Year: 2026

Huether / Peters Claim Title at 16th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship, Howell / Kubesheski take Senior Crown

iowagolfJune 16, 20260 commentsChampionships, IGA Women's Four-Ball

Consistency proved to be the winning formula for University of Iowa teammates Lily Huether and Maura Peters (above), who captured the 16th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship at Coldwater Golf Links after posting matching rounds of 68 (-3) to finish at 6-under-par 136 for the championship.

Huether and Peters entered the final round with a one-shot lead and never relinquished control, leaning on steady play and strong teamwork throughout the 36-hole event. Peters paced the duo on Tuesday with four birdies, helping the Hawkeye teammates maintain their advantage despite pressure from several teams making a charge up the leaderboard.

The champions credited their communication and trust in one another as key factors in their success.

“We leaned on each other all day,” the pair noted following the round, emphasizing the importance of staying patient and supporting one another throughout the championship.

Perhaps most impressively, Huether and Peters never once checked the leaderboard. Peters said the duo had no idea where they stood during the final round, choosing instead to focus solely on executing one shot at a time.

A strong challenge came from Karli Kerrigan and Paige Hoffman, who fired the low round of the tournament with a brilliant 5-under-par 66 in the final round. Their closing charge secured runner-up honors at 4-under-par 138, just two shots behind the champions.

Ansley Adams and Payton Drefke claimed third place after posting rounds of 70-70 to finish at 1-under-par 140.

While birdies were difficult to come by for much of the field throughout the championship, Huether and Peters remained steady from start to finish, becoming the only team to break 70 in both rounds and ultimately earning the title.

The Senior Division featured a tightly contested battle that wasn’t decided until the closing holes.

After beginning the final round tied for the lead, Mary Howell and Rose Kubesheski (right) separated themselves from the field with a key birdie on the 10th hole by Howell and never looked back, capturing the Senior Division championship with a composed final-round performance.

Howell and Kubesheski stayed committed to their game plan throughout the championship, focusing on hitting fairways and greens while avoiding any unnecessary risks. Their disciplined approach paid off as they kept their heads down and let the scores take care of themselves, ultimately finishing atop the leaderboard.

Three-time defending champions Laura Leszczynski and Michelle Klein battled until the finish but settled for a share of second place. Joining them there were Geri Huser and Julie Hartman, whose final-round 71 helped vault them into the runner-up position when play concluded.

The championship showcased strong competition in both divisions, with players navigating challenging conditions and a demanding Coldwater Golf Links layout over two days of play.

Complete results can be found here: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5730899

Huether, Peters Take First-Round Lead at 16th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship

iowagolfJune 15, 20260 commentsChampionships, IGA Women's Four-Ball

University of Iowa teammates Lily Huether and Maura Peters (above) battled challenging conditions to card a 3-under-par 68 and claim the first-round lead at the 16th Iowa Golf Association Women’s Four-Ball Championship at Coldwater Golf Links.

The Hawkeye duo saved their best golf for the inward nine, posting a 2-under-par 33 highlighted by a pair of birdies and an eagle from Huether. Their strong finish helped separate them from the field on a day when gusty winds and difficult scoring conditions tested every team in the championship division.

Sitting just one shot back are Camille Wood and Elin Mueller, who fired a 2-under-par 69. Like the leaders, Wood and Mueller made their move on the back nine, matching the day’s best inward score with a 2-under-par 33 to position themselves firmly in contention heading into the final round.

With scoring at a premium throughout the day, the championship remains wide open. Three teams enter Tuesday’s final round at even par, while another two teams sit just one shot further back at 1-over par. With several teams within striking distance of the lead, an exciting chase to the finish is expected at Coldwater Golf Links.

In the Senior Division, three-time defending champions Laura Leszczynski and Michelle Klein share the lead after opening with a 1-over-par 72. Leszczynski, who owns four Senior Division titles in the event, is seeking yet another championship alongside Klein as the duo looks to continue its impressive run of success.

