2024 IGA Yearbook

7 Waterloo. This milestone event brought together 120 exceptional women golfers in a celebration of skill, history, and camaraderie. Congratulations to Paula Miranda, who won the Championship Division, and Kelly Nelson, who emerged as the winner in the Open Division. This event was not only a celebration of competitive excellence but also a tribute to the rich history of women’s golf in Iowa. I’d like to extend a special thank you to our dedicated staff for their meticulous planning and execution of this event and to Sunnyside Country Club for being such gracious hosts. Their efforts made this anniversary truly memorable. Off the course, perhaps the most significant accomplishment this year was the opening of Golf House Iowa—a project that represents the culmination of years of vision, dedication, and hard work. I want to extend a profound thank you to everyone who contributed to making this dream a reality. I recall early discussions with then-executive director Bill Dickens about the vision for Golf House Iowa. At times, it seemed like a lofty goal, something we might never see. However, when Mike Coppola stepped up with the generous donation of land and a significant financial contribution, everything changed. His support laid the foundation, and our core fundraising team—Chad Pitts, Steve Jermier, Mark Gambaiana, Charlie Taylor, Mike McCoy, and Jim Carney—worked tirelessly to secure the additional funds needed to bring this vision to life. In early 2024, our staff moved into this incredible facility, which now serves as a new home for our Hall of Fame, offices, meeting spaces, the Iowa Turfgrass Institute, and The First Tee–Central Iowa. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through teamwork and dedication, and it will serve as a beacon for Iowa golf for generations to come. Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to our exceptional IGA staff. The leadership of Chad, Katelynn, Clint, Nate, and Karli has been instrumental in allowing us to host well-organized, high-quality championships year after year. Their commitment, attention to detail, and passion for the game are what drive the continued growth and success of our association. From coordinating events to ensuring the satisfaction of our members, their efforts are invaluable, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team we have in place. Thank you all for your support, dedication, and love for the game of golf. Here’s to another year of growth, achievement, and unforgettable moments on and off the course. (L to R): Katelynn Hogenson, Bill Dickens, Steve Jermier, Mike Purcell, Charlie Taylor, Michael Coppola, Rick Brown, Mark Gambaiana, Chad Pitts