Year: 2021

Three advance to U.S. Amateur from Lake Panorama National Resort

July 7, 20210 commentsNews, USGA, USGA Qualifiers

Harrison Ott (right), of Brookfield, Wisconsin, claimed the medalist honors at U.S. Amateur Qualifying hosted by Lake Panorama National Golf Course in Panora. Ott went low in the first round, firing a 6-under 66 and was able to follow it up with a 5-under 67 in the final round.

“My goal was to get to 10-under par,” Ott said. “I got to 10-under, but then I bogeyed six. I came back and birdied seven and nine to get to 11-under and finished my round. “I thought 10 would do it, but I just had really good speed on my putt on nine and it ended up dropping.”

Ott wasn’t the only player to post a low score today, Cecil Belisle (left) carded a 70 and a 6-under 66 in his final round to earn second place. Belisle, who is from Red Wing, Minnesota, knew he had some work to do to qualify.

“My mom told me I was in a good spot, and she told me to stay focused and that is what I did,” Belisle said. “I said to myself that you have to make at least one more coming in and I ended up making two more.”

The third qualifying spot went to Dennis Bull (right), of Norwalk, who posted rounds of 68 and 70. Bull stayed inside the top-three for the entirety of the day. Bull recorded a birdie on 14 and 17 to take the third-place finish and the last ticket to Oakmont Country Club, site of the 2021 U.S. Amateur.

“It feels really good to qualify for this thing,” Bull said. “I have been playing well, but my putting has been struggling lately. We got off to a good start today by making a 15-footer for birdie on the first hole. My group played amazing today which really pushed me.”

A playoff was needed to decide the first and second alternates. Connor Peck defeated Nate McCoy on the fourth playoff hole to become the first alternate for the U.S. Amateur. Peck made birdie after just missing the green short with his second shot.

U.S. Amateur Qualifier
1. Harrison Ott 66-67 – Medalist
2. Cecil Belisle 70-66 – Qualifier
3. Dennis Bull 68-70 – Qualifier
4. Connor Peck 70-69 – 1st Alternate
5. Nate McCoy 71-68 – 2nd Alternate

Smith wins 10th Iowa Women’s Match Play, defends her crown

July 2, 20210 commentsChampionships, News, Wmn's Match Play

Leanne Smith (pictured above) did it again at the 10th IGA Women’s Match Play Championship at Talons Golf in Ankeny. Smith has now won the last four IGA match play events she has entered (2019, IGA Women’s Match Play, 2020 IGA Women’s Match Play, 2021 Forever 39 Match Play and now the 2021 IGA Women’s Match Play).

“I really enjoy match play,” Smith said. “I know that I am going to mess up some holes and that I can recover on the next hole, so I just take it one hole at a time.”

The journey to back-to-back titles was not easy for Smith. In her earlier matches, she defeated Jolee Belzung, Kelly Grimes and Laura Leszczynski. Smith continued to dominate the competition as she made her way around the course.

Up next after dispatching Leszcynski on Thursday afternooon, Smith had to play two young competitors, Hannah Bermel and Anna Jensen, in her last two remaining matches. Smith was able to save par on the 18th hole to close out the match against Bermel in the morning after a back and forth battle.

“Hannah was so fun to play with and it is fun to watch her, and other players grow into who they are now,” Smith said.

After the match against Bermel, Smith knew would be playing Anna Jensen (right), who was the youngest player in the field (19). Jensen won her match against the No. 1 seed and stroke play medalist, Brooke Newell, and advanced to the final round.

The Smith and Jensen match started to heat up right away after Jensen won the first hole. This showed Smith that Jensen was there to compete, and that was exactly what she did. The two players battled back-and-forth all the way to the 16th hole where Smith made par to seal the victory and win her second straight IGA Women’s Match Play.

“Anna is super talented and will be a tough competitor for a long time and she is great for Iowa golf,” Smith said.

Smith’s match play record continues to grow in a positive manner, as she has added three new trophies to her collection in the last two years. However, her match play record is not the only thing growing as the Iowa Golf Association continues to host more and more talented women golfers.

Next up on the IGA schedule will be the U.S. Amateur Qualifier at Lake Panorama Golf Course in Panora This event will take place on Tuesday, July 6th with the IGA Women’s Four-Ball to follow.

