Year: 2023

Former Hawkeye Schaake punches ticket to 2023 U.S. Open

University of Iowa alumnus Alex Schaake qualified for the U.S. Open after a nerve wracking 8-hole playoff at the U.S. Open Final Qualifying at Springfield Country Club in Springfield, Ohio. Monday, coined “Golf’s Longest Day” by the USGA, featured numerous 36-hole Final Qualifiers around the country, where some of the best amateur and professional golfers looked to secure their spot in the U.S. Open to be held at Los Angeles Country Club later this summer.

Schaake (right), an Omaha, Nebraska native, had a prolific amateur and collegiate career. In high school Schaake was a two-time Nebraska Junior Amateur Champion, continuing in college to win four-straight Nebraska Amateur titles, and holds the second-most wins in Nebraska Golf Association tournaments ever. He was the only Hawkeye to be voted Big Ten Player of the Year twice, only Hawkeye to be all-conference all four years, holds the lowest season scoring average yet, and holds three of the top four lowest 54-hole totals in university history.

The road to the U.S. Open wasn’t easy for Schaake. Before yesterday’s 44-hole marathon, he scraped his way through local qualifiers by birdieing his final three holes last month at Omaha Country Club. A 2-under first round at Springfield Country Club kept Schaake in contention, but it was a stellar second round that propelled Schaake to his playoff berth. One eagle and five birdies, four of which in the back nine alone, rounded out a 5-under 65 and a three-way tie for fourth in the standings.

He joined Dylan Wu and The Ohio State University’s Maxwell Moldovan in search of one of the two remaining spots. Wu clinched the first spot after birdieing the first playoff hole, but the battle between Schaake and Moldovan was only beginning. Matching scores for seven holes, Schaake finally broke away with a short birdie putt on the eighth hole to Moldovan’s par. It was a joyous scene as Schaake celebrated, clearly elated, in the dying evening light.

Schaake has earned his place at the 123rd U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club (June 15-18) and the opportunity to compete with some of the best players in the world.

2023 Ann Griffel Scholars announced

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) congratulates the 2023 recipients of the Ann Griffel (above right) Scholarship Award: Alexa Poppen, Emma Stock, Laura Klaessy, Maura Peters and Addison Berg. Each recipient will be awarded a one-year scholarship of $2,000. Since 1963, the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award has been helping students further their education. A total of 258 students have earned the honor of receiving this prestigious scholarship.

Alexa Poppen, of West Branch, is the daughter of Kami and Dave Poppen and plans to attend the University of Iowa to major in Management and Finance.

“I am grateful to have received this scholarship. I believe golf is a great way to connect with others and I look forward to playing the game for many years,” she said.

 

Emma Smock, of Oelwein, is the daughter of Todd and Deena Smock and will attend Wartburg College on the Pre-Physical Therapy track.

“I am very thankful and honored to receive this scholarship. The game of golf has taught me to be patient and relax in more than just golf but my everyday life in general. Having a few setbacks but finishing strong is another thing that golf has brought me. I have gained much knowledge and mental toughness for anything brought my way,” she said.

 

Laura Klaessy, of Grimes, is the daughter of John and Sara Klaessy and will study Elementary Education at Simpson College.

“Ann Griffel was an inspiration to many young women golfers, and it is a great honor for me to be a recipient of the Ann Griffel Scholarship. Golf has taught me to become mentally tough and become a student of the game and was an important part of my high school career. I look forward to continuing to play the game at Simpson College next fall,” she said.

 

Maura Peters, of Bettendorf, is the daughter of Benjamin and Jennifer Peters. She will be attending the University of Iowa to play on the women’s golf team and study biomedical engineering.

“I am so grateful to have been chosen as one of the 2023 Ann Griffel Scholarship recipients. The game of golf has helped mold me into the person I am today, teaching me all sorts of valuable lessons. I learned to problem solve, manage my emotions, be patient and most importantly, positive. I am so happy to have chosen a sport and hobby that has allowed me to form so many new relationships and friendships, and I cannot wait to immerse myself in this incredible game for the rest of my life,” she said.