Joining them atop the leaderboard are Mary Howell and Rosalie Kubesheski, who matched the leading score with a round of 72 (+1) to set up a tightly contested final round.

Veteran competitors Ila Gilbert and Janis Owens remain within reach in third place after posting a respectable 5-over-par 76.

With championships in both divisions still very much up for grabs, players will return to Coldwater Golf Links on Tuesday looking to finish strong and capture an Iowa Golf Association title.

Complete results can be found at: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5730899

Back Home and Back in the Winner’s Circle: Zach Johnson Triumphs at Wakonda

iowagolfJune 15, 20260 commentsNews

By RICK BROWN
Special to the Iowa Golf Association

Zach Johnson’s climb up golf’s ladder has reached the final step. He knows it. He even thinks about that on occasion.

“There are thoughts of, “Hey, what would I do if I didn’t play?,’ ” the two-time major champion and Iowa Golf Hall of Famer (Class of 2016) said. “I don’t know. I’d have to be busy. I don’t know what it would be.”

But that’s not a thought that Johnson wrestles with on a daily basis.

“The thought is brief,” he said. “It enters and leaves pretty quickly, because I’m still a competitor and I have an amazing opportunity to compete. I’m operating where my feet are. I’m able to go out and compete at 50 years old on an amazing tour with a bunch of golf dorks like myself.”

The last step on golf’s most elite ladder is the PGA Tour Champions, which Johnson became eligible for when he turned 50 years old on Feb. 24. He’s made the most of his new home.

Johnson returned to Iowa last weekend and won the Principal Charity Classic at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines. He also won the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational in his first start, and has finished eighth or better in each of his eight tournaments so far.

Wakonda was a comfort zone of sorts for him. Zach played there as a member of the Drake golf team as a collegian. The course has undergone a major renovation since he last played it, but it still felt like home. And the feeling was mutual.

The Wakonda Club became even more of a home-court advantage because of the overwhelming fan support Johnson received on every shot. And the old adage that membership has its advantages?

On the eve of the tournament, the Wakonda Club presented Johnson with an Honorary Lifetime Membership. The following words will be put on a sign and displayed in the Wakonda Clubhouse:

“The Board of Directors of the club hereby recognizes and honors Zach Johnson for his extraordinary achievements in the game of golf, his leadership and sportsmanship, and his lasting contributions to the traditions and values of the game. In recognition of these accomplishments and with deep appreciation to the example he has set both on and off the course, Wakonda Club proudly awards Zach Johnson this Honorary Lifetime Membership. Presented this 10th day of June 2026.”

Johnson was clearly touched by the support. He tipped his cap and patted his heart as he walked off the 18th green after a final-round 67 and 54-hole score of 17-under-par 199 left him four shots clear of the field.

“Given this week and all that it entails being back home, then literally in a place I used to live, I felt like I had won before I teed off,” Zach said. “That honestly just gave me a lot of freedom to just play.”

Johnson’s victory at Wakonda adds to a remarkable and overachieving career. A multiple winner and player of the year on the Korn Ferry Tour. A 12-time winner of the PGA Tour, including the 2007 Masters and 2015 Open Championship. Five Ryder Cup appearances as a player, one as a captain. A four-time Presidents Cup selection. And now a multiple winner on the PGA Tour Champions.

“All expected,” Johnson said with a wry smile.

He put his finance degree on ice and turned pro out of college, and faced overwhelming odds. He beat them all on that climb up the ladder. He got a boost along the way, especially from a group of investors in his home town who gave him the financial assistance he needed to gain traction.

Johnson and his wife, Kim, and their three children make their home in Savannah, Ga. But you’ll never take the Iowa out of him.

“I’m never going to forget my first 22 years in Iowa,” Johnson said. “It’s impossible. I relish it. There’s a lot of times I feel like if I could push rewind and come back and do exactly the same thing over and over again, I’d take full advantage of it.”

