2023 IGA Yearbook

21 Paige Hoffman, of West Des Moines, put her clubs aside from 9 to 5 this summer joining the IGA as the Handicap- ping and Course Rating Intern. A well-known face and name in the golf community, she quickly befriended many of the IGA participants with her outgoing personality. Studying data analytics at Northwest Missouri State, her role in compiling, calculating, and inputting data into the Course Rating Program (CRP) was the perfect fit. A quick study, Paige was off and running in the world of Course Ratings within a few weeks. Along with Course Rating, she has also been an integral part of researching the history of the Iowa Women’s Golf Association for the upcoming 100th Iowa Women’s Am- ateur. Pouring over pages of history and artifacts, she was able to organize past presidents, board members, and championship history which will aid in the upcoming cel- ebration at Sunnyside Country Club. Even with a busy summer of work, Paige still found time to keep her golf game sharp and remain competitive. Her strong play in 2023 culminated with her being named the Women’s Player of the Year, making her the first to earn the award while interning. The IGA staff is excited to welcome Paige back for another fun summer of golf administration in 2024. “Interning with the IGA was the best way to spend my summer. Through the Boatwright internship I had the op- portunity to learn the Course Rating System, the keys to running a successful tournament, communication skills, and most importantly the importance of teamwork. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the IGA staff this sum- mer and serving the Iowa golf community.” Gavin Matthias, of Ankeny, completed his third and final year of the P.J. Boatwright Internship program. As a sec- ond-year championship intern, Gavin’s responsibilities were greater than they’d been before and he thrived. He once again was responsible for the task of tracking our Junior Boys’ and Junior Girls’ Player of the Year standings, keeping our juniors up to date all year long. He also transitioned into the lead administrator role for the IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series Events #2 and #3. Even with years of experience under his belt, nothing could quite prepare Gavin for the final day of his in- ternship which featured something new: climbing a tree to retrieve a stuck drone. Nonetheless, he did so with a smile on his face knowing he was making a positive impact and being a team player. His quick thinking and determination will suit him well for a long career in golf. A recent graduate from the University of Iowa, Gavin ac- cepted a position at the Tournament Club of Iowa (TCI) working alongside his older brother Griffen. He has also enrolled in the PGA Golf Management Program, work- ing towards his PGA certification. “Interning with the Iowa Golf Association this summer was one of my favorite summers in golf I've ever had. Be- ing able to learn and travel as much as I did was a great experience. Getting to run two of my own tournaments gave me so much confidence in my ability to work in the golf industry. The staff and my fellow interns were such a joy to work with, that coming into work was something I looked forward to immensely. I want to thank the IGA and everyone involved for making these three years such a pleasure. I look forward to volunteering with the IGA for many years to come!” Paige Hoffman Gavin Matthias