Herman Sani (right) is seen talking with Gene Sarazen in August, 1950.  Sani served as IGA President in 1929.

The Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) has announced the recipients of the 2026 Herman Sani Scholarships. Brinley Carlson of Story City, Cody Weaver of Gilman, Drew Larimer of Cedar Falls, and Calista Joyce of Emmetsburg have each been awarded a four-year scholarship valued at $2,000 annually, totaling $8,000 per recipient.

The scholarship recipients will be formally recognized and presented with their awards during the Herman Sani Tournament at Echo Valley Country Club this August.

Brinley Carlson, daughter of Shane and Michaela Carlson, graduated from Roland-Story High School and will attend the University of Northern Iowa this fall. She plans to study biology on a pre-med track while competing for the Panthers women’s golf team.

“Receiving the Herman Sani Scholarship is truly an honor because it represents the values that golf has helped teach me throughout my life, discipline, integrity, perseverance, and leadership,” Carlson said. “This scholarship will help support my education while allowing me to continue pursuing the goals and opportunities ahead of me in college. Golf has had a major impact on shaping who I am today, and I know it will continue to be an important part of my future.”

Cody Weaver, son of Todd and Stephanie Weaver, is a graduate of East Marshall High School and will attend the University of Iowa. He plans to major in business management and compete for the Hawkeyes men’s golf team.

“Golf has been the main passion of my life from an early age,” Weaver said. “It has taught me many life lessons and has shaped me into who I am today. This scholarship will help me to continue to pursue my passion at the next level.”

Drew Larimer, son of Chris and Danielle Larimer, graduated from Cedar Falls High School and will continue his academic and athletic career at the University of South Dakota. He plans to study sport management and marketing while playing for the Coyotes.

“Knowing the history that Mr. Sani has had in golf in the state of Iowa, I am so honored to get this scholarship in his name,” Larimer said. “I am so thankful for all the IGA has done for me throughout the years. This scholarship will be extremely helpful in college and will allow me to focus on managing school and golf.”

Calista Joyce, daughter of Andy and Kim Joyce, graduated from Emmetsburg High School and will attend Wartburg College this fall. She plans to major in accounting and compete for the Knights women’s golf team.

“As a little girl who grew up around the game of golf, I never imagined the sport would have such a positive impact on my life,” Joyce said. “I am grateful that my love for golf and the experiences I have had from the game allowed me to receive the Herman Sani Scholarship. With the help of this scholarship, I am able to live out my dream of playing golf at the collegiate level while attending Wartburg College this fall!”

The Herman Sani Scholarship Program was established in 1958. Herman Sani had a passion for golf and young people. Sani was the first director of the Iowa Golf Association and served the organization for over 30 years. This scholarship was created in his memory with the purpose to assist Iowa students to further their education. As of 2026, 210 college-bound students have been awarded this four-year scholarship. 

Most of the scholarship money comes from the generous donations by individuals and corporate sponsors. Since 2013 the Coppola family of Norwalk has contributed $250,000 to the Herman Sani Scholarship Fund. The Iowa Golf Association and point events from around the state also make significant contributions to the fund. For more information about the scholarship visit our website at www.iowagolf.org/scholarships.