Year: 2025

IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series Wraps Up Season at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course

October 6, 20250 commentsChampionships

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) concluded its 2025 season with the final event of the Women’s Mid-Am Series this past weekend at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course in Fort Dodge. Battling strong winds and high temperatures, competitors showed resilience and skill — culminating in exciting finishes in both the gross and net divisions.

Gross Division Champions Crowned After Playoff
Waterloo’s Kelly Nelson and Lindsay Burry (pictured above) emerged victorious in the gross division, firing an impressive 1-under-par 71. Their path to the title wasn’t without drama—the duo edged out Michelle Klein and Laura Leszczynski after a tense two-hole playoff to claim the championship.

Two teams followed closely behind with even-par rounds of 72:
Fiona Watson and Tish Boothe (Des Moines)
Katelynn Hogenson (Ames) and Karli Kerrigan (Grimes)

Net Division Standouts
In the net division, Becky Schweite and Jan Sewright  (right) delivered a standout performance, carding a net 66 (-6) to take home the title.

Complete Results

Team IGA Clinches Third Straight Iowa Cup Victory

October 1, 20250 commentsChampionships, Iowa Cup Matches, Uncategorized

For the third consecutive year, Team IGA emerged victorious in the annual Iowa Cup, defeating their counterparts from the Iowa Section PGA with a final score of 14.5 to 9.5.

The 58th edition of the event was hosted by Ames Golf & Country Club and featured two days of competitive match play, including Four-Ball, Foursomes, and Singles matches.

Early Lead Sets the Tone

After a strong showing on Day One, where Team IGA built a 7.5 to 4.5 lead through the Four-Ball and Foursome sessions, the amateur squad kept the pressure on. They secured victory by winning seven of the twelve Singles matches on Day Two, leaving no room for a comeback from Team PGA.

Singles Match Winners

The following players secured wins during Wednesday’s Singles Matches:

  • Eddie Doyle (2 & 1)

  • J.D. Anderson (1 up)

  • Zach Christianson (2 up)

  • Axton Miller (1 up)

  • Jon Brown (2 & 1)

  • Joe Palmer (3 & 2)

  • Dusty Drenth (2 & 1)

Standout Performers

Team IGA was led by J.D. Anderson and Dusty Drenth, who both posted a perfect 3–0 record across all three sessions. Veteran Jon Brown also made a major impact, contributing 2.5 points to the team’s overall total.

📊 Final Score:
Team IGA – 14.5
Team ISPA – 9.5

Complete Results

Short Hills Country Club Claims Gross Title at 19th IGA Club Team Championship

September 30, 20250 commentsChampionships, IGA Club Team

The 19th annual IGA Club Team Championship took place at Short Hills Country Club, and the host team made the most of their home-course advantage.

Representing Short Hills CC (pictured above), the team of Matt Schlueter (69), Adam White (73), Ben Hanson (74), and Ron Wastyn (80) captured the Gross Division title (best 3 of 4 18-hole scores) with an impressive even-par team score of 216.

Hot on their heels was Echo Valley Country Club, finishing just two strokes back at +2. Echo Valley was led by Tony Birmingham, who carded a 72. Des Moines Golf & Country Club rounded out the top three, only three shots off the lead.

Despite falling just short in the Gross Division, Echo Valley CC didn’t leave empty-handed. The team of Birmingham, Brian Allison, Gary Ellis, and Blake Schultz took home the Net Division title (best 3 of 4 net scores on each hole) with a strong score of 208 (-8).

Jester Park Golf Course finished runner-up in the Net Division at 213 (-3).

Complete Results

‘Up and Down’ the Iowa Golf Scene – A Lifetime on the Links

September 27, 20250 commentsNews

Proehl Blends Playing, Teaching and Club Professional
Duties into Well-Rounded Golf Career

Introduced to the game by his father and enticed by a $50 annual student membership at one of Iowa’s hometown golf courses, Chad Proehl fell in love with the game at an early age. Growing up in Atlantic, Proehl learned to play golf by running laps around Nishna Hills Golf Club, often playing 54 holes in a day. His mother, Mona, would drop him off at 7:30 a.m. every weekday and pick him up at 5:30 p.m.

Inducted into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame in 2021, Proehl has competed at the PGA Tour and Champions Tour levels.

Nearly five decades later, the now 58-year-old Urbandale resident reflected upon a golf career filled with distinction, achievement, and service to the game during an interview with “Up and Down the Iowa Golf Scene.”