When he’s announced on the tee at each tournament, it’s still Zach Johnson from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“I live in South Georgia, but that (Cedar Rapids) is where it started for me,” he said. “That’s where everything was fostered, where everything was cultivated, where all the people were that poured themselves into me were. I’m a proud Iowan.”

Johnson’s initial Principal Charity Classic appearance got off to a rocky start when he bogeyed the first hole in Friday’s first round, then made double bogey on the second.

His career has been defined by a bulldog mentality. Keep grinding, never give up. He used that formula to rally and shoot a 3-under 69 that first round, added a bogey-free 63 on Saturday and a 67 on Sunday. He played his final 52 holes in 20 under par to collect another trophy and delight his hometown crowd. A week of nostalgia and reminiscing ended up in the winner’s circle.

“I was fully welcomed,” Zach said. “I’m very blessed, because it doesn’t have to be like this. And I know that.I don’t take it for granted.”

A life without golf is closer than ever for Johnson, but it doesn’t live next door. “If my body is willing, I’m still going to give it a crack,” he said.

A Championship Run: Geri Huser Claims Forever 39 Crown at Ridge Stone

iowagolfJune 10, 20260 commentsChampionships, Forever 39 Match Play

The 63rd playing of the Iowa Women’s Forever 39 was contested at Ridge Stone Golf Club in Sheffield. Over two days, competitors battled pristine fairways and greens, along with thick, penalizing rough. In the end, one name rose to the top: Geri Huser (right) of Altoona.

Huser’s run to the title got off to a rocky start. She narrowly earned a spot in the Championship Flight, claiming the seventh seed with a score of 41. Julie Buerman and Fiona Watson shared co-medalist honors, shooting 36 (E). From that point on, however, Huser never looked back.

In her opening match, Huser defeated second-seeded and 2023 champion Fiona Watson, 3 & 2. Huser noted that her putter was hot throughout match play but emphasized its importance in her victory over Watson. She then edged third seed Nicki Miller, 1 up, in a back-and-forth semifinal match. The win over Miller earned Huser just her second appearance in the championship match, and this time she finished the job. Facing fifth seed Christi Imsland in the final, Huser relied on sharp putting and scrambling to secure the victory. The two competitors battled through 10 holes before Huser emerged as the champion.

In the First Flight, top seed Laura Leszczynski lived up to her seeding, defeating every opponent she faced. In the opening round, Leszczynski defeated eight seed Darcy Duey, 4 & 2. She was tested in the semifinals but prevailed over fourth seed Leighann LaRocca after 11 holes. In the championship match, Leszczynski defeated sixth seed Kelly Grimes, 2 & 1, to claim the flight title.

The Second Flight saw another top seed fulfill expectations, as Julie Hartman captured the title. Hartman received a first-round bye and then defeated fourth seed Nancy Olberding, 3 & 2, in the semifinals. In the final, Hartman battled third seed Ila Gilbert in a tightly contested match before securing a 1-up victory.

Thank you to Ridge Stone Golf Club for being wonderful hosts! Your facility is top-notch and the course was a great challenge for the players.

Complete Results

Gerch Earns Medalist Honors as Eight Advance from U.S. Amateur Local Qualifier at Sunnyside CC

iowagolfJune 9, 20260 commentsUSGA, USGA Qualifiers

Rain, wind, and wet conditions tested the field throughout much of the day at the U.S. Amateur Local Qualifier held at Sunnyside Country Club. While the weather eventually gave way to sunshine and humid conditions late in the afternoon, players navigated challenging conditions while pursuing a spot in U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying.

When the final putts dropped, Gavin Gerch of Lincoln, Nebraska, emerged as medalist after carding a 5-under-par 67, the low round of the day, that included seven birdies. Gerch’s performance earned him top honors and led a group of eight players who advanced to Final Qualifying sites across the country.

Five players shared second place at 4-under-par 68, including Tomas Rascon of Burlington, Andrew Johannsen of Johnston, Ian Nelson of Macomb, Illinois, Axton Miller of Arthur, and Jackson Benge of Omaha, Nebraska. Each secured a qualifying position with their strong rounds.