Palmer wins 33rd IGA Match Play title, makes history in the process

July 2, 20210 commentsChampionships, IGA Match Play

Joe Palmer (pictured above) made history this week at the 33rd IGA Match Play at Talons Golf in Ankeny. Palmer became the first player in IGA history to win an IGA Senior Match Play Championship and an IGA Match Play Championship in the same year. Palmer, 58, also became the oldest IGA Match Play winner and the third player in IGA history to win the IGA Match Play more than once (Palmer won back in 2002).

“It is a great feeling (winning both IGA events); this was a terrific field and I got through some pretty good matches, Palmer said. “I played great and drove the ball terrific and that sets up your game and I took it from there.”

At the start of the event, Palmer came out of the stroke play portion as the No. 30 seed. Palmer, who was on the side of the bracket named after the late Jim Hasley, an Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member who passed away earlier this year, was faced with an uphill battle as he faced off against the No. 35 seed Henry Weresh in round one. His next opponent was not an easy test either, Palmer faced the No. 3 seed and two-time IGA Match Play winner, Jon Olson in round two.

“Match play is different,” Palmer said. “You have to play your competitor instead of the golf course at times and I knew this course was going to yield some birdies, so I tried to score when I could, and I took it one match at a time. If you don’t make a lot of bogeys, which has always been a strong point in my game, you start getting up in matches.”

Palmer’s next two opponents were the No. 14 seed, Dennis Bull, and the No 6 seed J.D. Anderson. The key to Palmer’s success was to limit the mistakes, and that is exactly what he did the entirety of the tournament.

On the final day, Palmer was faced with another grinding match against the red-hot Kelly Brown. Brown, who was the No. 39 seed, caught fire and was winning his matches by margins of three, four and six holes. Brown took Palmer to the 21st hole, where Palmer was able to gain the edge off the tee box and ultimately won hole by concession after Brown was unable to find his tee shot and provisional ball in the deep rough.

As the championship match began, Palmer and Nate Vance, who was on the side of the bracket named after the late Jerry Johnson, also an Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member who passed away recently, knew they would be fighting for the trophy. Palmer knew that Vance was going to be longer off the tee, so he stuck to his game plan and that seemed to be enough to earn the victory.

“Vance uses the ground just like PGA Tour golfer, Justin Thomas,” Palmer said. “Vance can hit in places that many people can’t, and I knew that. I just stuck with my game and limited my mistakes.”

Vance played tremendous golf all week long, knocking off players like Willis Gaer, Scott Hart and Scot Cook. Vance’s morning match on the final day against Gaer finished on the 17th hole where Vance made a clutch up-and-down to seal it and head to the final match.

In the final match, Vance (right) and Palmer continued to knock down the flag. As the match came closer to an end, Palmer started to gain the edge over Vance. Heading to the 17th hole, Palmer drove into the fairway and Vance was forced to punch out after hitting his tee shot to the right.

Vance could not make an up-and-down for par, but it wouldn’t have mattered because Palmer made a clutch birdie putt. Standing on the 18th tee box, Vance knew he needed to make something happen, so he pulled out his driver and hit it inside 50 yards.

After a short pitch onto the green, the birdie opportunity Vance had to tie the match and send it to the 19th hole lipped out and the match was over. Palmer made par after hitting yet another green in regulation and was able to two-putt from there. The two competitors shook hands, and the 58-year-old was crowned champion.

Next up on the schedule will be the 36-hole U.S. Amateur Qualifier at Lake Panorama Golf Course in Panora. This event will take place on Tuesday, July 6th with the IGA Women’s Four-Ball to follow.

Semifinal matches set at 10th IGA Women’s Match Play, 33rd IGA Match Play Championship

July 1, 20210 commentsChampionships, IGA Match Play, News, Wmn's Match Play

 

Only four players are left at the IGA Women’s Match Play at Talons Golf in Ankeny. The stroke-play medalist’s chances are still alive in Brooke Newell, who defeated Niki Clayton and Ardrae Parmenter today.

Newell will face off against Anna Jensen who claimed victories over Janece Schwartzkopf and Tabitha Schumacher in the round of 16 and the quarterfinal round. Jensen, the No. 4 seed, had a back-and-forth with Schumacher, but made par on 18 to close out the match.

