2016 Yearbook

CLUB MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Jeff Kuhn, Whispering Creek GC, Sioux City

PGA PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Greg Mason, Spirit Hollow GC, Burlington

Jeff Kuhn, who is characterized as ‘full of energy’ by his members, handles various

aspects of club operations at Whispering Creek GC. In less than 5 years, Kuhn has turned

Whispering Creek GC into one of the premier places in the Siouxland. One member

commented that Kuhn has successfully resurrected the concept of a golf club and has

brought the membership together and helped cultivate the brotherhood of family

atmosphere that a golf club needs to be successful.

Following a disastrous fire, in the fall of 2015, to the club’s maintenance building, Kuhn,

along with golf course superintendent Matt Reifert, worked tirelessly to get the club

back operating in just two days. “He, along with Matt, was contacting equipment dealers

immediately so the club could operate business as usual as quick as he could,” IGA Board

Member and Whispering Creek member Mike Pape said. “The best compliment I can

give Jeff is, I hope we don’t lose him. He is a workhorse, is always hustling around the

club and does such a great job with the junior golfers and the Siouxland Junior Golf Tour.”

“Mase”, as they call him at Spirit Hollow, has been a golf professional since 1988 and a

member of the PGA of America since 1991. He is a Past President of the Iowa Section

of the PGA, has served on many PGA of America National Committees, is a UST Mamiya

Shaft Company Advisory Board Member and is on the Golf Range Association of America

Advisory Board. Mason has been at Spirit Hollow Golf Course since 2015.

Mason and staff continue to serve a great hosts for the IGA no matter the event. They

most recently held the 2016 IGA Four-Ball Championship and, per usual, Mason and his

staff went above and beyond. Those who visit and play Spirit Hollow for the first time are

always impressed with Mason’s welcoming personality and ‘do anything’ a�tude.

He does a terrific job managing the normal day-to-day play - which now includes lodging

on site - as well as the numerous events Spirit Hollow hosts. If fact, it’s hard to find a

time when “Mase” ins’t on the move, seeing to the needs of one of his guests. We are

excited to add him to the list of deserving award winners in 2016.

Coppock and Matovina honored with George Turner Distinquished Service

John Matovina

Ted Coppock

John Matovina and Ted Coppock are the recipients of the George Turner Distinguished Service

Award from the Iowa Golf Association. Both have long contributed their time and efforts to the

IGA and especially to the Herman Sani Tournament and Scholarship Selection Committee.

Matovina, of Johnston, continues to serve on the Sani Selection Committee and was chair of

the Committee from 2009 through 2015. He has also been one of the most generous financial

contributors to the Sani. John served as Treasurer of the IGA for many years and continues

to contribute to the IGA and the IGA Foundation providing financial and tax consultation and

support to the IGA staff.

Coppock was a long-time member of the IGA board and served as President in 2000 and

2001. He was the primary fundraiser for the Sani Scholarship Fund through his service on the

Sani Tournament Committee at Hyperion field Club. In addition, his leadership during his IGA

Presidency in forming The Golf Foundation of Iowa and his continuing service through that

foundation as a board member of The First Tee of Central Iowa, has made a lasting impact for the

good of the game in Iowa.

The “Turner Award” is given in recognition of outstanding long-term contributions to the game of

golf in Iowa by volunteers. The leadership and dedicated service by John and Ted to the game is

greatly appreciated by all of us involved with the IGA and the IGA Foundation.