2017 Yearbook (2)

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IGA Foundation Supports Iowa PGA’s
Swings with Kids Program
Introducing golf to Iowa schools through the physical education curriculum is a major initiative
of the Iowa Section PGA. The IGAF stepped up its support for this important effort with “Grow
the Game” grants to help Iowa PGA member Tom Tays start programs in the Ogden and Boone
school districts (see photo). In addition, the IGA Foundation was a primary sponsor of the an-
nual golf outing staged by the Section to raise additional funding for the program.
The funding support was used to purchase equipment and to offset the initial educational ef-
forts to help train and orient the physical education teachers to the fundamentals of golf. The
program presents a turnkey curriculum module for the teachers to follow with the ongoing as-
sistance from one or more PGA Professionals.
The IGAF hopes to raise enough support for Junior Golf to fund two or three school systems
each year. If you would like to make a specific donation in support of the program please con-
tact the IGA/IGAF office at (515) 207-1062.
Brian Wernimont (PGA) instructing a young girl how to hit a golf ball. The Swings with Kids program introduces kids
to the game of golf with the direction of Iowa PGA Professionals inside physical education classes.
Steve Hutton (PGA) leads a class of ex-
cited kids eager to learn the game.
Tom Tays (PGA). Tom was given a grant
from the IGAF to start programs in the
Ogden and Boone school districts.
Turf & Environmental Research
The IGA and the IGA Foundation have supported turfgrass research and outreach programs for
many years. Tremendous progress has been made in environmental stewardship and sustainabil-
ity through these programs.
In 2017 the IGAF again contributed to the Iowa Turf Institute in support of the
This program benefits golf clubs and golf course superintendents with
timely information and trouble-shooting consultation on turf issues. The IGAF continues to be a
Gold Sponsor for the annual each January.
IGA Foundation Book Project
“A History of the Game of Golf in Iowa”
Mock Cover Shown
An official title & cover
have yet to be deter-
Book will be written by Rick Brown
Rick was an 11-time Iowa Sportswriter of the Year during his time with the
Des Moines Register, much of it for his writing on golf. He has written two
books since retiring from the Register - “100 Things Iowa Fans Should Know
& Do Before they Die” and “Emotion in Motion - Chris Street’s Life & Lega-
cy”. He was inducted into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame in 2017.
We are confident Rick Brown will produce a narrative that is informative,
fun and entertaining. We look forward to the finished product! If you would
like to make a specific donation to this project please contact the IGA/IGAF
office.
Dr. Adam Thoms, Assistant Professor Horticulture at Iowa State University, speaking to a group golf
course superintendents about cultivation and aerification techniques on bent grass putting greens.
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