Herman Sani (right) is seen talking with Gene Sarazen in August, 1950.  Sani served as IGA President in 1929.

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is pleased to announce the 2018 recipients of the Herman Sani Scholarship Awards. Ryan Fedders, of Sioux Center, Lucas Scherf, of Grinnell, Mia Hoogeveen, of Lester, and Somer Sinnard, of Carroll, will receive a four year scholarship of $2,000 per year. The individuals will be recognized at the Herman Sani Golf Tournament held at Hyperion Field Club, Johnston, Fri-Sun, Aug 10-12.

Ryan Fedders is the son of Ron and Marg Fedders. He is a graduate of Unity Christian High School and will be attending Dordt College in the fall to study Finance and Accounting. He will also be playing golf for the Defenders.

“I am extremely thankful for being selected as a Herman Sani Scholar,” Fedders said. “It is a huge honor to be chosen by the selection committee from the large list of applicants. This is something I will remember for years to come.”

Lucas Scherf is the son of Steve and Heidi Scherf and is a graduate of Grinnell Community Senior High School. Lucas plans to attend Drake University in the fall and will focus on studying Finance and Accounting and play golf for the Bulldogs.

“It is an honor to be a recipient of the Herman Sani Scholarship and join a long list of incredible men and women,” Scherf said. “Through golf, academia, and life, I seek to continue to uphold Mr. Sani’s values he set forth in his own life.”

Mia Hoogeveen is the daughter of Jeff and Missy Hoogeveen. She is a graduate of West Lyon High School and will be attending Northwestern College this fall. She will be be studying either Pre-Med or Secondary Education. She will also be playing both basketball and golf at Northwestern.

“I would like to thank the Herman Sani Scholarship Committee for awarding me this scholarship,” Hoogeveen said. “I am very honored and grateful to receive this scholarship. I am excited to have the chance to play in the Herman Sani tournament, and look forward to using the money awarded to help me pay for my education at Northwestern College next year.”

Somer Sinnard is the daughter of Steve and Keeley Sinnard and is a graduate of Carroll High School. She will be attending the University of Iowa and plans to study Engineering.

“I just think it’s really awesome that I was able to turn my love for golf into something that really benefits my future with this scholarship,” Sinnard said. “I won’t be golfing in college, but all the hard work I put in to improve my game during high school feels like it has paid off in more ways than one. Receiving this scholarship is a huge honor and I feel privileged to be one of the golfers selected.”

The Herman Sani Scholarship Program was established in 1958. Herman Sani had a passion for golf for golf and young people. Sani was the first director of the Iowa Golf Association and served the organization for over 30 years. This scholarship was created his memory with the purpose to assist Iowa students to further their education. As of 2017, 175 college-bound students have been awarded this four-year scholarship.

Most of the scholarship money comes from the generous donations by individuals and corporate sponsors. Since 2013 the Coppola family of Norwalk has contributor $250,000 to the Herman Sani Scholarship Fund. The Iowa Golf Association and point events from around the state also make significant contributions to the fund. For more information about the scholarship visit our website at www.iowagolf.org/scholarships.

The Iowa Golf Association serves as the governing body of golf for the state of Iowa. Run by amateur golfers the IGA provides a variety of programs and services that benefit everyone who plays the game.