(L to R) Samuel Bonaobra and Luke Bohmer
SPENCER, Iowa — Sometimes, chemistry takes years to build. Other times, it clicks on day one.
For Drake University freshmen teammates, Luke Bohmer and Samuel Bonaobra, that instant connection translated into a championship performance at the 30th IGA Four-Ball Championship, held May 1–2 at Spencer Golf & Country Club. Competing in their first-ever four-ball event, the duo leaned on aggressive play, trust in one another, and a healthy dose of confidence to come out on top—against a field that included their own college teammates.
“It was pretty fun,” they said. “We’ve never played in a four-ball before, so it was a different type of golf than we’re used to. But we had a really good time—especially talking a little trash to our teammates.”
The turning point came early in the final round. After a modest opening day, Bohmer and Bonaobra caught fire right out of the gate, birdieing their first three holes.
“That’s when it felt like we had a real shot,” they explained. “We didn’t start as well the first day, so getting off to that kind of start showed us what we could do.”
Their aggressive mindset was simple: hit driver often, attack pins, and make birdies. No overthinking—just instinct and execution.
“We kind of just went for it,” they said. “Hit driver, get it as close as possible, and keep the momentum going.”
While the hot start gave them confidence, the championship wasn’t secured until key moments late in the round.
One of the biggest came on the 15th hole. Facing birdie chances, Bohmer drained a lengthy 30-foot putt, edging out his partner’s closer look and igniting a surge of momentum.
“That was huge for us,” they said. “It really gave us a boost at the right time.”
Matt Schlueter
By the time they reached the 18th, the pressure was fully on—and while there was a chance to close it out in regulation, the duo ultimately sealed the victory in a playoff.
Several strong teams pushed the champions all the way. Matt Schlueter and Ben Peters of the Quad Cities climbed four spots on the leaderboard with a fiery final-round 62 that included 11 birdies. After opening with a first-round 66 (6-under), they played their way into the playoff, where a birdie by Bohmer and Bonaobra on the first playoff hole (#18)—matched against a par from Schlueter and Peters—left them in solo second place.
Andrew Johannsen and Blake Cronin also applied pressure. The pair began the final round tied for the lead at 8-under and traded the top spot throughout the day. Johannsen holed out for an eagle on the par-4 7th, a huge
momentum swing, but late-round bogeys and missed birdie chances left them two strokes back at the close.
Conditions at Spencer tested the field throughout the week. Firm greens and shifting winds required constant adjustments.
Ben Peters
“The wind completely switched from the first day,” they noted. “And the greens were firm—it was tough to get wedges and chips to stop.”
Still, they embraced the challenge, relying on recent competitive experience at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship to stay sharp.
“Playing in a tournament like that right before this definitely helped,” they said. “We felt ready.”
Remarkably, Bohmer and Bonaobra only met when they arrived on campus as freshmen. Despite not being roommates yet—though that will change next year—they’ve quickly developed strong on- and off-course chemistry.
“We met the first day of school,” they said. “Now we play all the time. I’m basically an honorary roommate at this point.”
That familiarity translated into seamless teamwork during the championship—and likely more to come.
“We’re definitely running it back,” they said. “One for one so far.”
Their victory celebration started simply—with Taco Bell in Spencer—but will continue back on campus, where they plan to enjoy the moment with teammates… and remind them who came out on top.
“There was a lot of talk going into the week,” they said with a smile. “So we’ll make sure they know.”
Both players will spend the summer competing in amateur events— Bonaobra in Oklahoma and Texas, Bohmer in California—before returning to Iowa for the next chapter of their collegiate careers.
And after this breakthrough win, one thing is clear:
Spencer will always hold a special place for them.
“Yeah,” they said. “This course means something to us now.”
