Year: 2019

Patton wins 2019 Iowa Junior Girls’ Amateur by 13

Annika Patton (pictured above), of Aurelia, put together a pair of fine rounds of golf to win the 2019 Iowa Junior Girls’ Amateur by 13 shots. Patton, who posted 76 (+6) in the opening round, fired a 79 (+9) rounds to outdistance Allison Nuss, of New Hampton in the 16-18 year Division.

“I thought the course was in excellent shape with the opportunity to shoot low scores while also being challenged in all aspects of my game,” Patton said. “Overall, I was pleased with how I played despite letting a few strokes get away here and there.”

Patton commented that get the tee was a key to her success in Indianola.

“I drove it well off the tee which allowed me to go for the greens, however, some of my putts just didn’t seem to drop. All in all, the rounds I was able to put together and experienced gained turned out for a great win. I also want to thank the IGA for such a well run tournament.”

Rylee HeryFord, of Newton, posted rounds of 74-83 to win the 14-15 year Division by three strokes over Wakuee’s Kyle Carey (pictured right).

Click here for a full recap of scoring.

Iowa Junior, Girls’ Junior Amateur continues tomorrow at Indianola CC

Urbandale’s Nick Pittman fired a 65 (-6) to lead the Boys 16-18 Division of the Iowa Junior Amateur at Indianola Country Club. Pittman’s round was clean, no bogeys and six birdies. Matt Garside, of Bettendorf, is five off the pace at, after shooting a 70 (-1) of his own.

Pella’s Will Simpson leads the Boys 14-15 Division with 74 (+3) today. He leads by three of Luke Meyer, of Cedar Falls. Meanwhile, Rylee HeryFord, who shot 74, leads by 8 the Girls’ 14-15 Division and Annika Patton leads the 16-18 Division by 10 following a 76.

Final rounds for the Boys, Girls 14-15 and 16-18 divisions will be played on Tuesday.

Carson Korver, of Orange City, and C.T. Norris, of West Des Moines, shot 42 in the 11 & Under Division. They went to extra holes where ultimately Carson came out victorious with a par on the first playoff hole.

Lauren Nuss from New Hampton shot 49 to win the 11 & Under Girls’ Division.

In the Boy’s 12-13 Division, Joseph Currans, of Ames, shot 79 (+8) to outlast Evan Smith, Knoxville, by two. Tanner Wachtl finished third.

Lauren Briggs, Burlington, shot 87 to win the Girls’ 12-13 Division by five shots over Eden Lohrbach, of Ames.

Click here for a full recap of scoring from all divisions.

Champions crowned at IGA Father/Son, Parent/Child Championship

A good time was had by all at this year’s IGA Father/Son & Parent/Child held at Jester Park Golf Course, Granger.

The duo of Brian and Burke Pitz captured the overall Father/Son title with an impressive round of 69 (-3). Their round included five birdies to help ease their only hiccup, a double bogey on #10. The teams of Jay and Robert Johnson, Neil and Robert Johnson and Gary and Nash Bucher all finished runner-up, shooting 71 (-1), two shots back of the lead.

In the Father/Son Young Adult Division, the team of Sam and Isaiah Zoske repeated as champions, firing a round of 71 (-1). Their round included a trio of birdies and only two bogeys, good enough for a 10-shot win over Nathan and Eric Boehlert. In the Parent/Child Open Division, Ben and Maura Peters posted a round of 79 (+7) to win by two shots over Brett and Paige Hoffman, who shot 21 (+9).

Neil and Ava Johnson captured the Parent/Child – Young Adult Division crown with a round of 84 (+12).

On the Jester Park GC Par 3 course champions were also crowned. Those included Anthony and Greyson Marlow in the Father/Son – Junior Division 8 & under with a score of 62, Ryan and Case Bishop in the Father/Son – Junior Division 9 & 10 years old with score of 59, Mikkell Baker and Kylin Baker in the Parent/Child – Junior Division 8 & under with a score of 74 and Nick and Maicy Baker in the Parent/Child – Junior Divsion 9 & 10 years old with a score of 62.

Click here to see a recap of scoring all division, which is broken down by Saturday and Sunday.

2019 Ann Griffel Scholarship Award recipients named

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is pleased to announce the 2019 recipients of the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award (Griffel is pictured above in sport coat). Whitney Anderson, Jenna Krogulski, Annika Patton, Kennedy Sorenson and Delaney Underwood will receive a one year scholarship of $2,000. These girls will join the group of 232 other students to have received this award since 1963.

Whitney Anderson is the daughter of Doyle and Melanie Anderson. She is a graduate of Sioux Center High School, and will be attending Central College in the fall to study Biology and play golf.

“I can’t thank the Ann Griffel Scholarship Committee enough for selecting me for this award,” Anderson said “It not only accentuates my love for golf, but it also allows me the opportunity to continue my education and golf career at Central College in Pella. Golf has been a highlight of my high school years and will continue to play a big role in my life at college and beyond.”

