2024 IGA Yearbook

11 of the Iowa Women’s Amateur. During the 100 Competitive Holes Fundraiser, more than $10,000 was raised for the IGA, with six participants contributing to the cause. The event not only highlighted the generosity of the IGA community but also the dedication of golfers who want to see the future of Iowa golf flourish. Young Talents Rise to Prominence Another historic achievement occurred in the IGA Match Play Championship, where Blake Cronin became the youngest champion in the event’s history. Cronin’s victory at such a young age of sixteen demonstrated the depth of emerging talent in Iowa and foreshadowed his bright future in the sport. In the world of Iowa’s junior golf, the Iowa Junior Amateurs also saw a significant increase in participation, filling its field for the first time ever. This is a promising sign of the increasing commitment to developing young golfers in Iowa, ensuring a strong pipeline for years to come. New Championships & Expanding Competitions The IGA introduced two exciting new championships in 2024. The inaugural IGA Senior Four-Ball Championship and the first-ever IGA Senior Women’s Match Play Championship added new opportunities for players to compete at the highest level. These events catered to golfers in different age brackets, continuing the IGA’s mission to provide competitive play for golfers of all ages. Team Iowa’s Success On the team front, Team IGA successfully captured their second consecutive victory in the Iowa Cup Matches against Team ISPGA, further solidifying their success in this annual contest. This victory exemplified the continued strength of the the state’s top male amateur players. Recognition of Excellence In individual accolades, Nate McCoy made history by becoming the first player to claim four consecutive IGA Men’s Player of the Year awards. His impressive performances throughout the year, including his victory at the Iowa Amateur, further solidified his status as one of the state’s best golfers. 2024 also marked a year in which the IGA named five first-time Player of the Year recipients in their respective age divisions. Hall of Famer Jon Brown captured his first Iowa Senior Player of the Year honor in 2024. A two- time Men’s Player of the Year winner, Brown had one of the most dominating seasons on record for the Senior circuit with three wins and four top-four finishes. Dave Gaer, Super Senior, and Geri Huser, Senior Women’s, were named first time Player of the Year recipients as each captured multiple wins throughout the season. Ainsley Wilson, Junior Girls’, and Anna Jensen, Women’s POTY, displayed consistency all season long en route their first honors. Braeden Nelson kept his 2023 momentum going en route to his second straight Junior Player of the Year honor. Looking Ahead As the 2024 season comes to a close, the Iowa Golf Association has set a high bar for the future. The record-breakingparticipation, historicachievements, and introduction of new competitions signify a bright future for golf in Iowa. With talented players emerging at every level, from juniors to seniors, the IGA is poised for even greater success in the years ahead. Whether through inspiring performances on the national stage or the strengthening of local events, 2024 will be remembered as a turning point for golf in the state of Iowa. Nate McCoy earned his way into the round of 64 after a 14 man playoff for 11 spots at the 124 U.S. Amateur held at Hazeltine. McCoy would fall to Paul Chang 5 & 4.