Year: 2026

Sawyer Claims Second Straight Iowa Amateur Title

July 29, 20260 commentsChampionships, Iowa Amateur

Successfully defending an Iowa Amateur Championship is a rare accomplishment. Doing it on your home course is even more impressive. Cedar Falls native Owen Sawyer (above) accomplished both this week, capturing his second consecutive Iowa Amateur title at Beaver Hills Country Club.

Sawyer entered the final round with a one-shot lead and quickly seized control of the championship. An eagle on the par-5 second hole, followed by a birdie on the third, gave the defending champion early momentum. After a steady stretch of pars, he faced his biggest test of the day on the par-5 seventh.

“I had an unfortunate shank on the seventh hole, which forced me to take a drop,” Sawyer said. “I ended up making a nice up-and-down with a wedge to save par, so I just got my head back on straight heading into the back nine.”

Any thoughts of a comeback quickly faded as Sawyer responded with five more birdies, including four on the inward nine, pulling away from the field. When he reached the 18th green, he was greeted by Beaver Hills members, Iowa State teammates, family, friends, and many of the junior golfers he coaches throughout the summer.

“I got choked up during the awards ceremony because it just means so much to me to have this kind of support out here,” Sawyer said. “These are people who watched me grow up and are always on my team, and I’m just so appreciative of all they have done for me.”

As Sawyer returned to the 18th green for trophy photos, a young fan called out, “Way to go, Owen!”

With a smile, Sawyer responded, “Appreciate it, buddy!”

For Sawyer, the victory carries special significance. As a Beaver Hills Country Club member and Cedar Falls native, he adds another memorable chapter to his hometown golfing résumé. In 2021, Sawyer helped lead Cedar Falls High School to the Class 4A state championship on the same course with his father serving as head coach. This week, he claimed his second Iowa Amateur title with his father once again by his side—this time as his caddie.

Sawyer’s victory marks the 14th time a player has successfully defended the Iowa Amateur Championship. After leading from the opening round in both 2025 and 2026, he also became the first player in championship history to win consecutive Iowa Amateur titles while leading wire-to-wire in each championship. His three-round total of 66-70-64—200 secured a seven-shot victory.

Nate McCoy of Ankeny made a strong final-round charge to claim runner-up honors, firing a five-under-par 67 to finish one stroke ahead of Ames’ Brock Snyder.

Clive’s Jake Weissenburger posted a bogey-free 67 to finish at six under par for the championship, tying for fourth place with Cedar Falls native Maxwell Tjoa.

The Iowa Golf Association extends its sincere appreciation to the staff, membership, and volunteers at Beaver Hills Country Club for their outstanding hospitality and support in hosting the 124th Iowa Amateur Championship.

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Sawyer Holds Slim Lead, Cedar Falls Duo Headlines Championship Day at 124th Iowa Amateur

July 28, 20260 commentsChampionships, Iowa Amateur

Championship day is set at the 124th Iowa Amateur Championship at Beaver Hills Country Club, and two Cedar Falls natives will lead the field into the final round.

Defending champion Owen Sawyer (above) maintained his position atop the leaderboard after carding a two-under-par 70 in the second round, bringing his 36-hole total to eight-under par. After a quiet front nine, Sawyer found his rhythm on the inward half, beginning with a birdie on the par-4 10th. He added two more birdies down the stretch to preserve a one-shot advantage heading into Tuesday’s final round.

“My round started a little slow today, but I was able to get the putter working later on,” Sawyer said. “It’s going to be a good time playing with Max tomorrow. We grew up playing against each other, so it will be fun going into battle with him.”

Joining Sawyer in the final pairing is fellow Cedar Falls native Maxwell Tjoa (right), who climbed into solo second after an impressive four-under-par 68. Tjoa’s round featured six birdies, including four on the front nine, as he positioned himself just one stroke off the lead.

“Today was really about staying patient,” Tjoa said. “I’m going to keep trying to hit fairways and greens tomorrow and give myself a chance.”

Ames’ Brock Snyder also remains firmly in contention after posting a three-under-par 69 to move to six under for the championship. Snyder’s round included four birdies and an eagle, putting him within striking distance entering the final 18 holes.

Iowa State standout Dianchao Wu, the opening-round co-runner-up, carded an even-par 72 and sits at five under overall, just three shots behind the leader.

With several players still in the hunt and just one round remaining, the stage is set for an exciting finish at Beaver Hills Country Club as the field vies for the coveted Elliott Family Trophy.

