2024 IGA Yearbook

52 D ubuque's very own Anna Jensen likes Talons Golf, and it shows. Jensen, the 2022 IGA Match Play Champion and 2021 Runner-up, added a second career title at the event this year. Jensen, the #2 seed after posting a stroke play round of 74 (+1), would draw a bye in the opening round of the match play. Following wins over Lindsay Burry (5&4), Addison Berg (2&1), and a dominant effort over Fiona Watson (7&6), Jensen met Amber Henson, the medalist and #1 seed, in the final match. “I love this course and it’s awesome we are able to play here,” Jensen said. “I like the way it sets up for my game and my strong suit is my putting. If you can putt these greens well, you can score well. That really benefitted me today (putting well).” The benefits were positive to say the least for Jensen – to the tune of a 5&4 victory over Henson, which saw wins on holes 5-9, to give Jensen a 4 up lead at the turn. “In the qualifying round, my driver actually broke,” Jensen said. “I was able to get a new one and after that my driver was working well, along with my putting. My wedges were really good in the final match, which helped. I was able to control them. It helped to have a cushion (after a fast start on the front nine). It’s match play, anything can happen. I can always come back and so can my opponent. I am super excited for the 100th Iowa Women’s Amateur and will take this momentum into that tournament. Sunnyside Country Club is a tough test and it’ll be fun.” With ever-changing weather, she commented that each day was a challenge. “The changes in weather throughout the week, for me, was a matter of sticking to my routine and simplifying everything,” Jensen admitted. “Everyone was playing in the same conditions. You just have to accept the results and move on at times. You have to be able to restart your mind if you have a bad hole in match play. Every hole is a new hole, regardless if I am up or down (in the match).” At the end of the day, Jensen was spent, but she said she’d do it all over again without hesitation. “The days are long, but I love playing with all these women,” Jensen said. “They are all awesome people. It doesn’t feel like work when you get to play with friends. I can’t thank everyone who supports me out here enough.” Another IGA Match Play Win For Jensen IGA WOMEN ' S MATCH PLAY Talons Golf, Ankeny June 25-28, 2024 Anna Jensen with her second career Match Play title