 


Addison Berg, of Swisher, is the daughter of Aaron and Deana Berg. She will be attending the University of Northern Iowa with an undecided major at this time. She will also be a member of the golf team.

“Golf has been important to me from an early age. It has taught me so many important lessons such a as mental toughness. Golf is so unique because your always competing with yourself. You have to be able to put bad shots behind you, and you can’t play defense. You just have to go out and play the best you can every time,” she said.


The Ann Griffel Scholarship Award was established in 1963 as just one $350 scholarship awarded by the Iowa Women’s Golf Association (IWGA). The award has evolved into a $2,000 scholarship awarded to multiple high school senior girls who intend to further their education at an Iowa institution of higher learning, whether it be a college, university or trade school.

The Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) was established to preserve the game and develop more programs to promote the future of golf in Iowa. The IGAF awards the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award annually. This scholarship was named after the long-time IWGA President, Ann Griffel, who started the Girls’ State Junior, Forever 39 Match Play, State Wife-Husband and the Senior Women’s Championships in her 23-year term.

Anderson wins third career Southeast Iowa Amateur title

Johnston’s J.D. Anderson (right) won the neck-to-neck 2023 Southeast Iowa Amateur at The Preserve on Rathbun Lake in Moravia, feeding on a strong first round performance. Anderson withstood a strong challenge by West Des Moines’ Grant Smith, who carded the lowest final round score, to win by one.

Six birdies and only one bogey gave Anderson the solo lead heading into the final round at a 5-under 67. West Des Moines’ Gene Elliot and Minnetonka’s Conor Schubring also made the final pairing with a pair of first-round 68’s, but were unable to match their performance on Sunday.

In the end, the battle was between Anderson and Smith. Smith went on a roll early with four birdies in the first six holes, but ended up 1-over during the rest of his round. Anderson exchanged birdies and bogeys on his scorecard, ultimately finding a birdie on the final hole to clinch the win and avoid a playoff.

In the Senior Division, Tony Newkirk of Des Moines defended his tournament title, winning by one over Norwalk’s Terry Cook. Newkirk and Cook finished the weekend (-6) 138 and (-5) 139, respectively. Bob Brooks, of West Des Moines, continues his domination this season with his third straight win in the Super Senior Division, setting a new Super Senior tournament record with his (-10) 134. Brooks finished seven strokes ahead of runner-up David Studer, of West Des Moines. Defending champion Marshalltown’s Pat Ryan finished third, firing (-1) 143.

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Handful with Iowa ties chase 2023 U.S. Open today

The challenge of qualifying for the U.S. Open awaits several players as they compete in the final U.S. Open qualifying round. The players named below are attempting to qualify for the 123rd U.S. Open to be played at Los Angeles Country Club, June 15-18. Final qualifying results and links are listed below.

Lambton Golf & Country Club – Toronto, Ontario

Hillcrest Country Club – Los Angeles, Calif.

Pine Tree Golf Club – Boynton Beach, Fla.

Hawks Ridge Golf Club – Ball Ground, Ga.

Woodmont C.C. (North Course) – Rockville, Md.

Canoe Brook Country Club – Summit, N.J.
– Lucas Scherf, Drake University / Pleasant Hill

Lakes Golf & Country Club/Brookside Golf & C.C. – Columbus, Ohio
– Nick Voke – Iowa State University
– Zach Johnson – Cedar Rapids / Drake University

Springfield C.C. – Springfield, Ohio
– Mac McClear – University of Iowa
– Alex Schaake – University of Iowa
– Jack Dumas – Drake University / LeClaire
– Troy Merritt – Osage

Old Chatham Golf Club – Durham, N.C.

Tacoma Country & Golf Club – Lakewood, Wash.


NOTE – Clinton’s Josh Bousman participated in Final Qualfying at Northwood Club and Bent Tree Country Club – Dallas, Texas, on May 22nd and did not advance

‘Up and Down’ the Iowa Golf Scene – McCoy, Norton Put Iowa Stamp on Florida Senior Golf

Mike McCoy (left) added to his extensive list of titles by capturing the 2022 Florida State Senior Amateur crown. He’s in contention to repeat in the weather-delayed 2023 championship. Tom Norton (right) survived a sudden-death playoff to win the 2023 Florida State Super Senior Championship contested this spring at the Country Club of Ocala.

