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St. Louis, MO - This year marks the fifth playing of the Robert A. Shogren Cup; a showdown between the Gateway PGA Professionals and the Metropolitan Amateurs. The two sides came together five years ago to create this championship to honor Bob Shogren, who played a part in both the amateur and professional sector of golf in this area through his service. Bob was a former member at both Bellerive Country Club and Greenbriar Hills Country Club, leading to the two clubs agreeing to alternate hosting rights to the annual competition. This year, Bellerive is set to host. 
 

In the inaugural playing of the Shogren Cup, the Gateway PGA Professionals won, but the Metropolitan Amateurs rallied back to win the past three years. Team Metropolitan is looking to make its fourth consecutive win this year, while the Professionals will try to stop our streak. Team Metropolitan is set and looking strong for 2025. Each side will have ten players plus four senior players. Meet the 5th Shogren Cup Team Metropolitan: 

Sam Migdal (C) - Sam leads the team as Captain this year, and is making his third Shogren Cup appearance. In his first two appearances, he has a total record of 2-3-2 and was able to improve upon his first year’s performance the second time around. Sam, a St. Louis Country Club member, has seen success over the last few years, qualifying for three USGA championships in 1.5 years. He even made it to the Round of 16 with his brother at the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball last year. Looking to lead his team to victory and continue to improve his Shogren Cup record, Sam is ready for this year’s competition.  

Ryan Eckelkamp - Entering his fourth year on the Shogren Cup Team, Eckelkamp has an impressive record. He has helped his team to victory with a 8-0-1 record over the last three years. Ryan plays out of Franklin County Country Club (MO) and continues to work on his game frequently. He is a tough competitor in both individual and team competitions. He is looking to keep his good streak going for Team Metropolitan.  

Tony Gumper - Last year’s captain is back again as a part of the Metropolitan Team for the fourth time. Tony Gumper is a member of the Metropolitan eClub and has been a dominating force for the team. He sits on a clean sheet of a 6-0-0 record in his Shogren Cup appearances. When he has paired up with teammate Ryan Eckelkamp the last three years, the duo has been undefeated. Gumper is ready to run it back again this year with his team.  

Chris Kovach - Chris Kovach is one of three players on the team that have competed on all 5 Shogren Cup Teams for the Metropolitan. It has been a hard fought battle each time Kovach steps on the course in these matchups and he sits on a 5-7-0 record. An Old Hickory Golf Club member, Kovach has proven his ability to succeed in match-play as the reigning Old Warson Cup Champion. A faithful member of Team Metropolitan, Chris is looking forward to another run with his team.  

Max Kreikemeier - Facing his fourth year on Team Metropolitan, Max Kreikemeier is prepped to win again for his team. He comes into the year with a promising 5-2-2 record. Max plays out of Forest Hills Country Club and continues to be on the rise. He is the 2023 Old Warson Cup Champion and a co-runner-up at last year’s Metropolitan Amateur. Max is looking to make another helpful contribution to Team Metropolitan.  

Chad Niezing - Entering his third representation for Team Metropolitan, Chad Niezing is hoping to repeat his prior performance. In his last appearance, he won all three of his matches to bring his total record to 4-1-1. Niezing is a member of Meadowbrook Country Club and finished in solo fourth at last year’s Metropolitan Amateur. A skilled player, Chad is ready to bring home another Team Metropolitan win.  

Drew Pranger - Making his fourth appearance at the Shogren Cup, Drew Pranger is a solid competitor for Team Metropolitan. With a record of 5-2-2, he put up his best Cup performance yet just last year (2-0-1). Drew plays out of Glen Echo Country Club, who he clinched the Sobbe Cup victory for last fall with an incredible approach shot in the dark during a playoff. He has shown his skill time and time again by winning the Metropolitan Amateur three times and finishing as co-runner-up with teammate Max last year. Drew is ready to rumble once more.  

Blake Skornia - A rookie to the Shogren Cup is Blake Skornia, who has risen up over the last year to prove himself worthy of a spot on this team. Blake started last year off strong by winning the East Side Amateur followed by a co-low amateur award at the Metropolitan Open. This Algonquin Golf Club golfer may be new to the team, but is prepared to be a strong force for Team Metropolitan.  

Ryan Sullivan - The second player of Team Metropolitan that has competed in every Shogren Cup to date is Ryan Sullivan. He has seen the ups and the downs of this competition and holds a record of 6-5-1. Sullivan plays out of Tapawingo National Golf Club and was able to show his ability to play as part of a team by winning the Metropolitan Four-Ball last year. Ryan is looking for the four-peat with his team this year.  

Peter Weaver - Peter Weaver is returning to the Shogren Cup team this year. He carded an impressive record of 2-0-1 in his first appearance two years ago. Weaver is a skilled player in his own right and is a former Metropolitan Amateur Champion. A member of Bellerive Country Club, Peter is hoping to use his knowledge of the course to his advantage and bring home another victory for Team Metropolitan.  

Skip Berkmeyer (C) - The Senior Captain for Team Metropolitan this year is Richard “Skip” Berkmeyer. This will be Skip’s fourth year on the team, but first year in the senior division. His record across his past appearances is 6-2-1. A member of The Legends Country Club, he had an eventful year as he made the transition into his senior debut. Skip showed his individual and teamwork skills by winning the Metropolitan Senior Amateur and qualifying for the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball last fall. Skip is ready to help lead the team to a fourth victory.  

Brian Lovett - The final member of the team that has stepped up in all Shogren Cup showdowns is Brian Lovett. Serving his fifth year on Team Metropolitan, he has a 4-7-1 record. Lovett is a valuable member of the team with experience and expertise. He is a Metropolitan Senior Amateur and Senior Old Warson Cup Champion. Brian is a member of Bellerive Country Club and is looking forward to using this to his advantage in this year’s matchup.  

John Moore - A rookie to the Shogren Cup in the senior side is John Moore. He is a Metropolitan eClub member and had a great year of golf in 2024. Never finishing below T14, Moore has shown he can compete. He was runner-up to teammate Skip in the Metropolitan Senior Amateur last fall. Coming in as fresh blood, John is excited to tee it up for Team Metropolitan.  

Paul Neeman - No stranger to the competition, Paul Neeman is appearing in his third Shogre Cup. His record so far is 0-5-1 with his best performance coming last year. Paul has a competitive fight in him and has shown that through his performances like in the playoff with teammate Brian Lovett at last year’s East Side Amateur. This Persimmon Woods Golf Club member is ready to come out on top and continue to improve upon his record. Paul knows that Team Metropolitan has what it takes to win. 

 

On Tuesday April 15, the captains from both teams will come together to draw up the match pairings. The two sides will meet on the first tee at Bellerive Country Club April 21-22.  

Team Gateway PGA:
Adam Betz
Blake Sharamitaro
Bob Gaus
Brett Moomey
Brian Fogt
Gideon Smith
JD Auping
Jeff Whitfield
Jeffrey Schulte
Kyle Szyhowski
Matt Gindler
Mike Tucker
Ryan McClintock
Steve Hausmann 

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