LINCOLN, Neb. — Talk about keeping it in the family! In one of the most compelling local golf stories of 2025, Nicole Kolbas surged to victory in the Lincoln Women’s City Golf Championship—while defeating none other than her mother, Stephanie Kolbas, the event’s 18-time champion.

Nicole didn’t just win. She dominated the three-day championship across Lincoln’s top courses, capping her charge with a stunning 63 at Crooked Creek that set a new women’s course record.

Three Days, Three Courses, One Epic Performance

The Lincoln Women’s City Championship is a test of consistency across multiple venues, and Nicole rose to the challenge with style:

• Holmes Golf Course: 69
• Pioneers Golf Course: 66
• Crooked Creek: 63 (New Course Record)

Her total of 198 over 54 holes wasn’t just enough to win—it was a statement that a new generation is here to stay.

How Much Did Nicole Win By?

The official scoreboard tells the story in black and white. Nicole Kolbas finished with a jaw-dropping 198 over three rounds, while second-place finisher Carrie Bostar came in at 226.

That means Nicole didn't just win—she won by 28 strokes in a 54-hole championship flight. It's an astonishing margin that underlines her dominance at Holmes, Pioneers, and Crooked Creek.

A Family Rivalry Like No Other

Golf history is filled with dramatic rivalries, but it’s rare they happen within the same household. Stephanie Kolbas is a legend in Lincoln golf, winning the city title 18 times over her career.

But in 2025, the torch was well and truly passed. Nicole, long a rising star in Nebraska golf circles, delivered the kind of precision and scoring fireworks that even her mother had to admire.

They teed it up together during the event, with family bragging rights on the line. In the end, Nicole’s record-setting 63 sealed the deal.

Setting Records at Crooked Creek

Crooked Creek’s final-round layout has seen great players and great rounds—but none quite like Nicole’s 63. It now stands alone as the women’s course record.

It’s the kind of performance that not only wins tournaments, but also creates legends. And given her age and form, don’t be surprised if Nicole goes on to rewrite even more record books in the years to come.

About Nicole (Coco) Kolbas

Want to know more about the newest Lincoln champion? Nicole “Coco” Kolbas isn’t just a local phenom—she’s already a collegiate golfer with serious pedigree.

College Career

Nicole currently competes for the University of Nevada Wolf Pack.

• 2024-25 (Sophomore at Nevada): A transfer from Indiana University, she opened with a 1-under 71 in her Nevada debut at the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational before an injury sidelined her for most of the season. That 71 was among Nevada’s best opening rounds of the fall.
• 2023-24 (Freshman at Indiana): Played 12 rounds across four events with a 78.0 scoring average. Notable finishes included a 73 in the Chevron Collegiate and a T-55 at the Therese Hession Buckeye Invitational.

High School Stardom

A product of Lincoln Pius X High School, Kolbas was one of Nebraska’s most decorated junior golfers:

• Nebraska Junior Girls’ Amateur Champion
• USGA Junior Girls Qualifier Winner
• NSAA Class A State Champion (twice breaking the state scoring record)
• PGA Junior Girls Qualifier Medalist
• 11 top-10 finishes in AJGA, PGA, or U.S. events
• 2017 Nebraska Junior Golf Tour Player of the Year

Nicole’s high school years also included volunteering for youth golf camps, the U.S. Kids Golf Tour, and community organizations like Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach.

A Picture of Sportsmanship

Despite the fierce competition, the Kolbas family demonstrated the very best of golf’s values. Stephanie, the longtime champion and mother, was gracious in defeat—celebrating her daughter's big moment.

The post-round photos showed a beaming Nicole next to her smiling mom. It’s a reminder that golf is about more than just the numbers on the card: it’s about family, legacy, and love of the game.

Why This Matters

• Local Golf Excellence: Lincoln’s golf community continues to produce top-level talent.
• Women’s Golf Spotlight: Stories like this inspire the next generation of female golfers.
• A Family Affair: Golf remains one of the few sports where you can compete seriously with (or against) your parents—and share the moment forever.

What’s Next for Nicole Kolbas?

With a new course record and a city title to her name, Nicole Kolbas will surely be a player to watch in the Mountain West Conference and beyond. She’s part of a broader wave of young women raising the bar for competitive golf in Nebraska—and she has the resume to go even further.

Whether she’s teeing it up in collegiate tournaments or battling her mom back home in Lincoln, Nicole Kolbas is a name you’ll want to remember.

AmateurGolf.com Community – Tell Us:

What’s the best family golf rivalry you’ve seen? Have you ever faced off against a parent or child in a big match? Drop your stories in the comments below!

Images courtesy of Stephanie Kolbas / KLKN-TV / University of Nevada Wolf Pack Athletics