2026 IGA Annual Awards announced
On Friday, October 23, the IGA Board of Directors named recipients of the 2026 Annual Awards in six categories. We are pleased to announce this year’s honorees.
9-Hole Course of the Year – Breda Golf Club
The Iowa Golf Association is proud to recognize Breda Golf Club in Breda, Iowa, as the 2026 IGA 9-Hole Course of the Year!
Located in the heart of West Central Iowa, Breda Golf Club is a shining example of how a nine-hole public golf course can make a lasting impact on its community. Since opening in 1994, the club has built a strong tradition of growing the game, creating opportunities for golfers of all ages, and bringing people together through a shared love of golf.
While Breda may be a small rural community, the activity at its golf course is anything but quiet. From junior golf development and competitive leagues to community fundraisers and high school events, Breda Golf Club continues to demonstrate what makes community golf so special.
Growing the Game for All Ages
One of the club’s standout initiatives in 2026 was the launch of Hook-It!, an innovative junior golf program designed to help young players develop their skills through nine progressive challenges. Inspired by the classic Pizza Hut Book-It! program, Hook-It! rewards participants with certificates, stickers, and prizes as they complete each level. In its first year, 31 junior golfers completed Level 1, with several progressing to higher levels. The club also welcomed 26 participants to a three-day Junior Golf Camp focused on driving, iron play, chipping, and putting.
Breda Golf Club also provides outstanding opportunities for women and senior golfers. Its Thursday evening Women’s League reached a record 14 teams in 2026, while the Men’s Senior League regularly fields 22 two-person teams each week. Annual events, including the Women’s Club Championship, Ladies Invitational, Midwest Seniors, and Ladies Keenage outing, offer golfers opportunities to compete, socialize, and stay connected to the game.
Competitive golf is another important part of the club’s culture. The Wednesday Night Men’s League features 15 teams, and the 2026 Men’s Club Championship brought together 50 competitors ranging in age from 18 to 72. Ryder Cup-style competitions against neighboring golf courses add to the club’s strong tradition of friendly competition and camaraderie.
A True Community Golf Course
Breda Golf Club’s impact reaches well beyond its leagues and tournaments. Throughout the summer, the club hosted six Couples League events open to members and non-members, with one evening drawing 31 couples. The course also serves as a gathering place for local organizations and charitable causes, hosting outings that support area fire departments, youth recreation, daycare, memorial initiatives, and community development.
The club is equally committed to supporting the next generation of competitive golfers. In 2026, Breda Golf Club hosted six high school golf events for Carroll High School and Kuemper Catholic High School and welcomed visiting teams to use its practice facilities ahead of regional competition.
A Community Effort, On and Off the Course
Maintaining quality playing conditions is a shared source of pride at Breda Golf Club. Superintendent Calvin McDermott and two additional course employees work diligently to care for the facility, supported by members and local volunteers who come together each spring for course cleanup day. Over the past two years, the club has also removed and replaced more than 70 trees affected by the emerald ash borer.
As a shareholder-owned facility, Breda Golf Club emphasizes community involvement and continuous improvement. Monthly open Board of Directors meetings give shareholders, employees, and customers an opportunity to share feedback and contribute ideas for the future of the course.
That sense of ownership and pride is also reflected in the club’s history. Since 1994, Breda Golf Club has celebrated its league and club champions, hole-in-one achievers, and the original shareholders who helped bring the course to life.
Celebrating Breda Golf Club
The 2026 IGA 9-Hole Course of the Year award recognizes more than a golf course. It celebrates the people, programs, and community spirit that make Breda Golf Club an important part of West Central Iowa.
Through its commitment to junior golf, inclusive programming, competitive opportunities, volunteerism, and community partnerships, Breda Golf Club exemplifies the positive impact that nine-hole facilities have on the game.
Congratulations to Breda Golf Club on being named the 2026 IGA 9-Hole Course of the Year! The Iowa Golf Association is proud to celebrate the club’s dedication to growing the game and creating a welcoming place for golfers and the community to come together.
18-Hole Course of the Year – Oneota Golf & Country Club
The Iowa Golf Association is proud to recognize Oneota Golf & Country Club in Decorah, Iowa, as the 2026 IGA 18-Hole Course of the Year!