Claim Senior, Super Senior Amateur Titles in Sunshine State

The most decorated amateur in Iowa golf history and a veteran senior player with vast experience in Iowa Golf Association and USGA events are collectively making a substantial impact on senior golf in the state of Florida. 

Mike McCoy (right), who later this year will captain the United States’ Walker Cup team in competition against Great Britain-Ireland at The Old Course in St. Andrews, has positioned himself high atop the leaderboards at recent Florida Senior Amateur and Florida Senior Open championships. 

McCoy captured the 61st Florida Senior Amateur title in April of 2022 by firing a 54-hole total of 212 for a two-shot victory in the championship contested at Avila Golf and Country Club in Tampa. Among those chasing McCoy was former NFL quarterback Vinny Testeverde, who tied for 15th with a 222 total. McCoy remains in the hunt to defend his title in 2023 after shooting an opening round 72, one shot out of the lead, during action played April 11 at the Lago Mar Country Club in Plantation, FL. Heavy rains washed out play and tournament officials have postponed the final two rounds until October. 

Most recently, McCoy notched a strong showing at the 46th Florida Senior Open Championship held May 1-3, 2023, at Lakewood National Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch, FL. In a strong field featuring senior professionals and top amateurs, McCoy fired a 54-hole total of 212 to tie for fourth place and just two shots back of the victor, Shannon Sykora. A balky putter amid difficult pin positions during the final round hampered McCoy’s championship bid. Sykora is a former Korn Ferry Tour player and current women’s golf coach at Florida Gulf Coast University. In 2022, McCoy shot a 215 total to tie for 11th at the Florida State Senior Open.

“Competing in Florida senior events has opened up a new avenue of competition for me,” said McCoy recently. “I always enjoy playing in a field made up of the best amateurs and professionals and that certainly is the case with senior golf in Florida. I am very proud of the Florida State Amateur victory and sank some big putts down the stretch. I look forward to competing in these events in the future.”

The 11-time IGA Player of the Year is now a resident of North Palm Beach, FL. McCoy is a veteran of 65 USGA championships, including a victory at the 2013 Mid-Amateur Championship, which punched his ticket to participate in the 2014 Masters. He added to a deep golf pedigree by winning the R&A Senior Amateur in 2022 at Royal Dornoch. He will captain the 10-member Walker Cup team to Scotland on September 2-3, 2023 at St. Andrews. 

Norton (right) captured the 2023 Florida State Golf Association’s Super Senior Championship in dramatic fashion. A Muscatine resident who spends the winter months in Reunion, FL., Norton fired rounds of 71-73-75 for a 219 total to tie Mike Barkley of Belleaire, FL. He then sank a 15-foot birdie putt on the first hole of a sudden death playoff to capture the title, contested in late March at the Country Club of Ocala in Ocala, FL. Norton saw a four-shot lead evaporate during the final round, but hung on by parring the final eight holes in regulation to earn the playoff berth. “I kept myself in position and managed to avoid any big numbers, which is the key to being competitive in a 54-hole stroke play tournament,” said Norton. “I wound up making six birdies against nine bogies while maintaining a positive frame of mind throughout the event.”

A veteran contender in IGA senior events over the years, Norton captured his inaugural IGA championship last year by defeating Tom Schill in the finals of the Super Senior Match Play at Fort Dodge Country Club. He fell just short of defending his title by losing to Dave Gaer in the finals of this year’s match play event at Lake Panorama. 

Not bad for a one-time farmer who did not play college golf and was just a 12 handicapper through his 40’s until hip replacement surgery unlocked a dramatic improvement in his golf game. By the time he was eligible for the Senior Division, Norton was parring the golf course and ready for IGA and USGA competition. 

