2024 IGA Yearbook

62 CENTENNIAL CELEBR ATION THE CLUB Sunnyside Golf & Country Club in Waterloo is a central piece to the history of the Iowa Women’s Amateur. The club was the inaugural host of the championship in 1922. The Centennial edition of the event marked an unprecedented 10th time that the club served as host as women from across Iowa again gathered to try and etch their names on the Fladoos trophy. Defending champions often feel at home when teeing it at Sunnyside. Six players claimed their second title in a row (Waterman 1925, Robinson 1933, Estabrooks 1937, Cordingley 1948, Johnstone 1954, and Paulson 2011) at the Waterloo course. A mix of doglegs, long par fours, and risk-reward par fives give players a chance to showcase their shot-shap- ing abilities and capitalize on their length. But where the championships are won, and sometimes lost, is on the putting greens. With elevated greens and undulation that trick even the most seasoned veterans, attention to the smallest of details will be required for all play- ers. Though Sunnyside has since changed venues from its home in 1922, the championship presence remains strong from the moment players step on the first tee. FLADOOS TROPHY Numerous family members and sisters have added their names to the Iowa Women’s Amateur trophy in its 100- year history. But who was the first? The answer is simple: Sharon and Jacque Fladoos. So it’s only fitting that the trophy is now named the Fladoos Trophy. Debuting in 1970, the Fladoos trophy was presented to Ann Griffel, president of the I.W.G.A., with the following message: “Our family has given thought to express in some manner its sincere appreciation for Iowa’s excellent annual golf championships open to both juniors and adults. The five members of our family have thoroughly enjoyed these championships in past years as participants and spectators. We feel it was through these champion- ships our three children and the many other Iowa young- sters were given their first opportunity to test their golf games and upon which to build their golf reputations. We would, therefore, like to present to the Iowa Women’s Golf Association a perpetual silver trophy to be presented annually to the Iowa State Women’s Amateur Champion.” Hole 18 at SGCC Fladoos Trophy