Set among the rolling hills, wooded fairways, and scenic bluffs of Northeast Iowa, Oneota Golf & Country Club offers a golf experience that combines excellent course conditions, an engaging layout, and a welcoming atmosphere. With a rich history spanning more than a century, the club exemplifies the qualities that make Iowa golf special: a commitment to the game, pride in the course, and a genuine dedication to the people who play it.
A major highlight of 2026 was Oneota’s hosting of the Iowa Senior Amateur Championship, where competitors experienced firsthand the quality of the course and the hospitality of its staff, members, and volunteers. The club went above and beyond to welcome players and their guests, including hosting a special dinner that created an opportunity for participants to connect and enjoy the club beyond the golf course.
For IGA player Ron Peterson, who competed in the championship, the experience made a lasting impression.
“Oneota is now a beautiful 18-hole golf course set on rolling hills with numerous mature trees that line many of the fairways,” Peterson shared. “It’s that unique type of course that provides a nice challenge for advanced players but is enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.”
Peterson also praised the course’s playing conditions and the people who made the championship special, noting that the staff, members, and volunteers were genuinely happy to welcome the participants. His experience ultimately inspired him to nominate Oneota for the IGA’s 18-Hole Course of the Year award.
A Century of Golf and Tradition
Oneota’s story began in 1921 as a nine-hole course before expanding to 18 holes in September 1984. Over the decades, it has developed into a beloved Northeast Iowa golf destination, drawing players from across the region to experience its distinctive layout and beautiful setting.
The course offers a memorable balance of challenge and playability, requiring golfers to use a variety of shots while remaining enjoyable for players of different abilities. Mature trees, rolling terrain, and views of the surrounding Upper Iowa River valley provide a setting that is uniquely Decorah.
The club’s history of hosting significant golf events reflects its longstanding reputation. Oneota has welcomed the 1993 Iowa Women’s Amateur Championship, the 2006 Class 3A Boys High School State Championship, the 2019 Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, and, most recently, the 2026 Iowa Senior Amateur Championship. These events have showcased not only the quality of the course, but also the club’s ability to deliver an exceptional tournament experience.
A Commitment to Course Excellence
Behind Oneota’s outstanding playing conditions is a dedicated team committed to maintaining and continually improving the facility. Golf Course Superintendent Lee Anderson has played a significant role in elevating the quality of the course, particularly its greens, while General Manager and PGA Professional Morgan McMillan and Assistant Club Manager and Assistant Golf Professional Tom Knoke contribute to the overall experience for members and guests.
Their combined efforts, supported by the club’s Board of Directors, maintenance team, professional staff, members, and volunteers, reflect a shared commitment to excellence. From course conditioning and presentation to clubhouse improvements and member services, Oneota continues to invest in the details that make a round of golf memorable.
Growing the Game and Supporting the Next Generation
Oneota’s impact extends well beyond its 18 holes. The club has a longstanding tradition of supporting junior golf, high school athletics, and collegiate competition, including the Luther College golf teams.
That commitment dates back generations. In 1963, club member and community supporter started the annual Pee Wee Golf Tournament, giving young golfers opportunities to compete at distances suited to their ages and abilities. The event helped introduce children to the game while bringing families together to celebrate participation and achievement.
Today, that spirit continues through support for junior golfers, local high school tournaments, and collegiate events. The club has hosted numerous high school invitationals and Luther College tournaments, including three conference championships, earning praise from visiting players and coaches for its course conditions and welcoming atmosphere.
More Than a Golf Course
What truly distinguishes Oneota Golf & Country Club is the experience it provides beyond the scorecard. Its friendly staff, supportive membership, and strong sense of community create an environment where golfers feel welcome whether they are competing in a championship, playing a casual round, attending an event, or visiting for the first time.
The natural beauty of the Upper Iowa River valley adds another dimension to the experience, with wooded edges, river views, rolling terrain, and abundant wildlife creating a memorable backdrop throughout the round.Oneota demonstrates that a great golf course is defined not only by its design and conditioning, but also by its ability to bring people together and create lasting connections to the game.
Celebrating Oneota Golf & Country Club
The 2026 IGA 18-Hole Course of the Year award recognizes Oneota Golf & Country Club’s exceptional combination of course quality, thoughtful stewardship, welcoming hospitality, and dedication to growing the game. From its early beginnings as a nine-hole course to its role as a host for major state championships, Oneota has remained an important part of the Northeast Iowa golf community.