Norton is among a handful of Iowans who have competed in the US Senior Open Championship. In 2010, he captured the sectional qualifier with a round of 72 at Hunter’s Ridge in Marion to earn a slot in the 156-player field. He failed to qualify for the final two rounds in the event contested at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, WA. While not intimidated by the big stage, Norton kept his sense of humor. “I made a trip to Wal-Mart before the start of the opening round to buy a bunch of cheap golf gloves, figuring I’d be handing a bunch of them out to spectators after wayward tee shots,” he quipped. 

Norton advanced through the USGA Senior Amateur sectional qualifier in 2013 by firing a 71 at Brooks Golf Club in Okoboji. He shot a 151 to move to the round of 64 match play at the national level played at Wade Hampton Golf Club in Cashiers, NC., where veteran USGA senior contestant George Zahringer of New York defeated him 3 & 2. He also has international experience, having competed in a pair of British Senior Amateur championships, including a tie for 30th performance in 2014 at the Ganton Golf Club.


“Up and Down” the Iowa Golf Scene

A regular feature column written by IGA Foundation board member Mark Gambaiana, Up and Down the Iowa Golf Scene is designed to take the reader beyond the headlines and scoreboards to share stories of those who help make Iowa golf so rich and rewarding. Profiles will spotlight those who advance the game through volunteerism, service, extraordinary achievement, competition, human interest and the many other dimensions of golf in Iowa.

Click the links below to read previous Up and Down features
– IGA Rules Official Sean Flanders
– R&A, USGA Champion Gene Elliott
– Nervig Reflects on Decades of Service to The Iowa Masters
Arseneault Finds Fulfillment in Life’s Next Chapter After Competitive Golf
Ivan Miller remembers the days of the Minnows
Kinney adjusts to life on tour
Standard Golf’s roots run deep
Pettersen sets sights high

Three P.J. Boatwright Interns begin summer at IGA, reflect on trip to USGA in New Jersey

From left – 2023 P.J. Boatwright Interns for the Iowa Golf Association Gavin Matthias, Derek Peng and Paige Hoffman.

The P.J. Boatwright internship has been an instrumental part of the Iowa Golf Association. All five staff members were once P.J. Boatwright interns, and interns are vital to the IGA’s services and championships. The IGA offers three internship positions: Marketing and Communication, Handicapping and Course Rating, and Championship Administration. In addition to their specific duties, interns gain experience in all aspects of golf administration, from answering the phone to starting pairings in tournaments.

Derek Peng is this year’s Marketing and Communication Intern. Studying Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Derek played golf and tennis at Ames High School. He’s an avid learner who enjoys photography and playing sports.

“I love golf, I love being creative, and I love being around people,” he explained, “At the IGA I can do what I love.”

Clint Brown, Director of Communications & Marketing at the IGA, commented he’s looking forward to the summer and working with the young Peng.

“I am excited to get started with the summer and hope to provide Derek with a well-rounded experience,” Brown said. “I was an intern with the IGA a long time ago (2003), so I know what it’s like to be in that situation. You want to learn but also put your skills to work. I look forward to not only mentoring Derek, but also learning from him on things he is great at. The key is having fun with the internship and I want Derek to look back on his experience favorably.”

Paige Hoffman, of West Des Moines, joins the team this summer as the Handicapping and Course Rating Intern. Well-known as a talented golfer, Paige plays collegiate golf at Northwest Missouri State University where she studies Data Science.

“I’m interested in pursuing a career in golf, and interning with the IGA is a first step in seeing what a career in golf may look like,” Paige said.

Nate McCoy, Director of Handicapping & Course Rating, is excited to have Paige on board.

“I’m looking forward to having another Course Rating partner and an extra hand to help with everything that we do day to day. On top of that, Paige is an extremely nice person and will be sure to brighten up our days.”

Our Championship Administration Intern, Gavin Matthias, recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Sport and Recreation Management. This is his third year as an intern with the IGA, and he wants to fulfill a stronger leadership position among the interns with his additional experience. He hopes to begin a career in golf administration and looks to make more professional connections through his final stint as an intern.

“I’m excited to see Gavin take on more of a leadership role in his last year as an intern and fine tune his skills before entering his job search as he looks for a full-time position,” Karli Kerrigan, the Director of Competitions, said regarding Matthias


Interns participate in PJB Intern Summit

The P.J. Boatwright Intern Summit returned  to the USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 earlier in May. A 6:00 a.m. flight delivered our interns bright and early to the great Garden State.

