Month: May 2017

Cyclones move on to NCAA Finals, Hawkeyes season ends at Regionals

iowagolfMay 18, 20170 commentsUncategorized

A school record performance propelled Iowa State to just it’s second NCAA golf finals appearance since 1950 on Wednesday. The Cyclone men put together a stunning 21-under-par 263 at the UT Golf Club in Austin, Texas to finish in 3rd and claim one of the five qualifying spots into the finals. The team was led by senior Nick Voke, who lit up UT Golf Club with a school record and course record 10-under 61 during the final round.

Voke’s course record performance also earned him medalist honors at the regional. He is the first Cyclone golfer ever to accomplish that feat. The win also gives him five for his career, which is the most ever at Iowa State. His 61 included 8 birdies, 1 eagle and no bogeys.

In the final round alone, Iowa State counted Voke’s 61, Ruben Sondjaja’s 66, and Denzel Ieremia & Tripp Kinney’s 68s. Sam Vincent shot a 1-over 72. Sondjaja finished T10 individually.

The Iowa Hawkeye men were playing in the regional in Baton Rouge, LA but were unable to mount the charge needed to make the NCAA finals. They finished in a tie for 10th and were led by Carson Schaake, who place T35 individually.

Iowa State now advance to the finals held at Rich Harvest Farms outside Chicago. The championship will be contested May 26-31. The first three days are traditional team stroke play to determine the low 8 teams that will move on to team match play. The Cyclones last made the NCAA finals in 2014 at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchison, Kansas.

Four move on from U.S. Open Local Qualifer at Spirit Hollow GC

iowagolfMay 15, 20170 commentsUSGA

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL LEADERBOARD

Spirit Hollow Golf Course in Burlington certainly provided a U.S. Open-like test on Monday, May 15, for the 64 competitors who teed it up at the local qualifier.

In the end, four players advanced to the sectional stage. Michael Wuertz, a professional from Davenport, was the medalist with a two under-par 70. Next was amateur Andrew O’Brien and professional Michael Roters, who fashioned even-par 72. The fourth and final qualifying spot went to Lamoni’s Matt Mickelson (pro), who won a three-way playoff – after almost ending the playoff on the first hole (#1) by hitting it to within inches for a tap-in birdie.

Wuertz (pcitured) admitted he had a few first tee jitters when teeing it up this morning.

“I was pretty nervous on the first tee,” Wuertz said. “This was my first competitive round in a few months.”

Even with nerves battling him before the round, Wuertz got off to a nice start in the first three holes.

I birdied #10 and #12,” Wuertz said. “But then bogies three of my next four. I just tried to hang in there and turn it around. It was a solid round. You just have to keep your head down and limit your mistakes. I had four bogies, but also had six birdies. Moving forward is important when playing in tough conditions like this.””

First and second alternates, who joined Mickelson in the playoff for the final qualifying spot, went to Trent Lindenman (New Sharon) and J.D. Anderson (Johnston), respectively. Lindeman was eliminated after Mickelson made birdie on the third play off hole (both players parred the second play off hole, #18), while Anderson’s par on the first sent him back to the clubhouse.

Competitors faced a golf course that stretched over 7,300 yards with thick Bluegrass rough, which presented difficult recovery shots for those who didn’t find the fairway.

“It was tough out there,” Wuertz said of the course. “I thought 70 was a safe number no matter what and not have to worry at all. I am glad I didn’t have to sweat it out. I was able to get up and down most of the day when I did miss a green. I even used the same all day long.”

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL LEADERBOARD

USGA Deepens Commitment to PLAY9 Program – Harvest Point GC in Oskaloosa is a pilot course

iowagolfMay 11, 20170 commentsNews, USGA

For the June PLAY9 Day Harvest Point GC will offer 2 for 1 green fees for 9 holes. They will offer this promotion from June 5-9. Be sure to mention the PLAY9 promotion when checking in to receive the discount!

FAR HILLS, N.J. (May 11, 2017) – With a broader focus on golf at the local level, the USGA rolled out plans today in support of the PLAY9™ program.

Launched in 2014, PLAY9 has been educating and rallying golfers and non-golfers around the nine-hole round as an important, yet simple solution that addresses busy lifestyles, often cited as a barrier to the game’s participation.

In 2017, the USGA will be working closely with state and regional golf associations and courses throughout the United States that will host and promote local PLAY9 Days between May and October.

The USGA has also created online and printed toolkits for golf courses and facilities that are interested in hosting events. The toolkits offer posters, flyers and social media suggestions to raise awareness. Ideas for innovative themes and playing formats are also included.

