Year: 2023

Blomme, Peters take home 2023 Iowa Junior Amateur titles

June 22, 20230 commentsGirls' Junior Amateur, Iowa Junior

Bettendorf’s Maura Peters (above right) and Bettendorf’s Ethan Blomme (above left) took home the titles at the Iowa Junior Amateur  Championship contested at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls.

Peters (left), a future University of Iowa Hawkeye golfer, led the girl’s field from start to finish, carding rounds of 73-72-72 to total (+1) 217 and win by five strokes.

“I knew I had a little bit of wiggle room but at the same time I wanted to make sure I was still performing as well as I could,” Peters said. “I definitely think my putting was where I was able to save the most strokes.”

Great lag putting made for a ‘pretty stress-free’ round and Peters was able to keep the momentum rolling with key putts throughout the round.

Ames’ Eden Lohrbach finished runner-up in the girls’ division with (+6) 222, followed by Sumner’s Chloe Bolte with (+10) 226. Bolte’s even third-round 72 was key to moving up the leaderboard.

On the boy’s side, Blomme (right), who recently qualified for the USGA U.S. Junior Amateur, overcame a one-stroke deficit in his final round to win by two. With three under-par rounds of 69-67-69, Blomme finished at (-11) 205 despite back spasms which flared up on his final day.

Two Advils allowed Blomme to stay ‘in attack mode’. Blomme explained,

“Especially around the greens, I was just dying every single putt in the hole. Just no mistakes, no three putts,” he said.

A strong iron showing gave Blomme multiple tap-in birdies during his final round, helping him to secure his win.

Ankeny’s Drew Hensen finished second in the boys’ tournament with (-9) 207, followed by Gilman’s Cody Weaver at (-7) 209.

Did you know?
A lot of factors play into a round of golf, and not all of them have to do with hitting the ball. Peters is a strong supporter of Target fruit snacks, while Blomme listens to Drake and Stevie Wonder before his round to “take a little stress off.”

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Golf House Iowa receives $250,000 donation from Iowa PGA Section

June 21, 20230 commentsNews

When the Iowa PGA Section started discussions on a new three-, five- and 10-year strategic plan for the organization last December, Golf House Iowa came up.

“It became apparent that we needed to do something,” Executive Director Greg Mason said.

Those discussions included the Iowa PGA Section’s Board of Directors, the Iowa PGA Foundation’s Board of Directors and the organization’s past presidents.

Mason figured a $50,000 donation might be in the works, and maybe $100,000.

“But during those talks, a quarter of a million dollars came up,” said Mason, who has been the head of the state’s professional golfing body since 2017.

On Monday, Mason informed his members that the Iowa PGA Section would be donating $250,000 to Golf House Iowa. The donation includes naming rights to the building’s Hall of Fame meeting room.

“This is the right thing to do,” Mason said.

Golf House Iowa, currently under construction overlooking the 9th green of the Echo Valley Country Club’s Creek course in Norwalk, will be the home of the Iowa Golf Association, its programs, a museum and the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame.

“This is recognition, from an organization like the Iowa PGA Section, of what Golf House is intending to do,” said Chad Pitts, CEO and Executive Director of the Iowa Golf Association. “They understand it in a way that they made a very significant donation. The size of their donation gave us a big jump in reaching our goals.”

The Iowa Golf Association Foundation is in the home stretch of a fundraising campaign for the new facility, scheduled to open next spring. Nearly 90 percent of the $5 million goal has been raised.

“The Iowa PGA Section and the Iowa Golf Association have some unified goals, and one of them is to make golf a better game,” Pitts said. “Better for our players, the PGA pros, golf course superintendents, everyone who works with the game. Together, it makes golf’s whole ecosystem better.”

Erin Strieck, president of the Iowa PGA Section and the Iowa PGA Foundation, said her organization is proud to be a part of the rich history of Iowa golf.

“This gift is a gesture of thanks to all who have come before us and those who will follow,” said Strieck, the head golf professional at the Pinnacle Country Club in Milan, Ill. “Golf House Iowa will highlight that history through the museum, the Golf Hall of Fame and all the programs that will help enrich the game over time. We are proud to be giving this gift on behalf of our Iowa PGA members and associates and those who serve this game in partnership with the Iowa Golf Association.”

Steve Jermier, president of the Iowa Golf Association and the Iowa Golf Association Foundation, said the Iowa PGA Section’s donation came at a perfect time from a fundraising standpoint.

“For the Iowa PGA to make a contribution of this size and magnitude at this point in the campaign is just huge,” Jermier said.

He added that while the game is bigger than any one organization, the Iowa PGA Section’s donation shows that all forces are unified in one common goal.