“The game has been very good to me,” Proehl stated. “I’ve made great friendships, met my wife on the golf course, had the opportunity to compete at high levels and helped many golfers of all ages reach their potential through instruction. It’s been wonderful and the best experience.”

For the past 17 years, Proehl has been a PGA Teaching Professional at Sugar Creek Golf Course in Waukee, working with players of all ages and levels and teaching all aspects of the game. He particularly enjoys instruction with junior players.

“It’s very rewarding to see a player smile after they hit a great shot, after they see their game improve and when they know they’ve accomplished something. I truly enjoy getting texts from students of all ages saying they’ve accomplished a goal and seeing junior players fall in love with the game, just like I did.”

Players are encouraged to set their own goals with the instructor providing guidance and ensuring the goals are stretched but attainable.

“After a few lessons, you understand what motivates each player, how hard they want to work and what their commitment to the game is,” Proehl said. “What separates most players on a competitive basis is their short game.

We stress working on wedge play, chipping, and putting but most younger players love to hit that driver.”

Proehl has been a standout player at all levels of competition. His decorated playing career includes 16 appearances in the National PGA Club Professional Championships, a 13-time Iowa Cup team member, three-time Iowa PGA Section Player of the Year, two-time, Iowa PGA Match Play champion and won the Iowa PGA Section Championship three times. In addition, he is a 2013 Herman Sani Champion, a 2019 Iowa Section Senior Champion, and two-time Iowa PGA Senior Player of the Year. In 2021, Proehl was inducted into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame.

He has also competed at the highest levels of golf, including the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. Proehl has played in eight PGA Tour Champions events, including five KitchenAid Senior PGA Championships where he made the cut twice with his best finish was a T52 in 2019 with a $6,700 in prize money. In 2018, Proehl played in three Champions Tour events, including the Principal Charity Classic, the 3M Invitational, and the Sanford International. Proehl competed in the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic five times, first in 2008 and last in 2021.

Over the years, he served as Head Professional, Director of Golf and Teaching Professional at Iowa courses such as Echo Valley Country Club, Wakonda Club, Jester Park, Sugar Creek and Atlantic Golf and Country Club.

Proehl has been a standout competitor at the Iowa PGA Section level and made 16 appearances in the National PGA Club Professional Championship.

Proehl excelled as a prep, leading Atlantic to the 1985 Iowa High School Boys Golf Class 3A state championship while capturing medalist honors by firing a 36-hole total of 149 at Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City. Following a dream to play Division I golf, he attracted initial interest from the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Arkansas. He recalls a conversation with Steve Loy, the Razorback men’s golf coach who would later go on lead Arizona State to an NCAA title propelled by Phil Mickelson. Loy would move on to serve as Mickelson’s caddie, coach, friend, agent, and business partner.

“Coach Loy asked me what credentials I brought to the table,” Proehl recalls. “I told him I won a state title. He said delicately everyone on the team did that, and most have multiple championships. I figured out quickly how hard this would be.”

Proehl accepted an offer to enroll at Grand View University, playing two seasons under Coach Chad Blake and two more under Jack Webb, the long-time PGA golf professional and member of the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame. Proehl led the Vikings to three appearances to the NAIA National Golf Championships, capped off with a top ten finish and All-American honors in 1990. He also captured a pair of NAIA District 15 titles. Proehl turned professional in 1991 and embarked on his playing and teaching career that continues today.

“The game has been good to me, and I look forward to continue competing at the PGA Section and PGA Champions Tour levels and teaching players what a great game this is. My wife, Shari, children Jesse Bach (Miles), Jordan and new grandson Bentley are my inspirations and loves of my life” he stated.

“Up and Down” the Iowa Golf Scene

A regular feature column written by IGA Foundation board member Mark Gambaiana, Up and Down the Iowa Golf Scene is designed to take the reader beyond the headlines and scoreboards to share stories of those who help make Iowa golf so rich and rewarding. Profiles will spotlight those who advance the game through volunteerism, service, extraordinary achievement, competition, human interest and the many other dimensions of golf in Iowa.