“We are very excited to be one of the SRGAs that are working with the USGA to promote the PLAY9 Program,” said Iowa Golf Association Executive Director Chad Pitts. “While we are encouraging golfers all over the state to play at their local clubs and courses, we have set up Edmundson/Harvest Point GC in Oskaloosa as a pilot club to promote specific PLAY9 opportunities throughout the 2017 golf season. You will see more about those opportunities at our website, iowagolf.org.”

Beginning in 2015, the USGA began to measure perceptions among both golfers and golf courses regarding the nine-hole round and the PLAY9 program.

A 2016 study showed:

As reported by golfers, nine-hole rounds comprised one-third of rounds played in 2016, Women, casual players and golfers under age 55 appear to be driving the increase in nine-hole rounds.
Nine-hole scores made up between 8-9 percent of all scores posted to the USGA’s GHIN system over the past three years (2014-2016), an increase from an average of 6 percent from 2010-2013.
Perception of the nine-hole round as a simple, effective and time-friendly option to play the game increased from 46 percent in 2015 to 54 percent in 2016.
The perception that nine-hole rounds are encouraging people to play the game is particularly strong with women and private club members, with 78 percent of both groups indicating that it is strongly positive.
As reported by golf facilities, the mean percentage of facility revenue generated by nine-hole rounds increased from 22 percent in 2015 to 27 percent in 2016.
Facilities have reported that the mean percentage of nine-hole starts increased from 19 percent in 2015 to 23 percent in 2016.
Forty percent of facilities saw a year-over-year increase in the number of nine-hole rounds played in 2016.

In support of the program, the USGA will utilize usga.org/play9 as the hub for all PLAY9 content. The site features a course finder that identifies nine-hole facilities as well as 18-hole golf courses that offer nine-hole playing options.

“The USGA is proud to support PLAY9 and encourage everyone from newcomers to lapsed golfers to go out and play the game,” said Mike Davis, USGA executive director/CEO. ”We are thrilled to see that participation for nine-hole golf is on the rise and we remain committed to programs focused on allowing golfers to play in less time and fit golf into their busy schedules.”

More information and the course finder can be found at www.usga.org/play9.

About the USGA

The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 annual amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches, attracting players and fans from more than 160 countries. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, equipment standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA’s reach is global with a working jurisdiction in the United States, its territories and Mexico, serving more than 25 million golfers and actively engaging 150 golf associations.

The USGA is one of the world’s foremost authorities on research, development and support of sustainable golf facility management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game’s history and invests in the development of the game through the delivery of its services and its ongoing “For the Good of the Game” grants program. Additionally, the USGA’s Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.

For more information about the USGA, visit usga.org.

USGA Media Contact
Jeff Altstadter
Communications
908.326.1880 [email protected]

www.usga.org/media.htm

CRCC to host 2019 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship

iowagolfMay 10, 20170 commentsNews, USGA

The Iowa Golf Association is proud to announce that Cedar Rapids Country Club as the host site for the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) 58th U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. Scheduled for Aug. 24-29, 2019, this will be the first USGA championship hosted in Cedar Rapids and the third in Iowa.

The 2019 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur will be the first USGA championship to be hosted in the Hawkeye State since the 1999 U.S. Senior Open Championship, won by Dave Eichelberger, at Des Moines Golf & Country Club. Prior to that, Deane Beman defeated Richard H. Sikes, 2 and 1, in the 1963 U.S. Amateur Championship final at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines.

“It is a thrill for our state and the IGA that the USGA will be bringing a third national championship to Iowa,” stated Chad Pitts, IGA Executive Director. “We are also extremely excited for Cedar Rapids Country Club as they have done a terrific job with recent renovations that will showcase the state’s only Donald Ross-designed course. We are certain the players are going to love it.”

Founded in 1904 and opened for play in 1915, Cedar Rapids remains the only course in Iowa designed by renowned architect Ross. In 2011, the course began a restoration project led by Ron Prichard that returned signature Ross design elements that had been lost or obscured over time. The restoration, which concluded in the spring of 2016, included the reclamation of open vistas, reestablishment of original lines of play, delivery of watershed-driven infrastructure, and green complex improvements featuring the expansion and re-contouring of 12 greens and the complete redesign of three greens.

“On behalf of all the members and staff at Cedar Rapids Country Club, I would like to thank the United States Golf Association for accepting our invitation to host the 2019 U. S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship,” said Anne Parmley, club president. “We are honored to host this championship, and excited to share our recently restored Donald Ross golf course, club and friendly community with the world’s best senior female amateur golfers.”