 

Jenna Krogulski is the daughter of Eric and Michelle Krogulski. She is a graduate of Valley High School and will be attending Wartburg College to study Exercise Science and Psychology. She will be a member of the Knights Women’s Golf team.

“I want to thank the committee for selecting me for the Ann Griffel Scholarship,” Krogulski said. “It is such an honor to be chosen as a recipient of this award. Golf is a huge part of my life and I couldn’t be more excited to have the opportunity to continue playing golf at the next level while pursuing an education at Wartburg College. I’m very excited to represent this scholarship and the Iowa Golf Association”

 


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. She will be studying Business Management (Sports Marketing) while also competing on the Women’s Golf team.

“I am beyond thankful and appreciative to to be selected as a 2019 recipient of the Ann Griffel Scholarship,” Patton said. “The game of golf has provided unlimited opportunities to my life, and I hope to continue preserving and growing the game to the best of my ability. It is such an honor to receive a scholarship that will personally contribute to my future academic and golf careers at the University of Northern Iowa.”

 

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.

“It is truly an honor to be chosen as one of this year’s Ann Griffel scholarship recipients,” Underwood said. “I would like to thank the scholarship committee for selecting me and helping support my college education goals. While I plan to continue my golf career at Central College, I also plan to continue promoting golf by trying to get more young girls involved in the sport.”

 

Kennedy Sorenson is the daughter of Willy and Amy Sorenson. Kennedy is a graduate of Carlisle High School and plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall.

“My aspiration in life is to become a physician,” Sorenson said. “To begin this journey I will be attending Iowa State University this fall for my undergraduate degree. Golf has not just taught me things about itself, but it has taught me a lot about myself. It changed me to be the confident, industrious, and independent woman I am today, and for that, I will forever be in debt for golf’s kindness.”

 

The Ann Griffel Scholarship was established in 1963. It originated as just one $350 scholarship awarded by the Iowa Women’s Golf Association (IWGA) and has evolved into a $2,000 scholarship awarded to multiple high school senior girls who intend to further their education at an Iowa institution of higher learning, whether a college, university or trade school.

The Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) was established to preserve the game and develop more programs to promote the future of golf in Iowa. The IGAF awards the Ann Griffel scholarship each year. This scholarship was named after the long time IWGA President, Ann Griffel, who during her 23 year term started the Girls’ State Junior, Forever 39, State Wife-Husband and Senior Women’s Championships.

2019 Herman Sani Scholarship Award winners announced

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.

Salyers, Curran qualify for U.S. Junior Amateur at Spirit Hollow GC

Spirit Hollow Golf Course was a firm test for players in today’s U.S. Junior Amateur Sectional Qualifier. Mix in rain and wind off and on most of the day, the course simply played tough.

Drew Salyers (above left), of Howard, OH, posted an even round 72, that included four birdies on the day to help offset four bogeys, to earn medalist honors. His bogeys came in a four hole stretch on (#6-9). Salyers turned in 39 and was able to shoot 33 (-3) on the back nine.

“I was playing pretty good to start the day,” Salyers said. “Then I got a little off the rails little bit, but started putted well on the back nine. I kept doing what I was doing and got it done. The qualifiers in Ohio didn’t know out for me due to scheduling conflicts. This course looked good to me.”

Sean Curran (above right), of New Lenox, IL, had a fine day as well, shooting 74 (+2) to claim the second and final qualifying spot. Curran who was under par after the opening nine holes (35), however made three bogeys coming in, but his 74 was still good enough.

Overall a total of 14 players were able to break 80 on a tough, challenging day.

Matthew Briggs, of Burlington, and Zach Place, of Roselle, IL, both shot 75 (+3) to finished a shot behind Curran. Briggs won the playoff for first alternate on the third playoff hole with a birdie. Place will be second alternate.

Click here for a recap of scoring

 

McCoy wins by 9 at Carroll Am, Panek captures Senior Division

Nate McCoy (above), of Ankeny, left little doubt when the dust had settled at the 2019 Carroll Amateur. McCoy, who regained his amateur status last fall, pulled away late in the third round from runner-up Scot Cook, of Van Meter, and the field to win by nine at Carroll Country Club.

“The course was in great shape,” McCoy commented. “The rough was thick, greens were fast and the course was firm. I enjoyed the personal challenge of trying to play each hole. The biggest factor to navigate was the wind. As the day went on (on Sunday) the greens got firmer and firmer which made it very difficult to get it close to the hole.”

McCoy, who posted rounds of 68-70-72 (-3), led from start to finish with the help of 11 birdies and an eagle. Cook, who mounted a valiant effort in pursuit of McCoy, finished with rounds of 70-72-77 (+6) to earn runner-up honors three shots clear of Carroll’s Kyler Ludwig.

“Scot drove it well,” McCoy said “He put a lot of pressure on me coming in. It was a joy to play and I hope to come back next year.”

Johnston’s Jeff Panek captured the Senior Division by one shot over Ron Peterson, of Urbandale. Panek, a newly minted senior player, fired rounds of 70-75 (+3) that included a total of seven birdies.