Click the links below to read previous Up and Down features
– IGA Rules Official Sean Flanders
– R&A, USGA Champion Gene Elliott
– Nervig Reflects on Decades of Service to The Iowa Masters
– Arseneault Finds Fulfillment in Life’s Next Chapter After Competitive Golf
– Ivan Miller remembers the days of the Minnows
– Kinney adjusts to life on tour
– Standard Golf’s roots run deep
– Pettersen sets sights high
– McCoy, Norton Put Iowa Stamp on Florida Senior Golf
– Moreland Reflects on his Extraordinary Club Pro, Playing Career
– From Sibley to the LPGA Tour – Barb Thomas Whitehead Fulfills Her Dream
– At 88 Years Young, Cleo Brown Remains a Fixture at the Principal Charity Classic, IGA Events
– Love of the Game, Service to Others Propel Charlie Taylor to IGA’s 2023 George Turner Award
– The Calling Card for Ottumwa’s Matthew Walker in Quest to Reach Golf’s Highest Level
– Following the Rules Leads Katelynn Hogenson Down a Path Through Magnolia Lane
– State Golf Champions Gather, Reminisce, 50 Years after Surprise Title
– High-Level Competition, Boatwright Internship Preps Hoffman for Career in Golf
– Globetrotting Knutzon Comes by Nomadic Golf Lifestyle Naturally
– George on a Mission to Make the Game More Enjoyable While Breaking Through Barriers

Team Iowa Finishes Third at 13th Annual Director’s Cup Matches

September 24, 20250 commentsChampionships, Director's Cup, Uncategorized

From left – Dusty Drenth, Davenport, Trent Lindenman, New Sharon, Jon Olson, Ankeny, JD Anderson, Johnston, Nate McCoy, Ankeny and Luke Meyer, Cedar Falls.

After two exciting days of competition filled with sportsmanship and camaraderie, Team Iowa secured a third-place finish at the 13th Annual Director’s Cup Matches, held at Echo Valley Country Club in Norwalk.

Team Iowa came out strong in the opening round of four-ball matches, putting 5.5 points on the board. The duo of Nate McCoy and Trent Lindenman found their rhythm on the back nine, clinching a 2-up victory over Kansas’ Ben Pearson and William Gantz. Meanwhile, Dusty Drenth and Luke Meyer continued the momentum with a solid 3&2 win against Missouri’s Ryan Sullivan and Ryan Eckelkamp.

The afternoon foursomes matches saw Iowa maintain its competitive edge. The team of Trent Lindenman and Dusty Drenth delivered a commanding performance, defeating Nebraska’s Coltrane Mittag and Ryan Nietfeldt. In a hard-fought match, Luke Meyer and Jon Olson earned a half-point with a tie against Kansas’ Brian Fehr and Benjamin Kimminau.

With all four teams tightly packed at the top of the leaderboard heading into Tuesday’s singles matches, the final round proved to be decisive. J.D. Anderson, Trent Lindenman, and Dusty Drenth each secured vital points with strong individual performances. Despite Iowa’s efforts, it was Team Nebraska who ultimately claimed their seventh Director’s Cup title, finishing with 26 total points, including 14 points in the final session alone.

The Director’s Cup Matches continue to be a showcase of elite amateur talent and regional pride, and Team Iowa once again demonstrated resilience and strong team play throughout the event.

Complete Results

Elliott and Brown Claim Senior Four-Ball Title; Brown Secures Senior Player of the Year Honors

September 22, 20250 commentsChampionships, IGA Four-Ball

It was a thrilling finish at the Senior Four-Ball Championship held this weekend at Burlington Golf Club, where soggy conditions and weather delays added to the challenge. Despite it all, two standout teams rose to the occasion in their respective divisions.

In the Senior Division, the duo of Gene Elliott (Norwalk) and Jon Brown (Adel) delivered a commanding final-round performance to clinch the title with rounds of 69-62—131. Over the two-day event, they tallied 11 birdies, one eagle, and made just a single bogey.

“In round one, I literally hit seven putts that I felt should have gone in—and not a single one did. It was just no fun at all,” said Elliott.

“The second day was when we got into a groove. That’s when we both started making our share,” added Brown.

Their final round featured eight birdies and an eagle, enough to hold off the team of Kirk Macumber and Curtis Holck, who finished two strokes behind.

The win also had major implications for Brown, as it propelled him to the 2025 IGA Senior Men’s Player of the Year title—edging Mike McCoy (Norwalk) by 45 points.

“After Mike won the U.S. Senior Amateur and jumped in front of me by 302.5 points, I knew I had to win Briarwood and the Senior Four-Ball to have a chance,” Brown explained. “I’m very proud to have pulled off back-to-back wins in the final two events to get it done.”