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Sawyer Sets the Pace at 124th Iowa Amateur with Opening-Round 66

July 27, 20260 commentsChampionships, Iowa Amateur

The 124th Iowa Amateur Championship at Beaver Hills Country Club is officially underway, and despite stifling afternoon temperatures, several players turned in impressive opening rounds.

Defending champion and Cedar Falls native Owen Sawyer (above) wasted little time establishing himself atop the leaderboard, carding a six-under-par 66 to begin his title defense. The Beaver Hills Country Club member highlighted his round with an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole, helping fuel a front-nine 32.

“It was nice to have the local support out here today,” Sawyer said with a smile. “A lot of the junior players I coach came out to watch me play, so that was pretty special.”

Close behind Sawyer is Iowa State standout and teammate Dianchao Wu (right) of Ames, who fired a five-under-par 67. Wu caught fire on the back nine, stringing together a series of birdies to move into contention.

“I really enjoyed the championship atmosphere here today,” Wu said. “It was good to roll in a few clutch putts as well.”

Joining Wu at five under is Rajan Roth of Wayland. Roth’s steady opening round featured just one bogey, offset by four birdies and an eagle.

“I had a hot start with an eagle on the second hole, and I managed my mistakes really well,” Roth said.

Nine players are tied at three under par, keeping the leaderboard tightly packed heading into the final 36 holes of the championship. With slightly cooler temperatures expected over the next two days, conditions should provide a welcome change as the battle for the Iowa Amateur title continues.

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Ward Captures First IGA Match Play Championship After Three-Week Delay

July 25, 20260 commentsChampionships, IGA Match Play

The IGA Match Play Championship reconvened Wednesday at Talons Golf after a three-week hiatus caused by severe flash flooding. Despite the unexpected delay, the championship delivered a memorable finish as Waukee’s Jonathan Ward (above) claimed his first IGA Match Play title.

Ward defeated Adel’s Jon Brown, 2&1, in a championship match that featured momentum swings, spectacular birdies and eagles, and clutch shot-making from both competitors.

“I’ve been battling some back spasms this week and I didn’t even know if I was going to play today,” Ward shared. “I woke up, got some good rest, and was able to find some success out there.”

Ward entered the championship fresh off competing in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, where his week was cut short due to the lingering back injury. Even so, he drew confidence from his performance against one of the nation’s strongest junior fields.

“Playing well in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship last week on an incredibly hard golf course definitely gave me some confidence heading into today,” Ward said. “I knew that if I just kept doing what I was doing, I’d be hoisting the trophy.”

One of the day’s most remarkable storylines came before the championship match even began.

At 58 years old, Brown entered the semifinals with more years than the other three semifinalists combined. Ward (16), Ethan Blomme (19) and Owen Sawyer (21) had a combined age of 56, making for one of the most unique semifinal fields in recent IGA Match Play history. Brown proved experience can still compete with youth, advancing to the championship match with a comeback 2&1 victory over Blomme.

After trailing by three holes through the first 10 holes of the semifinal, Brown steadily chipped away at the deficit, making timely putts down the stretch to earn his place in the final.

Ward’s path to the championship included an impressive 6&4 semifinal victory over Cedar Falls’ Owen Sawyer. Ward caught fire with eight birdies during the match to secure his spot in the afternoon final.

Special thanks to the staff and members of Talons Golf for graciously welcoming the Iowa Golf Association staff and competitors back to complete the championship after the weather-related postponement. Their hospitality and support ensured a memorable conclusion to this year’s IGA Match Play Championship.

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Yan Prevails in Playoff to Capture 102nd Iowa Women’s Amateur; Lynch, Kieckhaefer Earn Senior Titles at Hyperion Field Club

July 22, 20260 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Women's Amateur, Iowa Women's Amateur

For the second consecutive year, the Iowa Women’s Amateur Championship was decided in a playoff between Iowa State teammates.

This time, it was Ames’ Yinuo Yan who emerged victorious, defeating fellow Cyclone Nichakorn Pinprayoon with a par on the first playoff hole to capture the 102nd Iowa Women’s Amateur Championship at Hyperion Field Club.

Yan entered the final round with a three-shot advantage before carding a one-over-par 73 to finish the championship at six-under-par (67-70-73—210). Pinprayoon erased the deficit with a two-under-par 68, highlighted by five birdies—including four straight on holes No. 2 through No. 5—to match Yan at six-under (74-68-68—210). After her birdie run on the front nine, Pinprayoon played a steady back nine, recording nine consecutive pars to force the playoff.

Returning to the par-4 18th hole for the playoff, Yan made a clutch par to secure the title.

