2020 IGA Yearbook

IGA SENIOR MATCH PLAY J oe Palmer, of Norwalk, joined elite company with his victory over Tom Schill, of Gowrie, 3&2 in the final match of the 18th IGA Senior Match Play Championship. Palmer joined Gene Elliott as the only other four-time champion of the event. Joe Palmer and Tom Schill’s champ i ons h i p match was a h e a d - t o - h e a d sprint, with the two playing the first eight holes in 60 minutes before being slowed by some public groups of golfers on nine. Palmer held a 1 up advantage thru eight. When forced to slow down, Palmer seized control by winning holes 9 thru 11. Schill rallied with wins at 12 and 14, but another birdie on the par-3 13th by Palmer threw a speed bump in the middle of Schill’s comeback plan. The two would tie the 15th after a nifty up and down from Palmer, then tie the 16th, giving Palmer his fourth crown. Richard Gorbell, of Cedar Falls, claimed his first IGA Super Senior championship by defeating defending champion Steve Kahler, of Marion. Gorbell carded birdies on the difficult 15th and 16th holes to take a 1 up lead. Kahler's routine par on the 18th sent the match to extra holes. The two went to the back nine for extra holes and Kahler's drive found the fairway while Gorbell’s ball settled in the right trees. A terrific recovery effort and well played wedge shot left Gorbell with a 10-foot birdie putt, which he sank to capture the title. In the President’s Bracket Brian Persson, of Elk Run Heights, defeated Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Mike McCoy, of Norwalk, 1 up. Other flight winners included Tim Greteman, of West Des Moines, (First Flight), Greg Kramer, of Urbandale, (Second Flight) and Richard Jones, of Fort Dodge (Third Flight). VEENKER MEMORIAL GOLF COURSE, AMES MAY 28-30, 2020 Palmer wins four th Senior Match Play Richard Gorbell (left) earns his first Super Senior Match Play title, while Joe Palmer adds a fourth Senior Match Play trophy to his mantel.