After dinner with over ninety interns from Allied Golf Associations around the country, Gavin and Derek hit the hotel gym for a quick lift, and then the interns’ first evening wrapped up with some cards.

The following morning, USGA CEO Mike Whan shared his wisdom and experience. Over the next two days, interns attended seminars on subjects such as GHIN, handicapping and course rating, championship administration, rules, the Green Section, player relations, a new national development initiative,  and USGA history. Additionally, former P.J. Boatwright interns currently working with the USGA provided insight into careers in sports administration and business.

“It was cool learning the process of how rules are made and updated,” Gavin said, “I enjoyed seeing how the USGA works with the R&A along with representatives from all the other major golf bodies around the world.”

An etiquette lunch proved surprisingly amusing. Gavin demonstrated how to properly shake hands. Meanwhile, Derek and Paige dined beside Mike Whan, who was there for lunch and not the lesson.

Above all, interns had the opportunity to meet other interns. An evening at Topgolf, a friendly putting competition, and shared meals produced new connections every day.

“I enjoyed networking with other interns from around the country, especially finding a Midwestern community,” Paige recounted.

Gavin and Derek echoed her thoughts.

“Chatting with other interns, we learned of differences and similarities between our golf associations,” Derek said.

Gavin added that it was a unique opportunity to meet other interns, and much more enjoyable than the previous virtual summits.

2023 Herman Sani Scholars announced

Herman Sani (right) is seen talking with Gene Sarazen in August, 1950.  Sani served as IGA President in 1929.

The recipients of the 2023 Herman Sani Scholarships, presented by the Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) have been announced. Brody Gilkison, of Cedar Rapids, Colby Carlson, of Des Moines, Isabella Boyle, of Sioux City, and Jackson Overton, of Indianola, will receive a four-year scholarship of $2,000 per year ($8,000 total).

Those individuals will be recognized at the Herman Sani Golf Tournament and Dinner held at Hyperion Field Club, Johnston, in August.

Brody Gilkison, son of Charles and Kyra Gilkison, is a graduate of John F. Kennedy Senior High School and will be attending Yale University in the fall as an Ethics, Politics, and Economics major.

“I am honored to receive the Herman Sani Scholarship,” he said.  “Giving back to the game that has given us so much is very important to me, so to be chosen as a scholarship recipient is very humbling and motivates me to continue to share my passion for golf as well as carrying on Mr. Sani’s legacy.”

 

Colby Carlson, son of Jamie and Kevin Carlson, is a graduate of Waukee Northwest High School and plans to double major in Professional Golf Management and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected for the Herman Sani Scholarship,” he said. “From a young age, golf has always been a big part of my life. There have been many highs and many hard lessons learned. To be selected as a Herman Sani scholar is another incredible high that this game of golf has provided me. I am very grateful for the people that make these opportunities possible. This scholarship aid will allow me to focus more on my schoolwork with the goal to work in the golf industry, I hope to be able to repay and give back what the game of golf has given me.”

 

Isabella Boyle, daughter of Keri and Dustin Boyle, is a graduate of East High School and will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the PGA Golf Management program.

“I am honored to be a recipient of the Herman Sani Scholarship,” she said. “With the aid of this scholarship I will be able to cover additional tuition costs for my program, and focus solely on golf. I am excited to see where UNL and the PGA Golf Management Program will take me. It is a great opportunity to be selected for this prestigious scholarship and I look forward to seeing where I end up in the golf industry.”

 

Jackson Overton, son of Derek and Jennifer Overton, is a graduate of Indianola High School and will be attending Loyola University Chicago in the fall.

“It’s an honor to receive the Herman Sani Scholarship Award,” he said. “This scholarship will benefit my academic and athletic career at Loyola University Chicago. For as long as I can remember golf has been a huge part of my life, this wonderful game has taught me many life lessons and built countless relationships. As a Sani Scholar, I look forward to a future closely tied to the game of golf, where I can positively impact people around me in the same ways the game has done for me.”


