2021 IGA Yearbook

ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS 9-Hole Superintendent Jeff Rokusek Sheldon G&CC With Sheldon G&CC be- coming an area of high traf- fic – membership up 23% in 2021 – one constant has been Golf Course Super- intendent Jeff Rokusek, ac- cording to Jason Hengeveld, Club President. “He’s done nothing but an impeccable job making the course his own,” Hengeveld said. “From improving green quality and receptibility to adding several landscape features around the course to create a more unique experience, Jeff works very hard.” Rokusek’s tireless work ethic and attention to detail are just a couple of attributes that set him apart according to several members of the club. “We are lucky to have Jeff,” one member said.” You’d be hard-pressed to notice that we went through the worst flood not so long ago based on the excellent condition the course is today.” Ever since Reifert joined the staff at Whispering Creek GC members and guests alike have seen a level of professionalism, quality, and course improvements that have not been enjoyed before. With six leagues, two high school teams and a college men’s and women’s golf team utilizing the facility, in addi- tion to the numerous events the clubs hosts, Reifert and his team keep the course in excellent condition. In 2021, Reifert undertook a task of making improve- ments to several bunkers around the course and re- moval of a cart path around the lake on #18 and replaced it with turf. Reifert’s ability to build a team that has come back as a cohesive unit year after year has also not gone un- noticed by many. “Matt is great to work for and is always open to ideas that one might have,” Assis- tant Supt. Dan Conway said. An energizing leader, Mart- ing has met the ever-chang- ing landscape of the golf world head on. As an ‘ad hoc’ general contractor for a multi-million dollar capital project, which now provides year-round amenities and activities at DGCC, Marting through it all has been able to maintain high service standards, improve member satisfaction and oversee a stretch of unprecedented growth in membership. “I have always known Lance to be very profes- sional, while adding the right balance of humor and storytelling to entertain our members,” Head PGA Pro- fessional Dave Edwards said. “He worked directly with our construction partners on a daily basis to make sure the project was completed in mid-July, on our 12-month construction timeline.” It was noted that Marting’s ability to develop and main- tain positive relationships with clubs members and their guests is just one of his award-winning qualities. Mark has donated countless hours of his time to make sure young golfers have equipment to begin their journey into the game. His love of the game and the people he helps shows no boundaries. Egly has taught some of the state’s best to ever play the game, but also taken the time to work with that golfer who has never touched a club before. “Mark does so much for golfers in Iowa,” PGA Ap- prentice David Ellis said. “From junior to senior golfers, both men and women, I see almost daily the requests for his time from so many entities and I have never heard him say no yet. Mark has also been an ally for Iowa golf at the state capitol on behalf of golf for decades, dealing with members of both parties relating to property taxes, tourism and the game of golf having the right to be responsibly open during the last couple of years while the state dealt with Covid-19.” Egly is a true ambassador of Iowa golf. 18-Hole Superintendent Matt Reifert Whispering Creek GC Sioux City, Iowa Manager Lance Marting Dubuque G&CC PGA Professional Mark Egly Des Moines Driving Range