The playoff continued a recent trend of Cyclone teammates battling for the championship. Last year at Wakonda Club, Pimkwan Chookaew defeated Keeley Marx in extra holes before later earning a spot in the U.S. Women’s Amateur. This year, Yan and Pinprayoon added another memorable chapter to that storyline.

Yan’s final round required resilience after a difficult start. A bogey-filled front nine left the door open, but she responded with three birdies on the back nine to remain tied for the lead before ultimately prevailing in the playoff.

“I am very excited,” Yan said. “This was a great opportunity. I started off a little off, but was able to catch up. It helped to be creative when needed for each shot. My approaches were off starting off today, but I didn’t know where I stood throughout the day. I don’t like to look at the scoreboard. I didn’t know I needed birdie on the last hole to tie. The tough part is at the end of the day there is only one champion, but I had fun playing with my teammates and appreciate their support. We are happy for each other.”

With the victory, Yan earned an exemption into the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, set for Aug. 4-9 at The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee. She will join fellow Iowa State teammate Pimkwan Chookaew, who earned her exemption with last year’s Iowa Women’s Amateur victory.

Yan also became the first player in Iowa Golf Association history to win both the Iowa Women’s Amateur Championship and the IGA Women’s Match Play Championship in the same season, adding another milestone to an already remarkable summer.

Keeley Marx, also of Ames, closed with a two-under-par 68 to finish solo third at four-under-par, just two shots shy of joining the playoff. Maura Peters finished fourth at two-under-par after her second-round charge, while Ainsley Wilson rounded out the top five.

In the 61st Iowa Women’s Senior Amateur Championship, Paige Lynch (left) held off a late charge from Rose Kubesheski to claim a one-shot victory.

The title marks another milestone in Lynch’s distinguished Iowa golf career. She previously won the 1994 Iowa Women’s Amateur Championship, competing as Paige Hoefle, at Des Moines Golf & Country Club.

Lynch posted rounds of 81-82-78 to finish at 25-over-par for the championship. Facing a pressure-filled finish, Lynch made a composed two-putt bogey on the 18th hole to secure the title by a single stroke after learning from a similar putt she faced earlier in the week.

“I made a lot more putts today and less three-putts, so that helped,” Lynch said. “I felt more comfortable today on the greens. It was hard to hit out of the rough. I tried to stay out of it when I could. I had that same putt on No. 18 earlier in the week and learned from that.”

Kubesheski nearly forced a playoff after firing the low senior round of the day, a five-over-par 77, but came up just one shot short.

The Super Senior Division also came down to the final holes as Kim Kieckhaefer (right) edged Kathy Fortune by one stroke to capture the championship.

Kieckhaefer’s consistency proved to be the difference throughout the week, as she carded rounds of 89-89-87 to finish at 49-over-par.

“I just tried to figure out the putting out here,” Kieckhaefer said. “I tried to stay below the hole. Every day I improved on the greens. The first day was so brutal with the heat. I have always struggled with the heat, and then we had wind on the second day, which I have trouble with too. I was afraid I gave it away today with some hiccups coming in.”

Fortune finished runner-up after remaining in contention throughout the championship.

The 102nd Iowa Women’s Amateur and 61st Iowa Women’s Senior Amateur Championships concluded three days of competition at Hyperion Field Club, where players battled oppressive heat, shifting winds and a demanding championship layout to crown champions across three divisions. Yan’s playoff victory marked the second consecutive year an Iowa State duo settled the Women’s Amateur title in extra holes, capping another memorable week of championship golf in Johnston.

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Yan Maintains Lead Entering Final Round of 106th Iowa Women’s Amateur; Klein Moves Ahead in Senior Championship

July 21, 20260 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Women's Amateur, Iowa Women's Amateur

With one round remaining at Hyperion Field Club, Ames’ Yinuo Yan (above) remains in control of the 106th Iowa Women’s Amateur Championship, carrying a three-shot lead into Wednesday’s final round.

Yan followed her opening-round 67 with a steady two-under-par 70 to move to seven-under-par for the championship. Her second round included six birdies against four bogeys as she navigated another day of challenging championship golf.

“I tried to maintain my energy,” Yan said. “I made some long putts and tried to focus all day. I hope to enjoy the round tomorrow with my friends.”

Making the biggest move of the day was Maura Peters (right), whose five-under-par 67 was the low round of the championship and vaulted her into solo second at four-under-par overall. Peters carded six birdies while surrendering just one bogey, which came at the par-3 ninth after her tee shot found a greenside bunker.

