2021 IGA Yearbook

IGA SENIOR MATCH PLAY GENEVA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, MUSCATINE MAY 24-26, 2021 D efending champion Joe Palmer once again captured the IGA Senior Match Play title. Palmer defeated Curtis Holck in a 20-hole shootout. Both players continued to fire back at one another, making birdies left and right. The road to Palmers fifth IGA Senior Match Play title came after winning the early matches against the No. 31 seed Tod Ellis and the No. 15 Tom Garside. Palmer followed those matches up with victories against Jeff Collett and Sam Billmeyer to advance to the finals. "I felt really fortunate to get past Jeff (Collett). He is a good ball striker and hits it hard," Palmer said. "I also know that in match play, if you don't put a guy away... watch out. That happened against Sam and he hit it close to extend the match on 18." In the Super Senior Division Fort Madison resident Jim Butler knocked off Jamie Blackburn in the finals. The two had squared off in last year's IGA Super Senior Match Play, with Blackburn defeating Butler in the quarter-finals. "It was really good golf (in the final match). I had one less hiccup you would say. I lost to Jamie last year in the quarter-finals and I didn't forget," said Butler. Butler had confidence in his game this week, which was helpful when playing a course like Geneva Golf and Country Club for 36-holes all three days. "No one practices (for) 36-holes a day. I love playing with these guys and everyone pulls for each other. I have been playing with them for years," Butler stated. "It was my week, I guess. My game was mostly there this week." Chuck Malloy of Cedar Falls claimed the Senior President's Bracket Championship with a win over Craig Furnish in the finals. Malloy was able to get a lead towards the end of the match and hold on to the win 3&2. Palmer Repeats As Senior Match Play Champ, But ler Claims Super Senior Tit le (L to R) Jim Butler & Joe Palmer