Aidan Dorathy of Port Byron, Illinois, claimed the seventh qualifying spot with a 3-under-par 69.

The battle for the final qualifying position proved to be the day’s most dramatic storyline. A total of 10 players finished regulation play at 1-under-par 71, forcing a multi-hole playoff to determine the final qualifier and alternate positions. Sam Johnson of Bettendorf ultimately emerged from the playoff to earn the eighth and final qualifying berth.

The playoff continued to determine alternate positions, with Mateo Rascon of Burlington earning First Alternate honors and Lance Hamak of Sartell, Minnesota, securing the Second Alternate position.

Medalist
Gavin Gerch, Lincoln, NE — 67 (-5)

Qualifiers
Tomas Rascon, Burlington — 68 (-4)
Andrew Johannsen, Johnston — 68 (-4)
Ian Nelson, Macomb, IL — 68 (-4)
Axton Miller, Arthur — 68 (-4)
Jackson Benge, Omaha, NE — 68 (-4)
Aidan Dorathy, Port Byron, IL — 69 (-3)
Sam Johnson, Bettendorf — 71 (-1) (Playoff)

Alternates
1st Alternate: Mateo Rascon, Burlington — 71 (-1)
2nd Alternate: Lance Hamak, Sartell, MN — 71 (-1)

The eight qualifiers will now advance in hopes of earning a place in the prestigious U.S. Amateur Championship, while Rascon and Hamak stand ready should an alternate position become available.

McCoy Successfully Defends Title at Carroll Amateur

iowagolfJune 8, 20260 commentsNews

Nate McCoy

Defending champion Nate McCoy of Ankeny successfully defended his title at the Carroll Amateur, hosted by Carroll National, firing rounds of 66-66-67 for a three-round total of 199 (-11). McCoy’s consistent play throughout the championship earned him a two-stroke victory over Samuel Storey of Sioux City, who finished runner-up at 9-under-par.

McCoy recorded 15 birdies over 54 holes en route to the victory, marking his second win of the season after claiming the Lake Creek Amateur title earlier in May.

The championship race remained competitive throughout the final round, with Brock Snyder of Ames claiming third place at 8-under-par. Owen Sawyer of Cedar Falls delivered the low round of the tournament on Sunday, carding a remarkable 62 to surge into fourth place with a 7-under-par total.

In the Senior Division, Tony Newkirk of Des Moines put together a commanding performance to capture the title by six strokes. Newkirk posted matching rounds of 66-66 for a 36-hole total of 132 (-8), finishing well ahead of Terry Cook of Norwalk and Jeff Panek of Johnston, who tied for second at 2-under-par.

Newkirk’s victory was fueled by outstanding consistency, as he recorded nine birdies and just one bogey over the two-round championship, showcasing one of the most impressive performances of the week.

The Super Senior Division also featured a tightly contested finish, with Tom Schill claiming the championship by two strokes. Schill posted rounds of 71 and 70 to finish at 1-under-par (141) and secure the title over Andy Burton of Polk City.

Mark Gambaiana of Des Moines and Steve Jordan of Johnston shared third place, each finishing at 144 (+2).

The Carroll Amateur once again attracted a strong field from across Iowa, producing exciting competition in the Championship, Senior, and Super Senior divisions at Carroll National. McCoy’s successful title defense highlighted another memorable week of golf and continued his strong start to the 2026 season.

Complete Results

2026 Ann Griffel Scholars announced

iowagolfJune 4, 20260 commentsNews, Scholarships

The Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Ann Griffel Scholarship Award: Brinley Carlson of Story City, Emma Hageman of Runnells, Addie Smith of Indianola, and twin sisters Ava and Ella Lohrbach of Ames. Each student will receive a $2,000 scholarship to support their educational pursuits.

Established in 1963, the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award has helped Iowa students continue their education for more than six decades. Including this year’s class, 273 students have received the prestigious honor.

Brinley Carlson

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. Brinley was also named a Herman Sani Scholar this year.

