Author: iowagolf

History made at inaugural Iowa Adaptive Open

July 14, 20250 commentsChampionships

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA), known for hosting some of the state’s premier golf tournaments, reached a historic milestone this past weekend. In partnership with the Iowa Amputee Golf Association (IAGA), the IGA proudly presented the inaugural Prairie Meadows Iowa Adaptive Open Championship, held at Terrace Hills Golf Course in Altoona.

This groundbreaking championship welcomed adaptive golfers from across the country, representing a diverse range of abilities and backgrounds. Competitors played across seven distinct sport classes, designed to ensure fair and competitive play for individuals with limb impairments, neuromuscular, and neurological conditions.

The event began on Friday with a spirited Scramble, pairing adaptive and non-adaptive golfers for a fun-filled afternoon of friendly competition and camaraderie. Although severe weather shortened the round, the connections formed and stories shared made a lasting impact. For many adaptive athletes, it was more than a warm-up—it was a rare chance to bond with peers who share similar journeys and passions.

Weather Challenges, Athlete Resilience

As championship play approached, excitement was met with an unwelcome guest: storms. Heavy rain Friday night and into Saturday morning rendered several fairways unplayable, forcing significant adjustments to the format. Undeterred, players adapted to the conditions and teed off late Saturday evening after attending a players’ dinner and banquet. Most competitors were able to complete up to nine holes before nightfall suspended play.

Less than 12 hours later, players returned to the course Sunday morning, many arriving at sunrise to resume the competition. Their determination and resilience shone through in an exciting final stretch that saw three Open Division champions crowned.

Open Division Champions

  • Men’s Open Division: Ryan Brenden (Pierce, NE) — 107 (Even)

  • Men’s Senior Division: Steve Husome (Cedar Falls, IA) — 117 (+10)

  • Men’s Super Senior Division: Bruno Garla (Villa Park, IL) — 129 (+22)

Sport Class Division Champions

  • G1 Flight: Ryan Brenden (Pierce, NE)

  • G2 Flight: Kyle Erickson (Minneapolis, MN) — 111 (+4)

  • G3 Flight: Josh Tankersley (Kingsville, TX) — 118 (+11)

  • G4 Flight: Trevor Belcher (Hopkinsville, KY) — 127 (+20)

  • G5 Flight: Jonathan Snyder (Westmont, IL) — 122 (+15)

  • G8 Flight: Robby Donarski (Franklin, WI) — 113 (+6)

  • G15 Flight: Pryce Holcombe (Quincy, IL), who also walked away with a new TV, courtesy of the players’ dinner raffle

Complete Results

The inaugural Prairie Meadows Iowa Adaptive Open was more than just a tournament—it was a celebration of athletic excellence, community, and the power of inclusive opportunity. The IGA looks forward to building on this success and continuing the championship for years to come.

Meyer wins 88th Iowa Masters

July 14, 20250 commentsChampionships

From left – Bill Matzdorff (Senior Division), Tony Malizia (Super Senior Division), Jackson Buchanan (Junior Division) and Luke Meyer (Masters Division).

Competition was fierce this weekend at the annual Iowa Masters Tournament, held at the historic Veenker Memorial Golf Course in Ames. With a talented field of players vying for the prestigious title, sub-par scores were essential to remain in contention.

Despite weather delays and intermittent thunderstorms that tested players’ focus and patience, one competitor rose to the occasion.

Luke Meyer of Cedar Falls captured the Masters Division title with a stellar two-day total of 134 (-10). Meyer opened with a strong 68 (-4) and followed it up with an even more impressive 66 (-6), pulling away from the field to secure a commanding victory.

In the Senior Division, Bill Matzdorff of Cumming emerged victorious after firing a scorching 66 (-6) in the opening round and closing with a solid 74 (+2) to finish at 140 (-4) overall.

Tony Malizia claimed the Super Senior Division crown with rounds of 75 (+3) and 76 (+4) for a total score of 151 (+7).

Complete Results

Iowa finishes in third place at Junior Girls’ Four-State

July 3, 20250 commentsChampionships

Team Iowa (from left) – Coach Julie Buerman, Natalie Henson, Rylee Brockhosue, Ava Lohrbach, Jaylee Shaffer, Chloe Bolte, Morgan Rupp and Coach Leanne Smith.

