2024 IGA Yearbook

10 RULES & COMPETITIONS A Landmark Year for Golf in Iowa The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) experienced an unprecedented year in 2024, with record-breaking participation, significant achievements from local players, and the introduction of new championships. From thrilling victories to historic milestones, this year’s competitions showcased the growth and talent within Iowa’s golfing community. Record-Breaking Participation 2024 saw an all-time high in entries across IGA events, signaling a surge in interest and enthusiasm for competitive golf in the state. Notably, the Iowa Women’s Amateur Championship achieved a major milestone, filling its 120-player field for the first time in its history. This marks a significant accomplishment for the event, reflecting the increasing participation and growing competitiveness of women’s golf in Iowa. In addition to the Women’s Amateur, other full-field events included the IGA Four-Ball Championship, Iowa Junior Amateurs, IGAMatch Play, IowaAmateur, Herman Sani Tournament, and the IGA Club Team Championship, further highlighting the thriving golf scene across all ages and skill levels in Iowa. Exemptions to USGA Championships 2024 also marked the first year of the State/AGA Exemptions, offering Iowa’s best players direct entry into prestigious USGA championships. Three Iowa players made the most of this new opportunity, advancing to national stages in impressive fashion. Nate McCoy, champion of the Iowa Amateur, claimed his second title in 2024 and went on to represent Iowa at the U.S. Amateur. McCoy’s performance at the U.S. Amateur, where he made it to match play, showed his game is amongst the strongest in the nation and earned him a spot in the state’s golfing spotlight once again. Eden Lohrbach triumphed in the Iowa Girls' Junior Championship, earning an exemption into the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship. Lohrbach’s victory was another example of Iowa’s bright future in youth golf, as she now joins a prestigious group of young players who have represented Iowa on the national stage. Additionally, Hawkeye Paula Miranda took home the title at the 100th Iowa Women’s Amateur Championship, securing an exemption into the U.S. Women’s Amateur. Her victory at the century- mark event further amplified the importance of the milestone and added to Iowa’s growing reputation for producing top-tier amateur golfers. Historic Milestones The 100th Iowa Women’s Amateur was a significant event on the 2024 calendar. The championship was a rousing success, both in terms of participation and the energy surrounding it. A full field of 120 players teed it up, including 11 past champions who returned to compete. The atmosphere was electric as competitors from across the state came together to honor the tournament’s rich history. One standout moment came when Iowa State’s Keeley Marx, made history as the first-ever championship participant to have also teed it up at an LPGA Major in the same calendar year. Marx had competed just a month earlier at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club, further elevating the stature MIKE PURCELL, COMMITTEE CHAIR