“Receiving the Ann Griffel scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me. It puts me closer to achieving my goals of becoming a doctor,” Carlson said. “This opportunity motivates me to keep pushing myself to succeed and make a positive impact in everything I pursue. Golf will always be a part of my life and I hope to leave a lasting impact on young girls in golf.”

Emma Hageman

Emma Hageman, daughter of John and Melody Hageman, is a graduate of Southeast Polk High School and will attend the University of Iowa. She plans to study actuarial science

“I am so blessed to be a recipient of the Ann Griffel Scholarship! This scholarship will help me continue my education at the University of Iowa as I pursue a major in Actuarial Science,” Hageman said. “The game of golf has shaped me into the person I am today and I will forever be grateful for my teammates, coaches, the game as a whole.”

Addie Smith

Addie Smith, daughter of Russ and Leanne Smith, graduated from Norwalk High School and will continue both her academic and athletic career at the University of Northern Iowa. She plans to study journalism and minor in creative writing while playing for the Panthers.

“This scholarship means so much to me because it really shows how the golf community shows up for each other,” Smith said. “I’m so excited to continue my golf journey, meet more people, and continue to have fun out on the course. Golf has already given me so much and this scholarship is just another example.”

Ava Lohrbach

Ella Lohrbach

Ava and Ella Lohrbach, daughters of Mike and Jen Lohrbach, graduated from Gilbert High School and will attend Drake University to continue their academic and athletic careers. Both girls plan to study business while playing for the Bulldogs.

On receiving the scholarship, Ava said, “Receiving this scholarship is such an honor and an opportunity that I am incredibly grateful for. Golf has taught me perseverance, discipline, and confidence, and I am excited to continue growing both academically and athletically in college.”

Ella had this to say, “Through golf, I have learned that success comes from hard work, resilience, and a positive mindset. Receiving this scholarship is incredibly meaningful because it recognizes the dedication I have put into both academics and athletics while helping me take the next step toward my future.”

The Ann Griffel Scholarship Award was established in 1963 as just one $350 scholarship awarded by the Iowa Women’s Golf Association (IWGA). The award has evolved into a $2,000 scholarship awarded to multiple high school senior girls who intend to further their education at an Iowa institution of higher learning, whether it be a college, university or trade school.

The Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) was established to preserve the game and develop more programs to promote the future of golf in Iowa. The IGAF awards the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award annually. This scholarship was named after the long-time IWGA President, Ann Griffel, who started the Girls’ State Junior, Forever 39 Match Play, State Wife-Husband and the Senior Women’s Championships in her 23-year term.

2026 Herman Sani Scholars Announced

iowagolfJune 2, 20260 commentsNews, Scholarships

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.

“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.

Anderson Repeats, Ward Wins Marathon Playoff at Iowa Senior Amateur

iowagolfJune 2, 20260 commentsIowa Senior Amateur

2026 Iowa Senior Amateur champion J.D. Anderson

Patience, resilience, and consistency were key for Johnston’s J.D. Anderson this weekend. After completely annihilating the field with a final 209 (-7) total, Anderson ran away with the Iowa Senior Amateur Championship crown at Oneota Golf and Country Club and successfully defended his title after winning in his senior debut last year.

Anderson fired a 70 (-2) in his final round en route to his victory. After cruising with two birdies on the front nine, Anderson found trouble on the par-five 10th hole where he scored a double-bogey. This blunder didn’t last for long, though, as Anderson made three more birdies coming down the stretch.

“The double (bogey) on 10 was a bit of a mental error,” Anderson shared with a laugh. “I knew I could bounce back from that if I just kept stringing together a bunch of pars and a few birdies, and that’s exactly what I did.”

Anderson’s defiant victory can be attributed to his focused and competitive mindset all throughout the week. Despite holding a lofty lead heading into the final round, Anderson still felt like there was more work to be done.

“Even with my big lead heading into the final round, I still woke up this morning with the mindset that I needed to win by 10. I felt like I would play more normal if I kept being aggressive out there,” expressed Anderson.