Congratulations to Oneota Golf & Country Club on being named the 2026 IGA 18-Hole Course of the Year! The Iowa Golf Association is proud to celebrate the club’s rich history, dedicated team, supportive membership, and continued commitment to providing an outstanding golf experience for players throughout Iowa and beyond.
9-Hole Superintendent – Brad Roose, Pella Golf & Country Club
The Iowa Golf Association is proud to recognize Brad Roose, Golf Course Superintendent at Pella Golf & Country Club, as the 2026 IGA 9-Hole Superintendent of the Year!
For approximately 15 years, Brad has played an instrumental role in maintaining and improving Pella Golf & Country Club, earning the respect of its membership and the admiration of golfers throughout the community. A Pella High School graduate with deep roots in the area, Brad brings a strong sense of local pride, a hands-on approach, and an unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional golf experience.
His work reflects the important role superintendents play in the success of a golf facility. Through thoughtful course improvements, careful budget management, and a dedication to playability, Brad continues to elevate the course while ensuring it remains welcoming to golfers of all ages and abilities.
Exceptional Course Conditions and Continuous Improvement
Brad’s dedication to course conditioning has not gone unnoticed. Longtime member Randy Sikkema, who has been a member for more than 40 years and has visited all 390 golf courses in Iowa, described the course’s 2026 conditions as the best he has seen during his membership.
Sikkema specifically praised the quality of the greens, noting that they rank among the best he has experienced across the state. Brad’s consistent attention to putting surfaces, fairways, and overall course presentation has helped establish a high standard of conditioning at Pella Golf & Country Club.
His commitment to improvement extends beyond daily maintenance. Working with the club’s Board of Directors, Brad has helped implement upgrades that enhance both the appearance and playability of the course. Following the purchase of a new fairway mower in late 2025, the club saw significant improvements to its fairways in 2026. Brad also continually works to improve tee boxes throughout the course, making strategic investments that benefit members and guests for years to come.
Equally important is his ability to accomplish these improvements while working within the club’s limited annual budget. His conscientious approach to spending and collaborative relationship with club leadership demonstrate a commitment to responsible stewardship alongside excellent course conditions.
Making Golf More Accessible for Everyone
One of Brad’s most meaningful contributions has been his focus on making Pella Golf & Country Club enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
The course offers multiple teeing options, including regular, senior men’s, women’s, and senior women’s and youth tees. Brad has worked with members to determine appropriate yardages and tee placements, helping golfers find a setup that suits their abilities and makes the game more enjoyable.
These improvements have been especially appreciated by senior and female golfers, providing more accessible options without sacrificing the quality of the golf experience.
Brad’s commitment to accessibility also extends to the next generation. Pella Golf & Country Club serves as the home course for local high school girls’ golf teams, providing practice opportunities and hosting home meets. The club also offers junior golf memberships and an annual three-week Junior Golf Camp for local golfers under age 14, helping young players develop their skills and build a lifelong connection to the game.
Supporting Tournaments and the Local Golf Community
Pella Golf & Country Club regularly welcomes golfers from throughout the region for tournaments and community events. Brad takes pride in preparing the course for these occasions, ensuring that visiting players and their families experience the facility at its best.
The club has hosted an IGA Over 39 Women’s Tournament, a regional Youth Tournament, and the annual Ladies Tulip Classic. These events provide opportunities for golfers to compete while showcasing the quality of the course and the dedication behind its maintenance.
Pella Golf & Country Club also co-hosts the Pella City Championship with Bos Landen Golf Club. The competition features 18 holes at Bos Landen and nine holes at Pella Golf & Country Club, followed by an evening meal and awards ceremony at Pella. The event highlights the cooperative spirit between the community’s two golf facilities.
That spirit is reflected in Brad’s relationship with other golf course professionals as well. Matt Jennings, PGA, praised Brad’s willingness to collaborate with the grounds crew at Bos Landen, sharing best practices, helping with equipment needs, and supporting one another in their work.
In a community with two golf facilities, Brad’s approach demonstrates that a shared commitment to growing the game can bring golf professionals together for the benefit of the entire community.
A Superintendent Who Makes a Difference
Brad’s impact reaches beyond the course itself. His willingness to listen to members, work collaboratively with the Board of Directors, and develop practical improvements has made him an integral part of Pella Golf & Country Club’s continued success.
Club member Paula Klyn praised Brad’s work ethic, attention to costs, and commitment to making the course more playable and enjoyable. She also highlighted his work to develop appropriate teeing options for senior and female golfers, noting how much the improvements have meant to members.
