2023 IGA Yearbook

126 Iowa Golf Hall of Fame Joe Palmer A fierce competitor and unmatched drive to win are two ways of describing Joe Palmer, of Norwalk. “Joe has been and continues to be one of the best competitors within the game of golf I have ever seen in the state of Iowa,” Jon Olson, owner of 13 IGA Point Event victories, said of Palmer. “His attitude, desire and perseverance in any round he competes is truly inspiring. He has made myself – and anyone who is attentive to his game – a better player; Joe simply never gives up.” Palmer’s record speaks for itself. He is a winner of four ‘Open Division’ IGA point events, which includes the 2004 IGA Four-Ball, 2004 Iowa Mid- Amateur and a pair of IGA Match Play titles, his second coming in a remarkable run in 2021 to win the event as a Senior. Palmer’s dominance on the course really took off when he turned 50 – collecting 27 victories within the Senior Division, which includes five IGA Senior Match Play victories and four Iowa Senior Amateur wins. Palmer also has three Senior Division wins each in the Iowa Mid-Amateur, IGA Four-Ball, Herman Sani Tournament, Fort Dodge Amateur, Iowa Open, and Iowa Masters. “Joe has been a stalwart on the Iowa Amateur golf scene for decades and has the game that just keeps getting better over time, a rare feat for most accomplished players,” Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Ken Schall said. “Joe is still competitive among the younger competitors around the state, as evidenced by winning the IGA Match Play and the Class of 2023 Joining the Ranks >> PICTURED (L to R) - Hall of Fame members Joe Palmer, Jon Brown, Gene Elliott, & Mike McCoy at the Des Moines City Tournament in 2002.