The Herman Sani Scholarship Program was established in 1958. Herman Sani had a passion for golf and young people. Sani was the first director of the Iowa Golf Association and served the organization for over 30 years. This scholarship was created in his memory with the purpose to assist Iowa students to further their education. As of 2023, 199 college-bound students have been awarded this four-year scholarship. 

Most of the scholarship money comes from the generous donations by individuals and corporate sponsors. Since 2013 the Coppola family of Norwalk has contributed $250,000 to the Herman Sani Scholarship Fund. The Iowa Golf Association and point events from around the state also make significant contributions to the fund. For more information about the scholarship visit our website at www.iowagolf.org/scholarships

Weissenburger wins 2023 Lake Creek Amateur by one

From left – Connor Peck (3rd), Jake Weissenburger (1st), Nate McCoy (2nd), and Freddie Bullock (5th) were among the Open Division top finishers at the 45th Lake Creek Amateur at BVU Lake Creek in Storm Lake. Not pictured – Hunter Johnson (4th).

Clive resident Jake Weissenburger pulled off a one stroke win at the Lake Creek Amateur on Sunday, May 28. He finished the tournament with a 7-under 137 to claim the title by one stroke over Ankeny’s Nate McCoy. With six birdies and one eagle, his final round 66 edged out McCoy’s 67.

Firm, fast greens and strong afternoon winds above 15 miles per hour kept conditions challenging. Despite heading into the final day tied with Weissenburger and McCoy for the lead, Ankeny’s Connor Peck finished in third place with a 2-under 142, unable to recover from three bogeys on holes 7, 8, and 9 in the final round.

History repeated itself in the Senior Division. Bret Taylor, of Booneville, defended his title shooting 75 and 67 for a 2-under 142. Taylor again triumphed over Winterset’s Kirk Macumber, who carded a 1-under 143 two-round total. Des Moines’ Tony Newkirk and Ankeny’s Bill Matzdorff tied for third with 146 tournament totals.

West Des Moines’ Bob Brooks realized a commanding lead in the Super Senior Division, winning by six strokes with a 148 two-round total over Carroll’s Jim Madsen, who fired a 154.

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Herrmann wins 38th Iowa Mid-Amateur, Palmer & Brooks top divisions

Muscatine’s own Sam Herrmann (right) finished victorious at the the 38th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship hosted by Geneva Golf and Country Club. 1-under on the day, Herrmann finished the tournament 2-under (211), holding off Ankeny’s Connor Peck who played the final round 2-over for a total of 214. Josh Janeczko of West Des Moines and Jon Brown of Adel tied for third place at 217. Janeczko played a strong 1-under (70) round while Brown struggled to make up ground, ending up with a 3-over 74.

While having the home course advantage, this was Herrmann’s first ever IGA victory.

“Patience was the biggest thing for me,” he said. “[I] knew I was going to be nervous out of the gate.”

Despite Peck’s early lead, Herrmann stuck to his plan and it paid off on the back nine.

“[I] had a few putts roll my way, Connor got plopped out on 16 and [I] just sort of capitalized on that,” Herrmann explained after the round.

Herrmann commented his driver was instrumental in closing out his win.

“Those finishing holes were no joke, especially with the wind,” Herrmann said. “[I] just had to commit to free swinging it.”

With the course being “the firmest” and “the fastest” it has played in a while, Herrmann believed that “growing confidence with that club was big” down the stretch.

In the Senior Division, Joe Palmer (left) of Norwalk triumphed over Ankeny’s Curtis Holck after three playoff holes in a finish reminiscent of the 2021 Senior Match Play championship match, when Palmer defeated Holck in a neck-to-neck 20 hole match. Holck played the final round 1-over (73) to force a playoff with Palmer despite teeing off three strokes back. The pair finished the tournament at 221, with Ottumwa’s Jeff Collett in third at 223.

Bob Brooks of West Des Moines continued his dominance over the Super Senior Division with a 1-over 72, gapping the field by 9 strokes on the tournament with an overall 1-over 214. Runner-up Tom Norton of Muscatine totaled a 223 and third place Dave Waugh of Davenport finished at 225.

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