These testimonials reflect a superintendent who understands that maintaining a golf course involves more than producing excellent turf. It requires balancing course conditions, financial responsibility, member needs, and community involvement to create an experience that keeps golfers coming back.
Celebrating Brad Roose
The 2026 IGA 9-Hole Superintendent of the Year award recognizes Brad Roose’s outstanding contributions to Pella Golf & Country Club and the broader Iowa golf community. His dedication to exceptional course conditions, continuous improvement, thoughtful resource management, and inclusive play exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding golf course superintendent.
Through approximately 15 years of leadership, Brad has helped strengthen the course’s reputation while creating opportunities for junior golfers, supporting women’s and senior golf, and building positive relationships throughout the local golf community.
Congratulations to Brad Roose on being named the 2026 IGA 9-Hole Superintendent of the Year! The Iowa Golf Association is proud to recognize his hard work, leadership, and commitment to making Pella Golf & Country Club a source of pride for its members and the Pella community.
18-Hole Superintendent – Brian Mohr, Spencer Municipal Golf Course
The Iowa Golf Association is proud to recognize Brian Mohr of Spencer Municipal Golf Course as the 2026 IGA 18-Hole Superintendent of the Year!
With 33 years of service at Spencer Municipal Golf Course, Mohr has played an instrumental role in transforming the facility into one of Northwest Iowa’s premier municipal golf destinations. His career has been defined by exceptional course conditioning, thoughtful leadership, community service, and a lifelong commitment to making golf accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages and abilities.
As head grounds and greens superintendent and clubhouse manager, Mohr oversees far more than course maintenance. His responsibilities span daily operations, capital improvements, clubhouse management, golf events, staff leadership, and public communication. Through it all, he has earned the respect of golfers, colleagues, city officials, and community members who recognize the lasting impact of his work.
A Career Built on a Love of Golf
Mohr’s passion for golf course management began at an early age. Growing up, he often accompanied his father, Chuck Mohr, a former Iowa Golf Course Superintendent of the Year, to the golf course to learn the profession firsthand. That early interest led him to pursue a two-year Turf Management degree at Iowa Lakes Community College and ultimately to a 33-year career at Spencer Municipal Golf Course.
When Mohr began his career in the 1990s, the facility was a nine-hole course in need of significant improvements. In 1999, the city moved forward with plans to expand the course to 18 holes. The facility closed during construction in 2000 and reopened in 2001, with Mohr playing a major role in overseeing the transformation.
The project required coordination with city officials, golf course architects, and neighboring communities to ensure Spencer golfers had places to play during construction. Mohr helped guide the process that established the modern 18-hole layout enjoyed by golfers today.
In 2009, the city completed a new clubhouse, and Mohr took on responsibility for managing both the clubhouse and the golf course. Under his leadership, the operation has remained financially successful, generating a profit every year.
Exceptional Course Conditions and Continued Improvement
Mohr’s commitment to maintaining outstanding playing conditions is one of the defining characteristics of his work. Golfers regularly praise the consistency of the greens, the quality of the fairways, the well-maintained tee boxes, and the overall presentation and playability of the course.
Loren Reit, who has known and observed Mohr for more than 20 years, praised his attention to detail, technical expertise, and ability to lead successful capital improvement projects while staying within budget.
Mohr has also focused on making the course enjoyable for a broad range of golfers. Multiple teeing options provide opportunities for players of different ages and abilities, while men’s and women’s leagues, senior golf activities, youth events, and public play help ensure the course remains welcoming to the entire community.
Former Spencer Mayor Steven Bomgaars, who worked with Mohr through the Golf Board, City Council, and mayor’s office, described Spencer Municipal Golf Course as an outstanding public facility and praised Mohr’s professionalism, communication, and financial management.
His leadership has helped establish a course that attracts not only local golfers but also players from neighboring communities, including members of private clubs who visit Spencer to experience its challenging and enjoyable layout.
A Leader On and Off the Course
Mohr’s impact extends well beyond turf management. As superintendent, Director of Golf, and a city department head, he has built strong working relationships with golf course employees, the Golf Board, city administration, and elected officials.
He prioritizes clear communication, providing regular updates to city leadership and keeping the public informed about course operations and improvements. He has also implemented online systems that make securing tee times more convenient for golfers.