“I’ve talked to multiple club pros from across the state who are very excited about this project, and they recognize what it’s going to do for the game, how it’s going to help grow the game and preserve the game in our state,” Jermier said. “It’s testimony to how these organizations work together. And that’s a big deal. This vote of confidence from the section just means the world to us.”

The Iowa PGA Section has been part of the PGA of America since it was founded in 1916. In the original charter, Iowa joined other Midwestern states in the Plains Section. Iowa broke off into the Nebraska Section in 1925 and became the Iowa PGA Section in 1936. The Iowa PGA Section includes part of Western Illinois.

“Both organizations (Iowa PGA Section and Iowa Golf Association) want to grow the game in Iowa and Western Illinois,” Mason said. “We just feel when we’re together, it’s going to go better.”

Mason said the Iowa PGA Section’s gift to Golf House Iowa will come from investment accounts, and member dues will not increase. The gift will be paid in annual installments through 2026.

The Iowa PGA Section operates with a three-pronged mission statement – Mission, Vision and Values. Mission represents promoting and growing the game of golf. Vision is aimed at inspiring leadership, collaboration and innovation. Values covers philanthropic endeavors to give back to the community through the game of golf.

Mason remembers one strategic meeting when those values were being discussed. He said that Ken Schall, a four-time Iowa PGA Section champion and past president (2005-07), spoke up and linked those philanthropic efforts to discussions about donating to the Golf House Iowa project.

“He said, “What can be more philanthropic than this?’ ” Mason recalled.

Mason said the donation to Golf House Iowa is part of the organization’s big-picture scorecard.

“We have bigger plans,” Mason said. “We want to increase scholarships, things like that. But this is definitely a way to lay the groundwork.”

The donation will also help honor many great professionals, past and present. This October, the four-member Iowa Golf Hall of Fame induction class will include Kevin Beard, the head professional at Otter Creek in Ankeny from 1990-2017. Beard will become the 34th current or former Iowa PGA Section member to be inducted. Beard and this year’s other three inductees – Joe Palmer, Jim Curell and Doug Dunakey – will increase the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame to 96 members.

“We’re looking to the future but we’re also honoring our past,” Mason said.

Hensen continues to lead Iowa Junior, Peters grabs top spot in Girls’ Junior Amateur

June 20, 20230 commentsChampionships, Girls' Junior Amateur, Iowa Junior

Scores are in from the second round of the Iowa Junior Amateur Championship at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls – and there were some good ones being posted.

Ankeny’s Drew Hensen (left) remains the leader of the Boys Division at 9-under. Bettendorf’s Ethan Blomme has taken the second position all for himself at 8-under. Ankeny’s Jacob Eagan follows at 7-under. Ames’ Joey Currans and Gilman’s Cody Weaver are tied for fourth at 3-under apiece.

In the Girls Division, Bettendorf’s Maura Peters (right) keeps her lead at +1 with an even par second round. Ames’ Eden Lohrbach is in pursuit at +5, followed by Marion’s Morgan Rupp at +7. Sumner’s Chloe Bolte has moved into fourth place at +10.

Players have one more round on Wednesday to make their move and take home the Iowa Junior Amateur title. Click here to follow along with live scoring.

Hensen leads Iowa Junior, Peters and Lohrbach share top spot at Girls’ Junior

June 19, 20230 commentsChampionships, Girls' Junior Amateur, Iowa Junior

Scores are in from the opening round of the 2023 Iowa Junior Amateur Championship at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls. Ankeny’s Drew Hensen leads the Boys Division with a (-5) 67, but Cedar Rapid’s Caden Postma, Bettendorf’s Ethan Blomme, and Knoxville’s Evan Smith are only two strokes behind with rounds of (-3) 69. A total of 13 players are at par or better, including defending champion Indianola’s Preston Bily who carded a (-2) 70.

In the Iowa Girls’ Junior Amateur, Bettendorf’s Maura Peters leads alongside Ames’ Eden Lohrbach with rounds of (+1) 73. Peters scored three birdies and four bogeys in an up-and-down round, while Lohrbach managed fifteen pars on an uneventful scorecard. Abbie Lindeman, of Grundy Center, and Morgan Rupp, of Marion, are tied for third at (+4) 76.

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Champions crowned at 2023 Father-Son & Parent-Child Championship

June 19, 20230 commentsChampionships, Father-Son / Parent-Child

There’s nothing quite like the Father-Son & Parent-Child tournament, hosted annually at Jester Park Golf Course in Granger. Urbandale’s Bo and Dewell Anderson topped the Father-Son Open Division with a 4-under 68. Luke and Monte Meyer, of Cedar Falls, and John and Tanner Dinnebier, of West Des Moines, tied for second with a pair of (-3) 69s.

