someone from Omaha stay with us since Julie was born and raised there (and a UNO alumni) and I lived there for 25 years. Living at PebbleCreek we don’t get to interact with young people much anymore but Miles and the other players proved to us that the future is in good hands!
Lee and Donna: The young man we had staying with us was very gracious, courteous and appreciative. It was a very enjoyable experience. They are a team to be proud of with a great future ahead of them.
Jack and Cathy: We had the pleasure of housing the coach. In addition to being an exceptional golfer he is also an exceptional person. It is easy to understand why all of his players are admirable young men and respect him so much.
Lyman and Marilyn: Hosting Ben and Mitch was a delightful experience. These two young men were well-mannered and engaging. They were excellent representatives of their university and today’s college students.
Ben: Playing with some of the residents of PebbleCreek was nothing short of a treat. The hospitality was great and everyone was super friendly. We ate great food, socialized and watched Butch put on quite the magic show. All the activities helped give my mind a break from the tournament and make it my favorite trip.
Mitch: First off I want to thank you guys so much for having us! It was awesome. Thank you for providing us with dinner at Lee’s, Butch’s magic show and having us play PebbleCreek with you guys! Staying in Lyman’s casita was a million times better than any hotel we have been in all year!
The team competed against 19 teams at Palm Valley. Even though they did not win the tournament, Ben Maskus shot UNO’s lowest 54-hole score in the NCAA Division I era. Well done, Ben!
The team departed early Sunday morning. It was a memorable experience for all involved!