Under his leadership, Spencer Municipal Golf Course has continued to expand opportunities for participation, supporting senior golfers through the Senior Golfers Out Wandering Around (SGOWA) group and providing a venue for high school meets and tournaments. His efforts have helped strengthen the course’s role as an important recreational resource for Spencer and the surrounding region.
Mohr’s dedication to public service is equally evident away from the golf course. For the past decade, he has volunteered as a firefighter, serving as a lieutenant, and as an Advanced EMT with the Spencer Fire Department.
His commitment to the community was especially evident during the devastating 2024 flooding in Spencer. Just ahead of the Northwest Amateur Tournament, Spencer Golf & Country Club sustained significant tree damage from the storms. Mohr brought employees from Spencer Municipal Golf Course, along with his wife and course equipment, to assist members and volunteers in clearing debris and preparing the course for the tournament.
The effort exemplified his belief that golf courses and their people are part of a broader community, and that supporting one another matters far more than competing facilities.
A Lasting Legacy in Iowa Golf
As Mohr prepares for retirement at the end of 2026, the recognition celebrates a career that has helped shape the golfing experience in Spencer for more than three decades.
From guiding the transition to an 18-hole facility to overseeing clubhouse operations, maintaining excellent playing conditions, managing budgets, supporting youth and senior golf, and serving his community, Mohr has consistently demonstrated the qualities of an exceptional golf course superintendent.
His influence can be seen in the quality of the course, the strength of its operations, and the relationships he has built throughout the local golf community.
The 2026 IGA 18-Hole Superintendent of the Year award recognizes not only Mohr’s technical expertise and professional accomplishments, but also his integrity, leadership, and commitment to public service. His career stands as an example of the profound impact a dedicated superintendent can have on a golf facility and the community it serves.
Congratulations to Brian Mohr on being named the 2026 IGA 18-Hole Superintendent of the Year! The Iowa Golf Association is proud to recognize his remarkable career, his contributions to Spencer Municipal Golf Course, and his lasting impact on golf in Northwest Iowa.
Club Manager of the Year – Nate Severin, Hunters Ridge Golf Course
The Iowa Golf Association is proud to recognize Nate Severin of Hunters Ridge Golf Course in Marion, Iowa, as the 2026 IGA Club Manager of the Year!
For quite some time, Nate has been a cornerstone of the Hunters Ridge community, building a reputation as a dedicated leader, mentor, and advocate for the game of golf. Through his commitment to outstanding golf operations, member service, staff development, and collaboration across the golf course team,
Nate has helped create an environment where members, guests, employees, and young golfers feel welcome and valued.
His leadership extends well beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a golf facility. Nate understands that a successful golf course is built on relationships, teamwork, and a shared commitment to providing the best possible experience for everyone who visits.
A Leader Who Invests in People
One of Nate’s defining qualities is his commitment to developing the people around him. That was especially evident during the recent hiring and onboarding of Golf Course Superintendent Mason Vogel, who stepped into the role following a superintendent’s tenure of more than 10 years.
Nate approached the transition thoughtfully, helping bring a familiar face back to the area and providing hands-on mentorship as Mason navigated his first superintendent position. From budgeting and staffing to equipment leasing and course setup, Nate shared his experience and knowledge to help ensure a successful transition.
His support reflects a leadership philosophy centered on collaboration rather than simply overseeing operations. Nate recognizes that investing in the growth and confidence of his colleagues strengthens the entire facility.
That same commitment is evident in his work with the Hunters Ridge staff. He takes an active role in hiring and developing local high school employees, many of whom return season after season to work alongside him. Even after graduating and moving away, former employees continue to stop by the course, a testament to the lasting relationships Nate builds and the positive work environment he creates.
A Strong Partnership Between Golf Operations and Agronomy
Nate’s leadership is particularly evident in the relationship he has built between golf operations and the course maintenance team. He recognizes that providing excellent playing conditions requires trust, communication, and a shared understanding of the work happening behind the scenes.
Rather than viewing agronomy as a separate operation, Nate takes the time to understand the maintenance team’s practices, including the reasons behind specific treatments and cultural practices. This knowledge allows him to communicate confidently with golfers and advocate for the team’s decisions.
He also supports the long-term health of the golf course by prioritizing necessary maintenance over short-term revenue when conditions require it. Whether adjusting tee times for aerification or allowing additional time to complete important applications, Nate works with the agronomy team to ensure critical work can be completed properly.