Defending Champion, Leanne Smith secured wins over Kelly Grimes and Laura Leszczynski today. Smith will have the opportunity to take on University of Northern Iowa’s fifth-year senior, Hannah Bermel. Bermel won her two matches over Renee Buckner and Mikayla Olson.

The final day of the IGA Women’s Match Play Championship will begin tomorrow morning and you will be able to follow live scoring by using this link.

Players Advancing
Brooke Newell
Anna Jensen
Leanne Smith
Hannah Bermel

One day is left remaining at the IGA Match Play at Talons Golf in Ankeny. The round of 16 and quarterfinals concluded this afternoon, and four players remain. Nate Vance, the No. 5 seed, is the highest remaining seed left in the field.

Vance took down Scot Cook this morning and followed it up with a win over Scott Hart in the quarterfinal round. In both matches, Vance was down going into the back nine. He caught fire towards the end of both his matches and claimed two victories.

Willis Gaer will be Vance’s opponent tomorrow, after defeating Bret Taylor and Felipe Pedraza. Gaer, the No. 8 seed, got off to a quick start in both of his matches. This helped Gaer seal two victories and make his way into the semi-final round.

Kelly Brown, the No. 39 seed, will play this year’s Senior Match Play Champion and No. 30 seeded, Joe Palmer. Brown had to play a tough stretch of competitors to make it to the semi-final round. Brown knocked off the defending IGA Match Play Champion, Connor Peck in the round of 16, and followed it up with a win over the red-hot Ben Epperly in the quarterfinals.

Palmer is marching in uncharted territory as he has a chance to win the Senior Match Play and the IGA Match Play in the same season. Palmer defeated the No. 14 seeded Dennis Bull in the round of 16 and then had to face J.D. Anderson in the quarterfinals. Anderson’s last two matches went into extra holes with his match yesterday finishing on the 26th playoff hole.

The final day of the IGA Match Play Championship will begin tomorrow morning and you will be able to follow live scoring by using this link.

Players Advancing
Willis Gaer
Nate Vance
Kelly Brown
Joe Palmer

33rd IGA Match Play, 10th IGA Women’s Match Play continues

June 30, 20210 commentsChampionships, IGA Match Play, News

Day two of the 33rd IGA Match Play at Talons Golf in Ankeny has concluded. During the first day of stroke play qualifying, Wade Pettitt took home the medal after firing a low round of 66 in the stroke play qualifying round. Pettitt earned the No. 1 seed, but fell to the University of Iowa’s, Charles Jahn, 3&2 in the afternoon.

In the second round, the defending champion, Connor Peck, defeated Tyler Sansgaard in a close match (3&2). Peck will have to play Ben Epperly in the third round on Thursday. Epperly took down Nick Pittman on the 19th hole.

IGA Senior Match Play champion, Joe Palmer defeated the No. 3 seed Jon Olson with a 10-footer on the 18th hole. Palmer will move on to play the No. 14 seeded, Dennis Bull. In the second round, Bull defeated Jay Gregory, 4&3.

Later in the second round, Ethan Mechling’s and J.D. Anderson’s match went to 26 holes, which was one of the longest matches in recent history. J.D. Anderson won the match on the eighth hole and will play the No. 11 seeded Nate McCoy tomorrow.

The quarterfinal round will begin tomorrow morning and you will be able to follow live scoring by using this link.

Players Advancing
Charles Jahn
Felipe Pedraza
Willis Gaer
Bret Taylor
Frank Lindwall
Scott Hart
Nate Vance
Scot Cook
Connor Peck
Ben Epperly
Kelly Brown
Ben Pettitt
Joe Palmer
Dennis Bull
J.D. Anderson
Nate McCoy

Sixteen women are headed to day three after completing the first round of the 10th IGA Women’s Match Play. On the first day, Brooke Newell claimed the medalist honors in the stroke play qualifying round. Newell earned the No. 1 seed and won her first match over Marlene Williams and will advance to the second round.

Defending champion and No. 2 seed, Leanne Smith defeated Jolee Belzung, 8&7 and will take on Kelly Grimes in the second round. Grimes won a close match against Granger’s, Taylor Sedivec to earn a spot in the round of 16.

