Second Prairie Meadows Iowa Adaptive Open Championship Showcases Inspiring Competition and Camaraderie
The second Prairie Meadows Iowa Adaptive Open Championship held at Terrace Hills Golf Course in Altoona was a remarkable weekend of exceptional golf from players of all abilities. Players traveled from all across the country to compete in 10 different sports classes which included limb impairments, neuromuscular and neurological conditions, and more.
The weekend kicked off with a fun Friday Scramble event where adaptive and non-adaptive golfers teamed up for some friendly competition. The group of Pete Kelloway, Mitch Monroe, Brad Lopez, and Tim Kohlhaas fired a 54 (-17) to take the first place crown. Following closely behind with a 56 (-14) was the pairing of Steve Husome, Wayne Blankenship, Pat Finan, and Trevor Belcher.
The championship portion of the weekend was conducted on Saturday and Sunday, highlighted by sunny skies and gentle winds which were a delight in comparison to last year’s torrential downpours. Earning the Open Division title with rounds of 73-78-151 (+9) was Mike Samson of Highland Park, Illinois.
“I’m just really happy to be here at this championship,” shared Samson. “I was able to make some solid birdie putts out there which was nice.”
Samson’s opening round was highlighted by a back-nine 33 (-2) which featured back-to-back birdies on the par-four 12th and par-three 13th.
“The putter was rolling nicely, so I was happy to see a few (putts) drop out there,” shared Samson.
Following closely behind Samson with rounds of 74-78-152 (+10) and taking runner-up honors was Tim Herrmann of Norwood Young America, Minnesota. Rounding out the podium in third was Franklin Wisconsin’s Robby Donarski with rounds of 75-79-154 (+12).
Taking the senior division crown was California’s Richard Schatzer. After posting a 90 in the first round, Schatzer fired back with a second-round 79 to go +7 overall.
“I had a fantastic time out here,” shared Schatzer. “I was playing relaxed all day and the weather was perfect.”
Cedar Falls, Iowa’s Steve Huesome (76-95-171) and Hopkinsville, Minnesota’s Trevor Belcher (84-87-171) finished in a tie for second place at +29 overall.
In the super senior division, Fort Worth, Texas’ David Regier ran away with the title after shooting rounds of 83-77-160 (+18) to take the crown.
“The weekend was fantastic,” expressed Regier. “I found my rhythm out here and found my swing–it was a lot of fun.”
Woodstock Illinois’ Megan Burns posted 118-115-233 (+91) to take the first women’s division title in championship history. Burns made a nice birdie on the 8th hole Saturday and a crafty par on the 14th hole on Sunday.
“It was wonderful out here,” Burns shared. “It was amazing to meet all these new players. Everyone was so supportive!”
Special thank you to the Iowa Adaptive Golf Association for partnering with the Iowa Golf Association in this event! The stories told, the laughs shared, and the memories made throughout the weekend are sure to last a lifetime.