When unexpected challenges arise, he stands behind his staff, communicates openly with golfers, and focuses on solutions rather than assigning blame. This level of trust and support gives the maintenance team the confidence to do its job while keeping the entire operation moving forward.
Supporting Members and Growing the Game
Nate’s dedication to the Hunters Ridge community is reflected in his support of men’s league play and member tournaments. From answering rules questions and coordinating pairings to assisting with scoring, course setup, and event logistics, he consistently steps forward to help events run smoothly.
His approachable personality and genuine interest in members help foster the camaraderie that makes these events such an important part of the club experience. Whether welcoming a new participant, celebrating a great round, or helping resolve an unexpected issue, Nate brings professionalism and enthusiasm to every interaction.
His commitment to growing the game also extends beyond the club. Nate supports the Hunters Ridge junior golf program and contributes to Iowa Golf Association junior and Pee Wee tournaments, helping create opportunities for young players to learn, compete, and develop a lasting appreciation for golf.
Through these efforts, he demonstrates that a golf professional’s influence reaches far beyond the clubhouse and extends to the future of the game throughout the state.
Creating a Welcoming Culture
For Nate, providing an exceptional golf experience begins with the people who make it possible. His close relationships with members, guests, and staff have helped establish a culture where everyone feels valued from the moment they arrive.
Kyle Duggan praised Nate’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and ability to build a positive environment at Hunters Ridge. He also highlighted Nate’s dedication to mentoring young employees, noting how many return year after year and maintain their connection to the course even after moving away.
That loyalty speaks to the environment Nate has cultivated. By leading with a positive attitude, remaining available when help is needed, and taking pride in the success of his team, he has built a workplace where employees want to return and contribute.
His influence can be seen in the strength of the staff, the enthusiasm of league participants, and the welcoming atmosphere experienced by members and visitors alike.
Celebrating Nate Severin
The 2026 IGA Club Manager of the Year award recognizes Nate Severin’s exceptional leadership, commitment to service, and lasting contributions to Hunters Ridge Golf Course and the Iowa golf community.
Through nearly three decades of dedication, Nate has demonstrated that outstanding club management involves much more than overseeing daily operations. It requires developing people, supporting colleagues, strengthening relationships, and creating an environment where the entire golf community can thrive.
From mentoring a new superintendent and advocating for the agronomy team to supporting member events, developing young employees, and growing junior golf, Nate exemplifies the leadership and professionalism that make a lasting difference in the golf industry.
Congratulations to Nate Severin on being named the 2026 IGA Club Manager of the Year! The Iowa Golf Association is proud to recognize his dedication to Hunters Ridge Golf Course, his commitment to the people who make the facility special, and his continued efforts to strengthen the game of golf in Iowa.
PGA Pro of the Year – Luke Donah, Cedar Rapids Country Club
The Iowa Golf Association is proud to recognize Luke Donah, Head Golf Professional at Cedar Rapids Country Club, as the 2026 IGA PGA Professional of the Year!
Since joining Cedar Rapids Country Club in 2022, Luke has elevated the club’s golf operations through outstanding leadership, innovative programming, exceptional member service, and a deep commitment to growing the game. His influence extends beyond the club, as he actively supports golf throughout Iowa, mentors the next generation of golf professionals, and helps strengthen the relationship between Cedar Rapids Country Club and the broader Iowa golf community.
Luke exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding PGA Professional: a commitment to player development, dedication to his staff and members, and a passion for advancing the game at every level.
Elevating the Golf Experience at Cedar Rapids Country Club
Under Luke’s leadership, Cedar Rapids Country Club has experienced significant growth in its golf operations and member programming. The Golf Shop has more than doubled its sales since his arrival, reflecting his attention to detail, merchandising expertise, and understanding of the member experience.
His approach to programming has also helped drive record participation in club events, including a thriving Member-Guest tournament, club championships, Twilight Golf, and other member activities. The club’s junior golf and women’s golf programs continue to provide opportunities for players to develop their skills, build relationships, and enjoy the game.
Luke’s influence is evident throughout the operation, from the quality of the Golf Shop to the professionalism of his staff. His ability to combine thoughtful planning with a personal, service-oriented approach has helped establish a golf program that members are proud to call their own.
