A Dedicated Golf Professional and Community Builder Leaves a Lasting Legacy
The Omaha, Nebraska golf community is mourning the loss of Mike Rice, a longtime golf course manager, mentor, and familiar face whose dedication to the game helped strengthen the sport’s presence in North Omaha. Rice, 75, passed away November 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy built on friendship, community service, and a genuine love for golf.
Rice’s golf journey spanned decades. Having played golf for many years, he became closely connected his brother-in-law, the late PGA Professional Steve Hogan Sr., Nebraska’s first Black PGA professional. In 1992, Hogan hired Rice to work with his Hogan’s Junior Golf Heroes program. That relationship helped shape Rice’s professional path and his commitment to making golf accessible to the community.
Rice eventually became manager of Steve Hogan Golf Course at Miller Park, a position through which he continued the tradition of welcoming golfers of all ages and backgrounds. He understood that a golf course could be much more than a place to play; it could be a gathering place where friendships developed, life lessons were shared, and young people discovered opportunities through the game.
Known for his approachable personality and willingness to connect with others, Rice helped foster an environment where golfers felt welcome. His work also carried forward Hogan’s vision of using golf to teach honesty, courtesy, etiquette, and valuable life skills. Rice was honored in receiving the African American Golfer’s Digest Leaders in Golf award a few years ago.
His passing represents a tremendous loss to Omaha’s African American golf community and the many individuals who appreciated his friendship, leadership, and contributions to the game.
Rice is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters Shanita and Melissa; son Michael; brother Charles; three grandchildren; and extended family and friends. As the Omaha golf community remembers Mike Rice, his contributions to the game and the relationships he built will not be forgotten.