Team Iowa delivered a strong and spirited performance at the 2025 Junior Girls’ Four-State Championship this week, finishing third overall at Firekeeper Golf Course in Kansas. In a tightly contested event, Iowa earned 6.5 points—just one point behind champion Team Missouri (7.5 points). Team Kansas claimed runner-up honors with 7 points.

The championship opened with four-ball matches, where the Iowa duo of Morgan Rupp (Marion) and Chloe Bolte (Sumner) set the tone early with a commanding 4&2 victory over Kansas’ Hadley Neese and Jenny Sun, securing a key point.

Iowa added to its early momentum thanks to Jaylee Shaffer (Mount Ayr) and Natalie Henson (Marshalltown), who earned a 2&1 win against Nebraska’s Eden Larson and Tasha Kolbas. Their performance propelled Team Iowa into a tie for first place heading into the afternoon foursomes session.

During the foursomes, Iowa encountered stiff competition. The pairing of Ava Lohrbach (Ames) and Shaffer battled to halve their match with Kansas’ Savannah Cagle and Maddie Myers. After taking a one-up lead on the 16th hole, the Iowa team settled for a tie when Kansas birdied the final hole. Iowa closed the day in third place, still well within reach of the leaders.

On the final day, Team Iowa showed grit and determination in the singles matches. Strong victories from Henson, Shaffer, Rupp, and Lohrbach contributed four crucial points to Iowa’s total and nearly vaulted the team up the leaderboard.

It nearly became five.

In one of the event’s most dramatic matches, Bolte went toe-to-toe with Missouri’s Morgan Withington. All square heading to the 18th, the tightly contested duel came down to the final hole, where Withington edged out the win with a bogey—securing a vital point for Missouri and denying Iowa a chance at the title.

Team Iowa’s third-place finish reflects a week of outstanding effort, resilience, and teamwork. The 2026 Junior Girls’ Four-State Championship will be hosted in Iowa, with the venue to be announced at a later date.

Complete Results

2025 Herman Sani Scholars announced

July 1, 20250 commentsNews, Scholarships

Herman Sani (right) is seen talking with Gene Sarazen in August, 1950.  Sani served as IGA President in 1929.

The recipients of the 2025 Herman Sani Scholarships, presented by the Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) have been announced. Lauren Nuss, of New Hampton, Chloe Bolte, of Sumner, Tomas Rascon, of Burlington, and Emersen Motl, of Ames, will receive a four-year scholarship of $2,000 per year ($8,000 total).

Those individuals will be recognized at the Herman Sani Golf Tournament and Dinner held at Hyperion Field Club, in August.

Lauren Nuss, daughter of Marty and Carolyn Nuss , is a graduate of New Hampton High School and will be attending University of Northern Iowa to study Biochemistry on a pre-pharmacy track and play golf for the Panters.

“I am very grateful and honored to receive the 2025 Herman Sani Scholarship,” she said. “This esteemed scholarship will help me to continue my academic and golf career at the University of Northern Iowa. I am fortunate to represent the Iowa Golf Association and Mr. Sani through this scholarship.”

 

Chloe Bolte, daughter of Ben and Sarah Bolte, is a graduate from Sumner-Fredericksburg High School and will attend Missouri State University. Chloe plans to major Civil Engineering and Physics and will play golf in college.

“I am truly honored and grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Herman Sani Scholarship,” she said. “I’ve always admired the accomplishments and character of past recipients, many of whom have served as role models and inspired me to work hard and stay committed. Being recognized alongside them is incredibly meaningful, and I’m motivated to live up to the standard they’ve set. Thank you for your support and for believing in my potential.”

 

Tomas Rascon, the son of Stacey and Jim Stevens and Matt & Lindsey Rascon, is a graduate of Burlington High School and will attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to study Accounting and play golf.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to be a recipient of such a prestigious award and scholarship,” he said. “Golf has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember and has taught me self-discipline, tenacity, patience, and perseverance which will help me to succeed in life, both on and off the course. I will continue to strive to represent God, my family, my community, Iowa golf, SIUE, and Herman Sani himself with dignity, integrity, and humility.”

 

Emersen Motl, the daughter of Jill and Michael Motl, is a graduate of Ames High School and plans to study Professional Golf Management at the University of Nebraska (Lincoln).

“I am extremely honored to be a Herman Sani Scholarship recipient,” she said. “Golf is my passion, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to make a career in the industry by attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study PGA Golf Management. This financial aid will help support my dream of contributing to the game of golf and advancing it in any way that I can. I am incredibly thankful to represent the amazing values exemplified by Mr. Sani and the Iowa Golf Association.”