Preserving History While Building for the Future
Cedar Rapids Country Club holds a special place in Iowa golf as the state’s only course designed by renowned architect Donald Ross. Luke takes great pride in preserving and promoting that history while helping position the club for the future.
A strong advocate for the club’s continued development, Luke played an important role in supporting a recently approved, multiyear capital improvement project that will significantly enhance the driving range, parking lot, tennis and pickleball courts, and Golf Shop. The project represents a major investment in the club’s facilities and overall member experience.
After previous versions of the proposal had been rejected, the initiative ultimately received member support through the collaborative efforts of club leadership and advocates like Luke. His involvement reflects an understanding that successful golf operations require not only excellent programming and service, but also a long-term vision for the facility.
Luke has also been instrumental in encouraging the club’s renewed participation in Iowa Golf Association activities. His enthusiasm for hosting competitive events, including a U.S. Open qualifying event in 2026, demonstrates his commitment to showcasing Cedar Rapids Country Club and supporting championship golf in Iowa.
Developing the Next Generation of Golf Professionals
One of Luke’s most significant contributions is his commitment to mentorship and professional development. He believes in creating opportunities for his assistants and encouraging them to pursue advancement throughout the golf industry.
That philosophy has produced meaningful results. Two of his assistant professionals recently advanced to positions at prestigious clubs: Shoreacres Golf Club near Chicago and Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, New York. His staff’s accomplishments, including recognition as Iowa PGA Assistant Professional of the Year, reflect the culture of development and excellence he has fostered.
Luke’s leadership extends to the broader professional community through his service on the Iowa PGA Board and his contributions to education and professional development. He understands that strengthening the profession means sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and helping emerging professionals build successful careers.
An Accomplished Instructor and Advocate for Growing the Game
Luke’s passion for golf is equally evident in his work as an instructor. Recognized by Golf Digest as one of Iowa’s top teachers, he brings a strong commitment to helping golfers improve, regardless of their experience or ability.
His instruction, combined with the club’s junior and women’s golf programming, reflects a broader dedication to making the game more accessible and enjoyable. National recognition from Golf Digest and Operation 36 further demonstrates the impact of his work and the respect he has earned within the golf industry.
Whether coaching individual players, developing junior golfers, or creating engaging member events, Luke consistently looks for ways to strengthen participation and deepen people’s connection to the game.
A Leader Who Represents the Best of Iowa Golf
Cedar Rapids Country Club President Kathy Brown has seen firsthand the difference Luke has made since 2022. She describes him as a leader who balances vision with execution and pairs measurable success with a genuine commitment to mentorship, player development, and service.
That combination defines Luke’s approach to the profession. He takes pride in his club’s history, invests in the people around him, supports the growth of golf in Iowa, and continually seeks opportunities to improve the experience for members and guests.
His accomplishments demonstrate that an exceptional PGA Professional does far more than manage a golf program. The role requires leadership, business acumen, teaching ability, community engagement, and a commitment to developing the next generation of golf professionals.
Celebrating Luke Donah
The 2026 IGA PGA Professional of the Year award recognizes Luke Donah’s outstanding contributions to Cedar Rapids Country Club, the Iowa golf community, and the PGA profession. Through his leadership, he has strengthened club operations, expanded participation, developed talented professionals, and helped position his facility for continued success.
His work represents the very best of professional golf in Iowa: a commitment to excellence, a respect for tradition, and an enthusiasm for the future of the game.
Congratulations to Luke Donah on being named the 2026 IGA PGA Professional of the Year! The Iowa Golf Association is proud to celebrate his leadership, accomplishments, and continued dedication to growing the game and advancing the golf profession throughout Iowa.
NOTE – The IGA Annual Awards Banquet (click to register) is scheduled for Friday, December 4, at Terrace Hills Golf Course in Altoona. Tickets cost $55 per person and include dinner and one drink ticket. Registration deadline: Monday, November 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM
The United States Golf Association (USGA) today unveiled the next iteration of the GHIN® mobile app presented by Sentry, featuring a comprehensive refresh of the design and innovative new features. The updated user experience focuses on a more streamlined, easier to use navigation flow, while keeping the familiarity and main purpose of the app – score posting – front and center.
Key Stats features include: 
For public players, GHIN Challenges offers Allied Golf Associations the ability to create interactive leaderboards at golf courses within their communities. Designed to connect more golfers with a Handicap Index, GHIN Challenges offer a fun way to encourage friendly competition and show players of differing abilities how they stack up against each other.