In July, Cedar Rapids CC will host the 2017 Iowa Amateur Championship. The club has also hosted several qualifying events, including local qualifiers for the 2016 U.S. Open Championship and 2014 Drive, Chip & Putt Championship.

Anderson wins first career Iowa Mid-Amateur, Palmer tops in Senior Division

iowagolfMay 10, 20170 commentsChampionships, Iowa Mid-Am

J.D. Anderson wasted little time sprinting out to the lead in the second round of the 32nd Iowa Mid-Amateur at Beaver Hills Country Club in Cedar Falls.
Anderson (Johnston), following a par on the opening hole, holed out for eagle on the second and birdied the third hole to pull away from his group, somewhat, early in the round. Anderson, who admitted his goal was to stay aggressive, notched four more birdies to add to his round of 67 (-5) and a 138 two-day total (-6). The win secured Anderson’s first-ever Iowa Mid-Amateur title and his first individual title of an IGA administered event.

“This means a lot,” Anderson said. “I am really happy. I had a lot more nerves today that I expected, because of what it meant. The bigger goal is to win all three (Mid-Am, Match Play, State Amateur).”

Anderson said his quick start to the round helped calm his demeanor early on.

“I was forced to lay up on two and then holed out,” Anderson said. “Then I made a 15-foot putt on three and that settled the nerves. It was a solid day. I got away with some bad shots. My main focus was to stay aggressive. I assumed someone from behind was keeping pace, so I wanted to keep making birdies

Anderson, who assumed another ‘low’ round was out there in a group ahead of him, was right. Dusty Drenth (Davenport) put together his own magic, firing a tournament low 66 (-6), but was unable to catch Anderson. Drenth shot 142 (-2) for the two-day event and finished second.

A trio of golfers, Dennis Bull (Norwalk), Kevin Ault (Cedar Rapids) and Scott Hart (West Des Moines) finished in third place at 145 (+1).

In the Senior Division, West Des Moines’ Joe Palmer (above) battled back after an opening round 75 to post two under-par 70. Palmer commented that he had not seen or played the course for some time, but was able to put together a good round on Tuesday.

“I make some mistakes (yesterday),” Palmer said. “Today I played better. My goal was to get it back to par. I thought if I shot 69 that would make the leaders have to shoot something under par too. I really didn’t know how I stood until the last putt. I am excited about the summer.”

This title adds a new accomplishment to the résumé for Palmer

“This trophy is one I had never won, this one and the State Amateur, Palmer said. “I have been fortunate to get the others, now I just need to concentrate and see what we can do at the State Amateur.”

Anderson also made the comment that he is looking forward to keeping his positive momentum going on Monday in the U.S. Open Local Qualifier, being held at Burlington’s Spirit Hollow Golf Course.

“I am really looking forward to the U.S. Open Local (at Spirit Hollow Golf Course),” Anderson said. “Hopefully I make five birdies and an eagle there too.”

Click here for full results

Three tied for lead after opening round at 32nd Iowa Mid-Amateur

iowagolfMay 8, 20170 commentsIowa Mid-Am, News

A host of players are within shouting distance of the lead after the opening round of the 32nd Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship at Beaver Hills Country Club, Cedar Falls. Mostly sunny skies along with off and on windy conditions gave players a good test of golf on Monday.

Leading the pace is Johnston’s J.D. Anderson, Norwalk’s Dennis Bull and Waterloo’s Niel Doak with 71 (-1). Anderson posted three birdies against a pair of bogeys, while Bull and Doak each made four birdies and 3 three bogeys. All three are chasing their first career Iowa Mid-Amateur title.

Anderson commented that being in position to have good looks with the putter was critical on day one.

“Getting the ball in position on the greens (was the key),” Anderson said. “There are some tricky greens out there today. It was a solid day, I was in a lot of fairways and had a lot of opportunities. I realized mid-round that even par was a good score today. There aren’t a ton of birdies out here and pars are good.”

Doak said he had nothing but positives to take from today’s round.

“On the first tee I would of taken 75 or 76,” Doak said. “I have only played eight time so far this year. The putts went in today, that’s for sure. I tried to stay out of my own way. I was three-under through 12 holes. I knew where I was at. Even with bogeying 16 and 18 I don’t care. I am still happy. We’ll see what happens tomorrow, this is a somewhat new position for me in a statewide amateur tournament.”

Bull said he spun his wheels a little at the start, but got going after a trio of birdies on the front nine.