Click here for a full recap of scoring

Grimes victorious in Grinnell at Forever 39

The 56th playing of the Women’s Forever 39 concluded today at Grinnell College Golf Course. Kelly Grimes (above) of Indianola went 3-0 en route to her second Women’s Forever 39 Match Play title.

The opening round of matches had their fair share of upsets with both the #1 and #2 seeds losing in the championship flight. Stroke play medalist, Kathy Fortune (Rockwell City) was defeated by #8 seed Jennifer Corkrean (Ankeny) 2 up and Schwartzkopf (Stuart) was defeated 2 & 1 by #7 Sue Harmon. The biggest excited of the day was in the match of #5 Rose Kubesheski (Dubuque) and #4 Robin Webb (Clive). It took 13 holes before Kubesheski was finally able to break through and win the match on the par 5, 4th hole.

During the second round of matches, Jennifer Corkrean continued her run for the title and defeated Rose Kubesheski 1 up. In the other semifinal match, Kelly Grimes overpowered Sue Harmon, 5 &4, to advance to the finals.

(L to R) Julie Hartman, Jan Sewright, Margene Grady & Kelly Grimes

Corkrean and Grimes each continued their steady play into the finals with neither having a lead greater than 1 up. Corkrean provided some excitement when she birdied the par 3, 9th hole to square the match and send it into extra holes. Grimes was able to hold off the charge and win their 10th hole to claim the 56th Women’s Forever 39 Match Play title. 

Kelly Grimes was not the only winner as Margene Grady (Cedar Falls), Jan Sewright (Ankeny), and Julie Hartman (Greenfield) each won their respective flights. Margene Grady defeated Nicki Clayton (Ankeny) in 10 holes, Jan Sewright defeated Carolyn La Rue (Oskaloosa) 1 up, and Julie Hartman defeated Mary Nelson 3 & 1.

For full results click here.

Industry Around the Globe Unites in Support of Women’s Golf Day

Today, June 4th 2019, will be the largest ever single-day celebration of women’s golf with venues from every corner of the globe joining forces to promote the sport. With a growing profile and impressive roll call of supporters, it’s hard to imagine that a little over four years ago Women’s Golf Day was simply a pipe dream for founder Elisa Gaudet. Her commitment has galvanised the industry, bringing together a phenomenal number of industry influencers from around the world.

Over the past three years, WGD events have been held at over 900 venues in 52 countries and have delivered golf experiences to more than 50,000 women and girls.

This year what is remarkable is the growth of the campaign in countries who have been involved since year one. In Nigeria thanks to development work with the Nigerian Golf Federation a record 14 venues are already signed up to run their 4 hour experiences and in the Czech Republic there is an incredible 35 participating venues all preparing to welcome women and girls through their doors.

As the campaign has grown from strength to strength, its impact has become apparent beyond Women’s Golf Day itself as Elisa explains, “What we are beginning to see is a deep rooted change from the golf club level through to national organisations. I set out on this journey because I wanted more women to try the sport that has brought so much joy to my life. I am really proud to have inspired others to run their own campaigns because we have a singular aim, which is of paramount importance to the future of golf.”

8 new countries signed up in 2018, including Hong Kong which makes an impressive return in 2018 with more venues signing up. Vietnam and Lithuania are amongst the newcomers for 2019, demonstrating the global reach of the campaign. Mike Hendrix, Vice President GolfNow Business Solutions, who have been ardent supporters of WGD year on year isn’t surprised by the continued growth as he explains, “Our Business Services team has been speaking with hundreds of golf courses in North America about hosting their own event on June 4th and the response has been great. We’ve seen golfers through social media asking if their local course will be hosting an event and we’ve seen golf instructors step up and create and support events. Our golf course partners love this initiative and we salute Elisa’s passion and drive”

This year’s WGD campaign is extremely personal for Elisa who has partnered with Play for P.I.N.K.®, a nonprofit organization that donates 100% of its proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. She concludes, “This is a fantastic charity which is very close to my heart. We hope that this new partnership will help raise awareness and much needed funds for breast cancer research through the power of golf.”

To learn more about Women’s Golf Day click here

‘Golf’s Longest Day’ to include several from, with ties to Iowa

Known by many as ‘Golf’s Longest Day’, several player from or with connection to the state of Iowa will compete at Sectional Qualifying for the U.S. Open. Those entered will compete over 36 holes to qualify for the 119th U.S. Open Championship, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, Calif., June 13-16.

Century Country Club & Old Oaks Country Club
Purchase, N.Y.
– Mike McCoy, Norwalk

Brookside Golf & Country Club and Scioto Country Club
Columbus, Ohio
– Charles Jahn, Sperry
– Sean McCarty, Solon
– Brian Bullington, Former University of Iowa player

Springfield Country Club
Springfield, Ohio
– Frank Lindwall, Cedar Rapids
– Carson Schaake, Former University of Iowa player

Note – Former Iowa State University golfer Denzel Ieremia participated in the Sectional Qualifier at Bent Tree Country Club and Northwood Club on May 20, but was unable to advance.

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