In the Super Senior Division, Tom Norton (Muscatine) and Dave Waugh (Davenport) posted a dominant final-round 66 to claim the title, finishing two shots ahead of fellow Muscatine natives Tim Peters and Gary Slight.

“As far as strategy goes, Tom really helped out off the tee,” Waugh said. “You have to be in position on a lot of these doglegs and blind shots, so that was key.”

“We didn’t really make many birdies on the front nine today, but we got it going on the back,” Norton added. “Dave birdied every single par-five today—that was huge.”

Complete Results

Follow the 2025 Directors Cup

September 22, 20250 commentsChampionships, Director's Cup
Team Iowa
JD Anderson, Johnston
Dusty Drenth, Davenport
Trent Lindenman, New Sharon
Nate McCoy, Ankeny
Luke Meyer, Cedar Falls
Jon Olson, Ankeny

 

The 13th Director’s Cup Matches will take place September 22-23 at Echo Valley Country Club, Norwalk. This goodwill competition is staged every other year and consists of round-robin Four-Ball, Foursomes and Singles matches between teams from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
The Director’s Cup Matches are a team match play competition between the top amateur golfers from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Prior to the event, each team assigns their players to a 1-6 position. They then compete in each match play session based on that numeric assignment with each golfer having the opportunity to play against each of the other teams and never with the same partner. The team match play sessions on day one consist of Four-Ball and Foursomes. Singles conclude the event on the final day. Each match uses Nassau scoring with one point awarded for each the front nine, back nine and 18-hole match. If a match is tied each team receives a 1/2 point. The team that wins the most points wins the trophy.
FOUR-BALL MATCH PLAY
In Four-Ball Match Play, sides of two partners compete, with each player playing their own ball. A side’s score for a hole is the lower score of the two partners on that hole. A side wins a hole in the match by completing the hole in fewer strokes (including strokes made and penalty strokes). A match is won when a side leads the opponent by more holes than remain to be played.
FOURSOMES MATCH PLAY
In Foursomes Match Play, two partners compete as a side by playing one ball in alternating order on each hole. A side wins a hole in the match by completing the hole in fewer strokes (including strokes made and penalty strokes). A match is won when a side leads the opponent by more holes than remain to be played.
SINGLES MATCH PLAY
In Singles Match Play, a player plays directly against an opponent in a head-to-head match. A player wins a hole in the match by completing the hole in fewer strokes (including strokes made and penalty strokes). A match is won when a player leads the opponent by more holes than remain to be played.
SCHEDULE OF MATCHES
Four-Ball Session
1 Iowa 1,2 vs. Kansas 1,2
2 Missouri 1,2 vs. Nebraska 1,2
3 Iowa 3,4 vs. Missouri 3,4
4 Kansas 3,4 vs. Nebraska 3,4
5 Iowa 5,6 vs. Nebraska 5,6
6 Kansas 5,6 vs. Missouri 5,6

Foursomes Session
1 Iowa 2,3 vs. Nebraska 2,3
2 Kansas 2,3 vs. Missouri 2,3
3 Iowa 4,5 vs. Kansas 4,5
4 Missouri 4,5 vs. Nebraska 4,5
5 Iowa 1,6 vs. Missouri 1,6
6 Kansas 1,6 vs. Nebraska 1,6

Singles Session
1 Iowa 3 vs. Kansas 3
2 Iowa 6 vs. Kansas 6
3 Missouri 3 vs. Nebraska 3
4 Missouri 6 vs. Nebraska 6
5 Iowa 2 vs. Missouri 2
6 Iowa 5 vs. Missouri 5
7 Kansas 2 vs. Nebraska 2
8 Kansas 5 vs. Nebraska 5
9 Iowa 1 vs. Nebraska 1
10 Iowa 4 vs. Nebraska 4
11 Kansas 1 vs. Missouri 1
12 Kansas 4 vs. Missouri 4

Smith Wins 2025 Edition of The Classic at Elmwood Country Club

August 25, 20250 commentsChampionships

It took extra holes, but Grant Smith (above) emerged victorious at the 2025 edition of The Classic, hosted by Elmwood Country Club.

The Modified Stableford scoring format provided plenty of drama over the two-day event, with both Smith and Jack Klingel finishing regulation play tied at 83 points. Smith opened strong with 45 points on Saturday to take the lead into the final round. Klingel made a hard charge on Sunday, posting 42 points to force a playoff, but ultimately fell just short in extra holes.