“I had some nerves out there at times,” Peters said. “I am a big fan of hitting different clubs off the tee. I was able to hit some full wedges (into the greens) today. My dad was on the bag and we had a lot of fun. I learned a lot today. Hopefully I can make a few more putts tomorrow.”

Ames’ Nichakorn Pinprayoon, a teammate of Yan’s, also made a significant charge with a four-under-par 68 to climb into third place at two-under for the championship. She will begin the final round five shots off the lead.

In the 61st Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, Michelle Klein (left) surged into first place after posting a four-over-par 76, the lowest senior round of the day. Klein sits at 16-over-par overall after a round highlighted by two birdies.

“It was fun to play today,” Klein said. “I thought my putting was stronger and my drives found the fairways. I was hoping to shoot 76 today after yesterday’s round and I got it!”

Three strokes behind Klein, Paige Lynch and Tish Boothe remain firmly in contention entering Wednesday’s final round as they look to close the gap and challenge for the championship.

The Super Senior Division is shaping up for a dramatic finish with multiple players still in the hunt. Kathy Fortune and Kim Kieckhaefer share the lead at 34-over-par through two rounds, while Jennifer Corkrean is just two shots back at 36-over. First-round leader Leighann Larocca slipped into fourth at 37-over, leaving the title up for grabs heading into the championship round.

“It was a lot cooler than yesterday,” Fortune said with a laugh. “My round started hot. I made a long putt to start the day. I tried to drink a lot of water and Powerade today. I had good company to play with today. I kept them rolling.”

Kieckhaefer is looking forward to the opportunity that awaits in the final round.

“Not a lot was working for me early,” she said. “I got some good bounces and I hope to just relax tomorrow.”

Champions in all three divisions will be crowned Wednesday as competitors take on Hyperion Field Club one final time in Johnston.

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Yan Takes Early Lead at 106th Iowa Women’s Amateur; Lynch and Grimes Pace Senior Championship

July 20, 20260 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Women's Amateur, Iowa Women's Amateur

Fresh off her victory at the IGA Women’s Match Play Championship, Ames’ Yinuo Yan (above) carried her momentum into the opening round of the 106th Iowa Women’s Amateur Championship at Hyperion Field Club, carding a five-under-par 67 to take the first-round lead.

Yan’s impressive round featured four birdies, an eagle, and just one bogey. Her eagle came on her 10th hole of the day, providing a key spark during a challenging afternoon of hot and humid conditions.

“I feel like I had great momentum coming into today,” Yan said. “I didn’t see my eagle go in, but my playing partners saw it. I’m just going to try and keep doing the best I can out there.”

Fellow Ames golfer Keeley Marx sits in second after an opening-round 70 (-2). Marx’s round included three birdies and an eagle on the par-5 15th hole, helping overcome a late double bogey and a lone bogey.

“I had a really solid day,” Marx said. “I just tried to stay patient. It was brutal out there with the heat. A lot of water helped (me today).”

Tied for third at one-under-par 71 are Bella Petersen and Ainsley Wilson. Wilson credited accuracy off the tee as one of the keys to navigating Hyperion Field Club.

“This course is playing narrow and not too long,” Wilson said. “Hitting fairways is important. It can difficult out of the rough out there.”

In the 61st Iowa Women’s Senior Amateur Championship, Paige Lynch of Ames and Kelly Grimes of Altoona share the opening-round lead after each posted a nine-over-par 81.

Just one stroke back at 82 are Geri Huser of Altoona and Tish Boothe of Des Moines, who are tied for third heading into the second round.

In the Super Senior Division, Leighann Larocca (right) of Waukee battled the morning heat to post a 13-over-par 85 and take the early lead. Her round was highlighted by a birdie on the seventh hole.

“It was hot out there,” Larocca said. “The birdie on 7 was a surprise. It’s better to be lucky than good some days.”

Kathy Fortune of Rockwell City sits in second place in the Super Senior Division after an opening-round 87 (+15).

With two rounds remaining, competitors across all divisions will look to continue navigating the demanding conditions and the tight fairways of Hyperion Field Club as championship week continues in Johnston.

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Yan Claims IGA Women’s Match Play Championship at Talons Golf

July 17, 20260 commentsChampionships, Wmn's Match Play

 

At long last, the IGA Women’s Match Play Championship held at Talons Golf in Ankeny is officially in the books. After a two-week delay caused by severe flash flooding, one player persevered to take home the title.