“I played ok,” Bull said. “I got off to a slower start than I wanted to. I made birdies on 5, 8 and 9 and got going. Then I made bogey on 10. It was great, it wasn’t bad. I had a good group, it was fun. I thought the greens were awesome. If you were out of position you could make bogey out there today.”

Lurking just two off the pace (73) is Scott Hart (West Des Moines). No less that 13 players are with four strokes of the lead. With course conditions nearly perfect in the opening round, a shoot-out on Tuesday is a distinct possibility.

In the Senior Division, David Studer (West Des Moines) and Ron Peterson (Urbandale) share the lead with 73 (+1). Tim Ward (Waterloo) is just a shot back after his 74 (+2)

A bunched leaderboard in the Senior Division sees a total of 10 players within three shots of the lead.

Click here for complete Round One results

Iowa Mid-Amateur Pairings Released

iowagolfMay 2, 20170 commentsIowa Mid-Am, News

Groupings and starting times for the 32nd Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship have been released. 93 total players (53 Mid-Ams and 40 Seniors) will tee it up next Monday and Tuesday at Beaver Hills Country Club in Cedar Falls.

You can view the pairings and follow the results by going to the official website of the Mid-Amateur here.

Beaver Hills CC is hosting an IGA championship for the first time since 2003, when it also hosted the Iowa Mid-Amateur. Mike McCoy, the six-time champion who now has the trophy named after him, won in 2003 by one stroke over Jon Brown. Both are competing this week. In fact, Brown is the defending champion after defeating Sam Zoske and Justin Schulte in a playoff last year (at Elmwood CC, Marshalltown).

Play kicks off at 8 a.m. on Monday and will finish with 18 holes on Tuesday.

2017 IGA Member Play Day venues announced

iowagolfMay 2, 20170 commentsNews

Amana Colonies Golf Club, Sunnyside Country Club and Glen Oaks Country Club will host IGA Member Play Days in 2017. The IGA is pleased to organize the opportunity for our members to play these courses which are either not normally available to the public, or available for a reduced rate. The fee varies for each day but each time is less than the normal guest fee. These play days are not formal competitions and are open exclusively to IGA Members.

The first IGA Member Play Day will be held on Monday, May 22nd, at Amana Colonies Golf Club in Amana ($35 per person). Sunnyside CC ($65 per person) will host on Monday, June 5th, while Glen Oaks CC ($105 per person) will host on Monday, Oct. 16.

As in the past, golfers are encouraged to bring their own foursome as pairing requests will be honored (as nearly as possible). We have reserved a block of morning tee times at these great facilities so all play will begin from the 1st tee. Just come, have fun and whatever “games” you want to play within your group or groups is totally up to you. Each event includes golf, range balls, cart and lunch. Sign up early because once the tee time block is gone we will not allow any more entries.

An IGA Member (anyone who has a membership number through their enrollment in the GHIN Handicap Service at an IGA Member club). You can sign up to be an IGA Member online by clicking here.

As stated previously, the opportunity to play these prestigious clubs is an exclusive benefit only to IGA members. If you are not already a member, simply sign up for the GHIN Handicap Service at an IGA Member Club (your GHIN number is your membership number). A complete list of member clubs is available under the “Member Clubs” tab at the top of the page.

For more on IGA Member Play Days visit http://iowagolf.org/iga-member-play-days/

IGA to launch Super Senior Player of the Year in 2017

iowagolfMay 1, 20170 commentsNews, Uncategorized

The Iowa Golf Association Board of Directors recently approved a recommendation from the Rules & Competitions Committee to begin a Men’s IGA Super Senior Player of the Year award. The award will go to the top point-earner age 65 and older in a series of IGA events, USGA events and Additional Point Events and will be launched in 2017.

Discussion of starting a Super Senior Player of the Year award began in 2015, after the IGA had record participation in the super senior division of the Iowa Senior Amateur. It continued again in 2016 and so discussion became serious as a super senior division could be a potential source of growth for point events that need it.

“Our committee looked hard at the numbers and discussed the potential for a Super Senior Player of the Year award for the past two years,” said IGA Executive Director Chad Pitts. “We discussed it with our various point events and ultimately determined to go forward with it in 2017.”

A few sanctioned point events have already committed to a Super Senior Division while others plan to make that decision within the next few weeks.

“It will be a fairly simple system, modeled closely to our other Player of the Year systems,” added Pitts. “It will also be a bit of a fluid system early in the year as we figure out which of our additional sanctioned point events wish to offer this division.”

You can view the complete Super Senior Player of the Year Point System here.

Points will be calculated and posted to the IGA Player of the Year Standings page here.