Cody Weaver finished just one point back at 82, while Nate McCoy and Owen Davison each recorded 81 points—two off the pace.

In the Senior Division, Tony Newkirk dominated the field, finishing 16 points ahead of runner-up Troy Underhill. Notably, Underhill recorded a hole-in-one in Round 1, earning 8 points on that hole alone.

Ron Brooks took home the title in the Super Senior Division, finishing five points ahead of Rob Christensen.

Complete Results

Three Iowans Qualify for U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship

August 19, 20250 commentsUSGA, USGA Qualifiers

Storms and weather delays made for a long, challenging day at Cedar Falls’ Beaver Hills Country Club during the USGA U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship Qualifier. Despite the soggy conditions and extended delays, three Iowans rose to the occasion and punched their tickets to one of amateur golf’s most elite stages.

Luke Slaymaker (right) of Marion led the field with a flawless round of 66 (-6), earning medalist honors and securing his place in the championship. Slaymaker recorded six birdies and was the only player in the field to go bogey-free.

“I did a really good job putting myself in position off the tee today,” Slaymaker said. “With the wet conditions and soft greens, the course was really gettable, and I was able to take advantage of the birdie opportunities.”

His exceptional round came after a difficult start to the day. Slaymaker arrived on site at 7:30 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. tee time but had to wait five grueling hours due to inclement weather.

“The morning was tough with all the storms,” he said. “I had to warm up twice, so that was a bit different.”

Slaymaker’s poise in navigating the delays speaks to his resilience and adaptability—qualities that will be crucial as he competes in his first USGA championship.

“This is my first USGA championship, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to compete,” he said. “I used to live in the Scottsdale area, so I’m excited to make the trip back.”

Joining Slaymaker at the national championship will be Dennis Bull of Norwalk, who fired an impressive 69 (-3). His round featured two birdies and an eagle, and he capped the day with a clutch birdie on the par-4 18th to clinch his qualifying spot.

Frank Anderson of Marion claimed the third and final qualifying spot with a 70 (-2), emerging from a three-man sudden-death playoff against Adam Moyers of Burlington and Willis Gaer of Des Moines. The trio played two extra holes before Anderson secured the last spot.

The 2025 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship will be held September 13–18 at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dennis Bull

Frank Anderson

Complete Results

Boothe Battles to Victory at 2nd IGA Women’s Match Play Championship

August 18, 20250 commentsChampionships, IGA Senior Match Play

Tish Boothe (right) claimed the 2nd IGA Women’s Match Play Championship in a dramatic finale at Veenker Memorial Golf Course in Ames, showcasing resilience, precision, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Boothe navigated a demanding path to the title, beginning with a challenging first-round match against Kathy Fortune. “She’s a phenomenal putter and so steady,” Boothe said of her opponent. In a show of camaraderie, Fortune later volunteered to caddie for Boothe in the finals. “The support she provided was invaluable,” Boothe added.

In the semifinals, Boothe faced seasoned competitor Rose Kubesheski. Weather delays and fatigue added to the intensity of the match. “Never take Rose for granted—she’s always a competitor,” Boothe noted. Despite the disruptions, the match remained tight until the closing holes, with Boothe edging out the win.

The final match against Geri Huser turned into a back-and-forth duel. Boothe took an early lead, going 3 up through eight holes thanks to consecutive birdies. Huser responded with a strong rally, tying the match by the 14th hole. But Boothe held firm down the stretch. “There are big numbers out here, so I tried not to get too confident,” she said. “Patience was key, especially in a match that kept swinging.”

Boothe credits her earlier win in the Women’s Amateur Open Division with preparing her for this moment. “Training through good and bad at Wakonda taught me patience, which is vital in match play and on courses like this,” she shared.

The victory held personal significance. “It’s fun to compete against a great group of women. To see it through and stay patient—that’s what makes this win meaningful,” she reflected. She also praised the supportive atmosphere among senior golfers. “It’s a fun group, and everyone is genuinely rooting for each other.”

In the First Flight, Michelle Klein of Jesup earned her second title of the season. After defeating Leighann LaRocca (4 & 2) in the quarterfinals and Jeanne Swenson (3 & 1) in the semis, she secured the championship with a 2-up victory over Jennifer Corkrean. Klein’s previous win came in the IGA Women’s Four-Ball event alongside partner Laura Leszczynski.

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