University of Northern Iowa senior, Hannah Bermel made her way into the second round after defeating Morgan Conn. Bermel will play Renee Buckner who won her match over Ila Gilbert after playing the 19th hole.

The second round will begin tomorrow morning and you will be able to follow live scoring by using this link.

Players Advancing
Brooke Newell
Ardrae Parmenter
Rosalie Kubesheski
Niki Clayton
Anna Jensen
Janece Schwartzkopf
Tabitha Schumacher
Jan Sewright
Leanne Smith
Kelly Grimes
Laura Leszczynski
Lydia Steier
Hannah Bermel
Renee Buckner
Mikayla Olson
Kathy Fortune

Pettitt fires 66, Newell posts 75 to earn top seeds

June 29, 20210 commentsChampionships, IGA Match Play, News

Low scores flooded the leaderboard during the stroke play qualifying round of the 33rd IGA Match Play Championship at Talons Golf in Ankeny. Wade Pettitt, of Waukee, earned the medalist honors by one shot after firing a low round of 66 (-6).

Pettitt started his day off with a bogey on the first hole and caught fire after that. Going into his 15th hole, Pettitt made four-straight birdies to jump into the top spot over Ankeny’s, Jon Olson, and Frank Lindwall, of Cedar Rapids.

Olson and Lindwall carded rounds of 67 and Nate Vance took fourth place with a four-under round of 68. J.D. Anderson, Cody Holck, Willis Gaer, Connor Peck, Andrew Huseman and Jon Brown rounded out the top-five with rounds of 69. Peck will be the #2 seed in the match play bracket as the defending champion.

The 64-player cut finished at five-over par (score of 77).

Stroke Play Qualifying
1. Wade Pettitt -6 66
2. Jon Olson -5 67
3. Frank Lindwall -5 67
4. Nate Vance -4 68
T5. J.D. Anderson -3 69
T5. Cody Holck -3 69
T5. Willis Gaer -3 69
T5. Connor Peck -3 69
T5. Jon Brown -3 69
T5. Andrew Huseman -3 69

Anita’s Brooke Newell earned medalist honors at the 10th IGA Women’s Match Play at Talons Golf in Ankeny after posting a round of 75.

Newell recorded a 37 on the front-nine and a 38 on her back-nine to win by one shot over Hannah Bermel, of Cedar Falls.

Bermel carded a four-over round of 76 and finished in second place by one shot over the defending champion, Leanne Smith, of Indianola and Anna Jensen, of Dubuque.

Smith and Jensen recorded rounds of 77 and Tabitha Schumacher, of Pella, earned fifth place honors with a seven-over 79. Smith received the #2 seed into match play as the defending champion.

Stroke Play Qualifying
1. Brooke Newell +3 75
2. Hannah Bermel +4 76
T3. Leanne Smith +5 77
T3. Anna Jensen +5 77
5. Tabitha Schumacher +7 79

Iowa Golf Hall of Fame ceremony set for Sept. 25 at DMG & CC

June 24, 20210 commentsNews

The Class of 2020 and 2021 Iowa Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will
take place at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club on Saturday, Sept. 25th.

The Iowa Golf Hall of Fame will induct six total members at this year’s double-ceremony. Due to COVID-19 and the concern of traveling and congregating in large groups, the induction ceremony for the Class of 2020 was postponed and will be held together with the Class of 2021. The Class of 2021 inductees include Chad Proehl, Jerry Johnson and Jim Carney. The 2020 inductees are Beth Bader, John Benda and Judd Gibb.

The Iowa Golf Hall of Fame now has 89 total members that have helped shape Iowa Golf. The new inductees will be recognized with a plaque in the Iowa Golf Association’s office and their accomplishments will be highlighted on our website.

Click here to read about Beth, John and Judd’s accomplishments
Click here to read about Chad, Jerry, and Jim’s accomplishments

The basic schedule for the ceremony will include a social hour with food starting at 5:00. The induction should begin around 6:15 and finish in a couple of hours.

Immediate family members of the inductees are guests of the Iowa Golf Association and they do not need to pay for a ticket to attend the event. This includes parents, spouses, children and grandchildren.

The cost for a ticket to the event will be $60/person and can be purchased online.

The deadline to sign up for the public is Sunday, September 12th. You can click here to sign up to attend, or you can call the Iowa Golf Association office at 515-207-1062.