Cedar Rapid’s Andy and Grayson Tiedt won the Father-Son Young Adult Division, despite Grayson being only ten years old. The pair fired a (+4) 76. Bo and Elijah Anderson (77) and Jameson and Sean Honts (78) rounded out the top three.

Bettendorf’s Ben and Maura Peters completed a three-peat, winning the Parent-Child Open Division again with a (-2) 70. Allison and Trace McArtor, Geri and Blake Huser, and Taylor and Mike Phillips tied for runner-up with (+3) 75s.

Kylynn and Ryan Bishop, of West Des Moines, won the Parent-Child Young Adult Division, shooting (+22) 94. Gianna and Nicol Jones followed with (+32) 104, and Michael and McKinley Billings finished third with (+42) 114.

Jester Park’s Par-Three Course saw familiar faces leading the Junior Divisions, but also some new ones. In the Father-Son 9 & 10 Division, Ottumwa’s Aaron and Beckham O’Brien won big with (+9) 63. The rest of the division tied, remarkably, at (+17) 71.

From West Des Moines, the Combs’ dominated the Father-Son 8 & Under. Carter and David placed first with (+8) 62, and Emmett and David placed second with (+11) 65.

Huxley’s Pat and Jordin Wynja defended their title in the Parent-Child 9 & 10 Division, carding a (+12) 66.

The Pettitt’s found success in the Parent-Child 8 & Under Division. Ben and Hayden Pettitt, of West Des Moines, won the division with a (+4) 8. Wade and Brooklyn Pettitt, of Waukee, finished runner-up with a (+13) 67.

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Henson / Heryford capture 13th IGA Women’s Four-Ball title

June 16, 20230 commentsChampionships, IGA Women's Four-Ball

The side of Amber Henson, of Marshalltown, and Rylee Heryford, of Newton, (above) claimed victory at the 13th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship at Pinnacle Country Club, shooting (-2) 70 on both days to win by one stroke. The side of Erika Holmberg and Maura Peters, both from Bettendorf, and the side of Swisher’s Addison Berg and Cedar Rapid’s Jane Petersen tied for the runner-up position with totals of (-3) 141.

In the Senior Division, the team of Laura Leszczynski and Michelle Klein (right) ran away with the title, totaling a (-4) 142 and a 12-stroke victory over the next lowest team featuring Nicki Miller and Julie Hartman. Kelly Grimes and Sue Harmon rounded out the top of the leaderboard at (+3) 155. Adding to an already fantastic tournament, Harmon recorded her first ever hole-in-one during her final round on the par 3 second hole. A celebration for everyone!

This was the second IGA Championship held at Pinnacle Country Club, in Milan, IL, which is one of thirteen IGA member clubs in Illinois. They last held the IGA Club Team championship in 2010. Erin Strieck, Head PGA Professional at Pinnacle, is also the President of the Iowa PGA Section—and the section’s first ever female president.

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Henson/Heryford, Holmberg/Peters Lead Open; Hartman/Miller Lead Senior

June 14, 20230 commentsUncategorized

The opening round of the 13th IGA Women’s Four-Ball featured many of Iowa’s top players in early contention as the sides of Amber Henson & Rylee Heryford and Erika Holmberg & Maura Peters sit at the top firing an opening round 70. The duo of Henson and Heryford, fresh off their freshman season at Drake, played consistently, recording 13 pars and sprinkling in four birdies. Making back-to-back bogies on nine and ten, the two steadied the ship and played their final seven holes in two under par to work their way into tomorrow’s final pairing.

Tied with the Bulldogs, Holmberg and Peters got off to a quick start as Peters opened the round with birdies on the first two holes. Falling back with a bogey on the fourth, Holmberg birdied the sixth to help the duo turn in one under 35. As with Heryford and Henson, Holmberg and Peters made a late push, playing their final six holes in two under.

Rounding out the top three is defending champion Addison Berg (with Bella Pettersen) & Jane Peterson after firing  -1, 71.

In the Senior Division, Julie Hartman and Nicki Miller lead the way after firing -1, 72. Miller had it going early as she recorded four birdies on her opening nine to give them an early advantage over the field. A closing double bogey cut their lead to two over the side of Laura Leszyznski and Michelle Klein. Leszczynki and Klein opened with +1, 74 in a round that featured five birdies. Rounding out the top three is Cindy Morrison and Kathy Forture following their opening round 78.

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Kent, Blomme qualify for U.S. Junior at Ames Golf & CC

June 13, 20230 commentsUSGA, USGA Qualifiers

The U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier on June 12, at Ames Golf and Country Club ended in a three-way shootout for the two entries into the U.S. Junior Amateur. Noah Kent (right), of Naples, FL, and Ethan Blomme, of Bettendorf, qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur, to be contested July 24-29 at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, SC.