Anderson’s back-to-back feat marks the first since Gene Elliot’s run in 2019 and 2020. With a win already under his belt for the season, it’s safe to say that Anderson is going to be a force to be reckoned with this year.

Making a strong push to the finish and securing runner-up honors was Chris Kramer of West Des Moines. Kramer scored an impressive 70 (-2) to post a final total score of 215 (-1). Rounding out the podium at 220 (+4) was Jon Brown of Adel. Brown fired a steady 72 (E) in the final round to secure third place.

2026 Iowa Senior Amateur – Super Senior Division Champion Joe Ward

The fight for the super senior title was a complete battlefield between Joe Ward of Polk City and Dave Gaer of Des Moines. After narrowly missing a five-footer on the 18th to win the championship, Gaer found himself in a playoff with Ward who made a crafty up-and-down to secure his spot in the duel.

After six intense playoff holes, it was ultimately Ward who sealed the deal with a final total of 221 (76-71-74) to win his first career super senior amateur championship title.

“I just hung in there all day,” Ward shared. “There were lots of ups and downs throughout the round, but I was glad to get it done in the playoff.”

Ward’s final round was certainly a rollercoaster. After opening with a strong 37 (+1) on the front nine (back nine start), Ward found trouble on the par-five 6th where he scored a double-bogey. Fortunately, he went to work on the par-four 8th and made birdie to put him in contention for a playoff.

“This golf course really fit my eye,” Ward mentioned. “I liked the shape of the holes, and the greens were fantastic. I was just having so much fun out here.”

Gaer secured runner-up honors and posted a final round of 76 (+4), while Riverside’s Tracy McArtor took third with a total score of 226 (77-73-76).

Special thank you to head PGA professional and general manager Morgan McMillan, golf course superintendent Lee Anderson, and all of the staff and members of Oneota Golf and Country Club for your kindness and hospitality throughout the week.

Complete Results

IGA Welcomes Three P.J. Boatwright Interns for 2026 Season

iowagolfJune 1, 20260 commentsUSGA

From left – Erika Holmberg, Ryan Opfer and Megan Riesselman.

The 2026 IGA Championship season is in full swing, and Golf House Iowa staff members are gearing up for another exciting summer of competitive golf. The start of a new season also welcomes a fresh batch of P.J. Boatwright interns who work directly with the IGA staff to learn about different aspects of golf administration including media and marketing techniques, tournament prep, and other areas within the golf industry. This year, the IGA offers three internship positions in the areas of Championship Administration, Handicapping and Course Rating, and Marketing and Communications.

Joining the team as the Championship Administration intern is Megan Riesselman (above right) from Ames. A graduate student at Grand View University, Riesselman is studying Sports Management while working as a grad assistant for the Grand View University women’s golf team. Her background in competitive golf and pro-shop experience at Veenker Memorial Golf Course drew her to the internship.

“I’m very excited to work with the Iowa Golf Association this summer as the Championship Administration intern,” Riesselman shared. “After working as both a grad assistant and pro-shop attendant, I’m excited to learn more about the behind-the-scenes aspects of golf administration through this internship.”

Riesselman’s IGA staff mentor Karli Kerrigan expressed her excitement for her addition to the crew.

“I’m excited to have Megan join our team this summer,” Kerrigan said. “She has a strong background working in golf having spent many summers at Veenker Memorial. She’ll be able to draw on her experiences from assisting with the Iowa Masters which will make for a smooth transition. I look forward to helping her develop the necessary skills for a career in golf.”

Also new to the crew as the Handicapping and Course Rating intern is Ryan Opfer (above middle) from Waukee. Opfer is a rising junior at Iowa State University studying Management Information Systems. After formerly working at Des Moines Golf and Country Club, Opfer wanted to learn more about the administration and analytical aspects of the game through this internship.

“I’m really looking forward to joining the Iowa Golf Association as the Handicapping and Course Rating intern,” expressed Opfer. “I’m excited to travel to different tournaments across the state and interact with new players and volunteers.”

