2020 IGA Yearbook

L eanne Smith, of Indianola, sought to defend her title during the 9th IGA Women’s Match Play Championship held at Talons of Tuscany Golf Club in Ankeny. Smith captured last year’s title at the Tournament Club of Iowa, and was in the hunt for another title in 2020. Following a 5&3 victory over Ankeny’s Karli Kerrigan, Smith faced 2018 IGA Women’s Match Play Champion Sydney Eaton, of Mason City. Eaton, who prevailed in her morning semifinal match against Onawa’s Samantha Knight (3&2) got off to a fast start, gaining a 2 up advantage early in the final match. Smith, who admitted she was ‘searching’ for her game most of the week leading into the event, rallied to win the last three holes on the front nine to take a 1 up lead and command of the match. “I didn’t really find my game until today,” Smith admitted. “The greens are quick and the rough was thick – I was all over the place. I knew if I stuck with it, I could make some things happen.” Smith, who won seven of the last nine holes of the match before closing out Eaton 4&3, commented she wished more events were match play – they seem to suit her playing style well. “You always know you have the next hole (in match play),” Smith said. “I try not to get too down or up emotionally. You can have a blow-up hole and still get the next one. As long as you keep yourself together you can come back.” With her win, Smith made history by becoming the first player to win back-to-back IGA Women’s Match Play Championships. IGA WOMEN’S MATCH PLAY TALONS OF TUSCANY GOLF CLUB, ANKENY JUNE 29-JULY 2, 2020 Rol lercoaster r ide leads to Match Play t it le for Smith Leanne Smith repeats as Match Play Champion (L to R) Clint Brown, Leanne Smith, Sydney Eaton, and Sean Flanders