Kent, Blomme, and Oak Grove’s Peyton Savageau all finished the single-round tournament 3-under, navigating heavy late-morning winds. The three way playoff began on hole 7, and University of Iowa commit Kent wasted no time. A strong drive and an approach to within a few feet gave Kent a tap-in birdie. With pars from Blomme and Savageau, Kent punched his golden ticket to the Junior Amateur. Blomme, a rising junior at Pleasant Valley High School, took home the second ticket after a par on the second playoff hole, #8.

Kent and Blomme (left), who both started the day on hole 10, capitalized on calmer first nine conditions. Kent scored birdies on 16, 17, and 18 and Blomme birdied 15, 16, 17, 18. After an unsatisfactory start, Blomme got his putter rolling.

“I made a really good 30-footer for par on #14 and then rolled four straight in,” Blomme said. “The back nine started playing really tough just with the wind. [. . .] Just grinded it out, you know, when I made a bogey I got it back with a birdie.”

Blomme knew he had to go low if he wanted a shot at qualifying, but believed the wind worked in his favor.

“Scores will be higher with this wind,” he said. “I feel like I’m a good wind player, being from Iowa, so the more and more it becomes windy I feel like the better shot I’ve got.”

Kent and Blomme look forward to one of junior golf’s biggest tournaments, where names like Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth have left their legacy.

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Peck wins 2023 Carroll Amateur by one

June 12, 20230 commentsChampionships

Defending champion Ankeny’s Connor Peck (right) finished victorious at the Carroll Amateur held at Carroll Country Club this past weekend — but it wasn’t easy. Windy conditions kept the leaderboard in constant motion throughout the 36 holes on Sunday, and it took the final hole to decide the order of the top-four finishers.

Peck, John Spellerberg, of Bellington, NE, and Ankeny’s Hunter Johnson, all in the final pairing, began their final hole of the tournament tied at 5-under. While Peck birdied to round out his winning (-6) 207 total, Spellerberg bogeyed and Johnson double-bogeyed to card totals of (-4) 209 and (-3) 210, respectively. Meanwhile, Cedar Fall’s Owen Sawyer, also in the final pairing, slid his way into a runner-up title with a birdie, finishing with (-5) 208. Spellerberg finished in third, Ankeny’s Nate McCoy finished in fourth after an impressive tournament-low 6-under final round, bouncing back with eight birdies from his +5 second eighteen, and Johnson finished in fifth.

While only the Open Division’s Championship Flight played 54 holes, the other divisions were also intense. In the Senior Division, Council Bluffs’ Sean Davis took home the title with a (E) 142, followed by Urbandale’s Ron Peterson (+1), Cedar Fall’s Mike Sawyer (+2), and Ankeny’s Bill Matzdorff (+2). A division-low first round (-2) 69 helped Davis secure his win.

Gowrie’s Tom Schill championed the Super Senior Division, starting the weekend off with a blistering (-6) 65. Des Moines’ Dave Gaer (+3) and West Des Moines’ Bob Brooks (+5), both with IGA wins under their belt this season, finished in second and in third, respectively, both unable to close the gulf between themselves and Schill from the first round.

Open Division flight winners included Des Moines’ Willis Gaer (+4), Solon’s Sam Zoske (+8), Winterset’s Chad Hein and Atlantic’s Jake Olson (tied at +17), and Spencer’s Kaden Miller (+23).

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Watson wins 60th Forever 39 Match Play Championship

June 7, 20230 commentsChampionships, Forever 39 Match Play

From left – Erin Schaffer (First Flight Champion), Fiona Watson (Overall Champion), Kelly Nelson (Second Flight Champion) and Jan Sewright (Third Flight Champion).

Fiona Watson left little doubt in the 60th Women’s Forever 39 Match Play Championship hosted by Echo Valley Country Club in Norwalk.

Watson (right), who earned medalist honors following a 33 (-3), made short work of #8 seed Janece Schwartzkopf in her opening round match of the Championship Flight, winning 4&3. Watson earned her way into the final match with a win over Robin Webb 3&2. Watson met Laura Leszczynski in the finals, who defeated Kelly Grimes (3&2) and Leanne Smith (3&2) in her route to the finals.

In the finals, Watson led from the word go and never looked back after winning two of the first three holes, leading to another 3&2 victory with the help of three birdies in eight holes.

Erin Schaffer defeated Kathy Fortune 2 up to win the First Flight and Kelly Nelson defeated Leighann Larocca 4&2 to take the Second Flight victory. Jan Sewright defeated Cindy Morrison 2 up in the final match of the Third Flight.

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