Nate McCoy, Opfer’s IGA staff mentor, shared his enthusiasm for Opfer’s welcome to the team.

“I’m really excited to have Ryan Opfer on board as our Handicapping and Course Rating intern this year,” McCoy said. “I can’t wait to see the great work he’ll do with us! Handicapping and Course Rating is foundational to what we do, so hopefully he will come away with a better understanding of how it all works together.”

Rounding out the interns and returning for her second year in the Marketing and Communications role is Erika Holmberg (above left) from Bettendorf. After recently graduating from Drake University and wrapping up her collegiate golfing career, Holmberg is excited to return to the IGA for another summer before beginning her student teaching placement in the fall.

“I’m incredibly excited to return for my second year as the Marketing and Communications intern,” Holmberg shared. “After having such a positive and educational experience with the IGA last year, I am looking forward to building on what I learned and bringing new ideas to the organization!”

Clint Brown, Holmberg’s IGA staff mentor, shared his enthusiasm for Holmberg’s return.

“We’re excited to welcome Erika back for her second summer with our team–either she enjoyed the experience that much, or I successfully convinced her to return with enough good humor and golf talk,” Brown said. “Erika made a tremendous impact during her first summer through her talent, professionalism, and positive attitude, and we’re thrilled to have her back. She brings a great mix of creativity, reliability, and energy to the team, and we know she’ll continue to do great things this summer.”

The experiences and education that come from the P.J. Boatwright internships are sure to leave a lasting impact on Riesselman, Opfer, and Holmberg. Whether you’re visiting Golf House Iowa or competing in an IGA tournament this summer, be on the lookout for these three!

IGA Interns Participate in National P.J Boatwright Intern Summit

Iowa Golf Association P.J. Boatwright interns Ryan Opfer and Megan Riesselman kicked off their internship journeys by attending the USGA P.J. Boatwright Intern Summit at USGA Headquarters in Liberty Corner, New Jersey last week. At the summit, Opfer and Riesselman networked with over 50 fellow interns from across the country while attending different learning seminars, breakout groups, and listening to keynote speakers.

Throughout the course of the summit, interns attended specialized workshops in the areas of Media and Broadcasting, Handicapping and Course Rating, Course Setup and Tournament Administration, and much more. During the workshops, interns were given exclusive access to rooms and facilities that are utilized for many of the major events the USGA runs throughout the year.

“It was really neat getting to experience all that the USGA Museum and Headquarters had to offer,” expressed Opfer. “We basically had full reign of the facilities and were able to explore the grounds quite a bit.”

While the interns spent most of their time learning and networking at USGA Headquarters, they also had the opportunity to take their skills straight to the golf course. New to the summit this year was an agronomy and course setup session held at Watchung Valley Golf Club. On the course, interns learned how to select pin locations, set tee markers, and mark penalty areas for tournament setup. Interns were also educated on basic golf agronomy techniques and turf grass science.

“It was helpful getting to participate in hands-on course setup activities at Watchung Valley,” expressed Riesselman. “I learned how to set up tee markers, starter tents, and other areas of tournament prep.”

In addition to participating in various breakout sessions, interns listened attentively to presentations given by USGA lead staff members, as well as remarks from different AGA representatives and the USGA President himself, Mike Whan.

“I enjoyed learning more about what goes on behind the scenes at the USGA,” shared Opfer. “There are so many ideas that I’m excited to bring back to the IGA to help better serve our members.”

At the conclusion of each day, interns had the opportunity to network with each other and USGA staff members across meals, games, and other activities. Riesselman enjoyed getting to know so many different interns during these networking sessions, “It was great getting to meet all the different interns from across the country. I made lots of friends within the industry who I will be sure to stay in touch with this summer!”

While the P.J. Boatwright Internship Summit may be over, the experiences from the trip are ones that will serve Opfer and Riesselman well throughout the duration of their internships and for the rest of their lives.

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