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

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) would like to announce the 2019 recipients of the Herman Sani Scholarship Awards. Jacob Heit, of Newhall, Annika Patton, of Aurelia, Nick Pittman, of Urbandale and Delaney Underwood, of Mitchellville, will receive a four year scholarship of $2,000 per year. Those individuals will be recognized at the Herman Sani Golf Tournament held at Echo Valley Country Club, Norwalk, Fri-Sun, Aug 9-11.

Jacob Heit is the son of Steve and Ramona Heit. He is a graduate of Benton Community High School and will be attending Mount Mercy University to study biochemistry and play golf.

“The Herman Sani Scholarship will allow me to not only develop as a learner but will also help me grow as a golfer and person. I plan to attend Mount Mercy University to study biochemistry and play golf. I am humbled to be recognized with one of the most prestigious awards for young golfers in Iowa. I can’t wait to see how the Herman Sani Scholarship will allow me to impact others as I become a Mustang.”

Annika Patton is the daughter of David and LeAnn Patton. She is a graduate of Alta-Aurelia High School and will be attending the University of Northern Iowa in the fall to study Business Management (Sports Marketing) while also competing on the golf team.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to have been selected as a 2019 Herman Sani Scholarship recipient. There are few words capable of describing all that the game of golf has done for my life, and I look forward to the opportunity to represent what it means to be a Sani Scholar as I continue my academic and golf career at the University of Northern Iowa.”

Nick Pittman is the son of John and Amy Pittman. He is a graduate of Johnston High School and will be attending Drake University in the fall to study Finance, while also playing for the Bulldogs.

“The Sani Scholarship is something I have always respected throughout my entire life. To be chosen as a recipient this year is very humbling, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of my friends, parents, and coaches. I will do everything in my power to uphold the traits that the scholarship represents and continue to be a good sportsman and teammate. I am blessed to now be a part of the Sani community and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Delaney Underwood is the daughter of Mike and Shannon Underwood. She is a graduate of Colfax-Mingo High School and will be attending Central College in the fall to study Mathematics and Chemistry. She will play on the Central College Women’s Golf team.

“I feel very honored to be selected as one of this year’s recipients of the Herman Sani Scholarship. I am grateful that my passion for golf led me to this scholarship, as well as the opportunity to continue my education while playing golf at Central College. Thank you to the committee for selecting me, I am very appreciative of this honor.”

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.