Congratulations to each inductee and welcome to the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame!

SIGN UP TO ATTEND THE CEREMONY

Hansen wins Iowa Junior Am in playoff, Depuydt takes Girls’ Junior title by three

June 24, 20210 commentsChampionships, Girls' Junior Amateur, Iowa Junior

Two more Iowa Junior Amateur Champions were crowned on Wednesday at Coldwater Golf Links in Ames. Hogan Hansen (above right), from Waverly, defeated Nate Spear in a playoff to finish first in the Boys’ Division. Tatum Depuydt (above left), of Marion, recorded a three-round total of 225 and won the Girls’ Division by three shots.

After an extremely windy first round, Spear had the edge over the field. Spear carded 1-over 72 and had the low round of the day. Hansen trailed by six shots but knew the weather would be more favorable for his upcoming rounds.

In the second round, Hansen fired a 3-under 68 and climbed into first place. In that round, Hansen recorded four birdies and eagled the seventh hole. Spear couldn’t find a spark to his second round and finished with a 76.

A late final round battle between Hansen and Spear started to brew. Spear, who was down four shots with seven holes to play, flipped a switch and caught fire. He holed out for eagle on the par-4 12th and birdied holes 14, 15 and 16. Hansen saved par on 18 and the two were bound for a playoff.

In the playoff, Spear found trouble off the tee and then hit into a greenside bunker. Hansen found the fairway, but his second shot went over the green. Both players were trying to make an up-and-down to see if they could extend the playoff, but Spear’s bunker shot stayed short of the green. Hansen made his par putt and won the playoff over Spear to earn the 2021 Iowa Junior Amateur title.

The 2020 Iowa Amateur Champion, Hunter Johnson, managed to hang around the top of the leaderboard and finished in third place overall. Fourth place finisher, Corbin Walker recorded a three-round total of 222 and Mason Weeks posted 224 and earned fifth place.

Tatum Depuydt was heading into her second round in a tie for third place after posting a 79 with a lone birdie coming on the par-3 hole 16. The first-round leader was an Ames native, Eden Lohrbach, who came into the clubhouse with a 76.

Many competitors in the Girls’ division had success in their second rounds as the windy weather calmed down. Amber Henson and Erika Holmberg shared the low round of the day, recording a pair of 73’s. Tatum Depuydt recorded two birdies and shot a round of 75 to play in the last grouping of the final round.

During the final round, Depuydt, Lohrbach and Paige Hoffman continued to fight for first place. Depuydt had the upper hand heading into the back nine and managed to card a 1-under 35. This sealed it and Depuydt posted an even round of 71 and was crowned the 2021 Iowa Junior Girls’ Amateur Champion.

Lohrbach finished in second place after a round of 74 on the final day. Hoffman posted a three-round total of 230 and Kiki Bruner took fourth place with a 234. Amber Henson earned fifth place with a 235 total.

Iowa Junior Amateur – Boys’ Division:
1. Hogan Hansen 78-68-69-215 (Won playoff)
2. Nate Spear 72-76-67-215
3. Hunter Johnson 76-73-71-220
4. Corbin Walker 78-70-74-222
5. Mason Weeks 74-74-76-224
T6. Joseph Currans 78-74-74-226
T6. Nile Petersen 78-74-74-226
T6. Nathan Tillman 74-74-78-226
9. William Simpson 79-76-72-227
10. Grant DeKruyf 76-79-73-228

Iowa Junior Amateur – Girls’ Division:
1. Tatum Depuydt 79-75-71-225
2. Eden Lohrbach 76-78-74-228
3. Paige Hoffman 78-74-78-230
4. Kiki Bruner 79-74-81-234
5. Amber Henson 82-73-80-235
6. Erika Holmberg 84-73-81-238
7. Addison Berg 81-75-83-239
8. Nora Carlson 80-79-82-241
9. Maura Peters 86-74-83-243
10. Jaci Webb 87-81-76-244

Lots of laughs, memories shared at IGA Father/Son, Parent/Child Championship

June 22, 20210 commentsChampionships, Father-Son / Parent-Child

Lots of laughs and great moments were shared at this year’s IGA Father/Son and Parent/Child Championship at Jester Park Golf Course in Granger.