Yinuo Yan (above) of Ames defeated Marion’s Morgan Rupp 3&1 to earn her first IGA title in her first start. Yan took an early lead, going 1 up with a birdie on the par-five first hole. After matching Rupp for the next nine holes, Yan edged ahead with back-to-back birdies on the par-three 16th and par-five 17th.

“I felt like I was driving the ball well out there,” Yan shared. “I didn’t miss too many fairways, and once the putter warmed up I started making some birdies.”

Before meeting Rupp in the final match, Yan defeated Karli Kerrigan of Des Moines 2 up during their morning semifinal match. Kerrigan put up a good back-and-forth duel against Yan, but two clutch putts on holes 15 and 16 sealed the deal for Yan.

“I really focused a lot on my strength training during the two-week break between matches to stay sharp,” mentioned Yan. “I also changed my putter so that was very helpful for today.”

Bettendorf’s Camille Wood dueled Rupp in their morning semifinal match. It was an intense back-and-forth battle that saw tremendous play from both sides. Wood made clutch pars on her last two holes to take the match to the 19th, but it was ultimately Rupp who would play the championship match after securing a par to Woods’ double-bogey.

With the Iowa Women’s Amateur Championship only three days away, Yan is excited to be in the mix for the coveted Fladoos Trophy.

“I’m going to carry this momentum into the women’s amateur and just stay present and patient throughout the week. I’m excited, it will be fun.”

Special thank you to the staff and members at Talons Golf for hosting this event and kindly welcoming IGA staff and players back for the completion of this championship.

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Brown Earns Medalist Honors at U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier at Wakonda Club

July 16, 20260 commentsUSGA, USGA Qualifiers

Jon Brown (right) carded a superb 6-under-par 66 on Wednesday to earn medalist honors and the lone qualifying spot at the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship Qualifier held at Wakonda Club.

Competing on a challenging layout under hot and humid conditions, Brown recorded seven birdies during his round to finish one stroke clear of good friend Joe Palmer.

“I had this one circled on my calendar,” Brown said following his round after securing his place in the national championship.

Brown’s steady play throughout the day proved enough to outlast a strong field, navigating Wakonda Club with precision to post the day’s low score.

Palmer battled alongside Brown throughout the qualifier and finished just one shot back to claim first alternate honors. Following the round, Palmer congratulated Brown on his performance, acknowledging that Brown had earned the victory.

Jeff Collett also turned in an impressive round, firing a 2-under-par 69 to secure second alternate honors. While his score would have been enough to contend on most days, Brown’s outstanding 66 proved untouchable.

With the victory, Brown advances to the 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship, which will be contested August 29–September 3 at Baltimore Country Club (East Course) in Lutherville, Maryland. The championship, conducted by the United States Golf Association, annually brings together the nation’s top amateur golfers age 55 and older to compete for one of senior amateur golf’s most prestigious titles.

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89th Iowa Masters Crowns Three Champions at Veenker Memorial Golf Course

July 13, 20260 commentsChampionships

From left – Jon Brown, Parker Rodgers and Tony Malizia.

The 89th Iowa Masters concluded at Veenker Memorial Golf Course with outstanding performances across all three championship divisions, highlighted by record-breaking play and milestone victories.

Parker Rodgers etched his name into Iowa Masters history by capturing both the Open Division and Junior Division titles. Rodgers opened the championship with a spectacular 10-under-par 62, setting a new tournament record for the lowest round ever recorded in Iowa Masters history. He followed with rounds of 73 and 68 to finish at 13-under-par 203, becoming the youngest champion in tournament history.

Rodgers’ victory was fueled by an incredible 21 birdies over the 54-hole championship, helping him finish two strokes ahead of runner-up Nate McCoy, who carded a 205. Luke Harwick rounded out the top three with a three-day total of 206.

In the Senior Division, Jon Brown delivered a dominant performance to claim the championship at 11-under-par. Brown posted rounds of 67, 63, and 75 for a 54-hole total of 205, finishing six strokes clear of runner-up Josh Janeczko. Brown’s second-round 63 proved to be the defining round of the championship as he built a commanding lead heading into the final day.

Tony Malizia claimed the Super Senior Division title after carding consistent rounds of 75, 76, and 77 for a 54-hole total of 228. Malizia’s steady play throughout the championship earned him the division crown and added another Iowa Masters title to his accomplished amateur golf résumé.

The 89th Iowa Masters once again showcased exceptional golf at one of Iowa’s premier championship venues. From Rodgers’ historic opening round and record-setting victory to Brown’s commanding Senior Division performance and Malizia’s Super Senior triumph, the championship added another memorable chapter to one of the state’s longest-running traditions.

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