Neil Johnson and Robert (Bob) Johnson (pictured above) took home the Father/Son Open Division trophy after firing a 4-under round of 68 on Saturday. The defending champions, John and Tanner Dinnebier fell one stroke short of repeating their same success in last year’s event. This marks the fourth time Bob has been on the winning team, as he won titles with son Jay in 2010 and with Neil in 2012, 2014 and now 2021.

In the Father/Son Young Adult Division, Chad and Henry Baker (right) played lights out and won by eight shots after carding a 3-under 69. Rudy and Michel Evertsen took second place with a solid round of 77 on Sunday.

Maura and Ben Peters (pictured above) held the Parent/Child Open Division trophy after a 1-over round of 73 on Sunday. Rebecca and Troy Delong tied for second place with Paige and Brett Hoffman with a 3-over 75 on Saturday.

The Junior Divisions played on Jester Park’s Par 3 course. The list of winners includes Andy and Grayson Tiedt who claimed the Father/Son 8 and under Division. Willow and Isaac Rodenberg won the Parent/Child 8 and under Division. Bo and Elijah Anderson won the Father/Son 9 and 10 Division and Justin and Jillian Chapman claimed the Parent/Child 9 and 10 Division.

View full results here

Peck makes charge, wins 2021 Fort Dodge Amateur

June 21, 20210 commentsChampionships, News

The 2020 IGA Player of the Year, Connor Peck (pictured above courtesy of Eric Pratt, Fort Dodge Messenger), took home the Fort Dodge Amateur Championship over the weekend. Peck won his first event in the 2021 season after firing a three-round total, 208 at Fort Dodge Country Club.

In the first two rounds, Peck carded back-to-back rounds of 70 and found himself in third place. Heading into the final round down six shots to Andrew Huseman, Peck did not try to force anything and continued to play his game.

A quick start on the final day was what Peck needed, and he accomplished that. Peck recorded a 3-under 32 on his front nine with help from an eagle on the seventh hole. Posting even (36) on the back nine was just enough to get by Ethan Mechling, who finished in second at 4-under.

In the Senior Division, Terry Cook (left) put on a show in the first round, recording seven birdies and a hole-in-one on the 11th hole. Cook had a 12-shot lead as he approached the tee box in the final round. A hard-fought round of 76 on the final day gave Cook his second win of the 2021 season.

Pat Ryan (right) played three rounds of consistent golf and defeated Joel Yunek in a playoff to give him his first win of the 2021 season. Ryan recorded a three-round total of 222 (72-75-75) and was able to sneak out a win from a tough competitor in Yunek.

The next additional point event on the 2021 schedule will be the Iowa Masters at Veenker Memorial Golf Course in Ames, Iowa. This event will take place on Friday, July 9 through July 11.

Read more from Eric Pratt of the Fort Dodge Messenger by clicking here.

Open Division
1. Connor Peck 70-70-68-208
2. Ethan Mechling 70-69-70-209
3. Andrew Huseman 66-68-77-211
T4. Willis Gaer 70-73-71-214
T4. Carson Caylor 73-75-66-214
6. Luke Galeazzi 72-74-72-218
7. Ben Epperly 70-76-74-220
T8. Ryan Horner 76-73-72-221
T8. Kelly Brown 71-77-73-221
10. Mike Arndorfer 69-80-75-224

Senior Division
1. Terry Cook 63-75-76-214
2. Dave Gaer 76-74-67-217
3. Tony Newkirk 71-79-74-224
4. Tony Malizia 77-78-73-228
5. Todd Hingtgen 77-77-78-232
6. Tom Christensen 76-81-78-235
7. Steve Wermerskirchen 77-82-77-236
8. Rick Sanders 83-75-81-239
9. Jay Hickman 81-88-75
10. Edwin Evans 87-84-81-252

Super Senior Division:
1. Pat Ryan 72-75-75-222 (Playoff winner)
2. Joel Yunek 73-74-75-222
3. Dave Sergeant 71-77-75-223
4. Rob Christensen 74-76-74-224
5. Harold Hickman 79-73-73-225
6. Ned Palmer 74-79-75-228
7. Richard Gorbell 79-77-79-235
8. James Blackburn 79-78-82-239
9. Randy Studer 82-78-80-240
10. Terry Miller 83-81-79-243

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