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 2025, 207 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. 

Holmberg, Nelson claim thrilling victory at 2025 IGA Match Play Championships

June 30, 20250 commentsChampionships, IGA Match Play, Wmn's Match Play

The 2025 IGA Match Play Tournament at Talons of Tuscany concluded late Friday evening, capping off a week marked by unpredictable weather, extended delays, and unforgettable performances. What began with ideal conditions quickly turned into a test of endurance, as players battled the elements and each other in a grueling display of resilience and skill.

On the women’s side, Erika Holmberg (right) of Bettendorf emerged victorious after an epic 22-hole duel with Shannyn Vogler of Moline to capture the title. The No. 11 seed, Holmberg played an astonishing 52 holes on Friday to earn her second IGA title in just a few weeks.

Her road to the championship was anything but easy. Holmberg cruised past Michelle Klein in the Round of 32 with an 8&6 win, then edged Fiona Watson 1 up in the Round of 16. In the quarterfinals, she continued her strong play with a 2&1 victory over Chloe Bolte.

In a highly anticipated semifinal matchup, Holmberg faced off against her IGA Women’s Four-Ball partner—and good friend—Anna Jensen. The two recently claimed the Four-Ball title together, but on Friday, Holmberg came out on top with a 3&2 win.

“Playing Anna in the semifinals was very bittersweet,” Holmberg said. “She’s a great friend and we just won the IGA Women’s Four-Ball together. She played great golf, but I was able to edge ahead with birdies on 13 and 14 and stayed consistent with my putting.”

Reflecting on her week, Holmberg added, “I feel beyond fortunate to have claimed the IGA Women’s Match Play title. I didn’t play my best during stroke-play qualifying on Tuesday, so I knew I’d have to dig deep against tough competition. It was a true test of mental and physical toughness.”

Holmberg also credited her support team, saying, “This tournament was really special with so many friends and family on the bag throughout the week. A big shoutout to Karli Kerrigan for keeping me focused and present during the final holes of the championship match.”

On the men’s side, play began with 18 holes of stroke-play qualifying, cutting the field from 130 players to the top 64. University of Iowa Hawkeye and Cedar Falls native Maxwell Tjoa earned the top seed after carding a remarkable 64 (-8) in challenging wet and windy conditions.

Despite holding a comfortable lead after qualifying, match play brings unpredictability—and Tjoa’s opening match proved just that. In the round of 64, Tjoa fell to Leo Fiscus of Davenport in a tightly contested match, with Fiscus prevailing one-up. However, Fiscus’ run was short-lived, as Iowa State Cyclone Owen Sawyer defeated him 6&5 in the round of 32.

Sawyer’s dominant win was only the beginning of a bracket-breaking streak. He continued his impressive form by defeating AJ Sposato of Norwalk 6&5 in the round of 16, followed by a 2&1 victory over C.T. Norris of West Des Moines in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Sawyer overcame a strong challenge from Spencer Clatt of Gilbert, ultimately securing a spot in the championship match with another 6&5 win.

On the opposite side of the bracket, second-seeded Blake Cronin of Clive advanced through the early rounds before being upset by No. 15 seed Jon Brown of Adel, who cruised to a 6&5 win.

With top seeds falling early, one underdog made a name for himself—No. 58 seed Braeden Nelson (right) of West Des Moines. The future University of Wisconsin Badger made a stunning run, defeating Parker Rodgers of Nevada and Isaiah Zoske of Solon before meeting third-seeded Nate McCoy of Ankeny in the semifinals. Notably, Nelson had incurred a two-stroke penalty in stroke play from teeing off from the wrong tee and had to survive a 16-for-7 playoff just to secure a spot in match play.

He made the most of the opportunity.

“Luckily I made it through the playoff,” Nelson said. “It was a lesson learned for sure.”

Nelson’s semifinal match against McCoy was a battle. After a weather delay, McCoy came out hot, making five birdies in his first six holes to go three-up. But Nelson responded with four birdies of his own, ultimately clawing back to one-up and clinching the match.

With over 60 players eliminated, the championship match came down to Owen Sawyer and Braeden Nelson. The front nine featured a tight exchange of birdies, with the players all square at the turn. Neither player led by more than one hole, showing remarkable resilience and focus in the humid conditions.

Nelson broke the deadlock with a clutch birdie on the 12th hole, edging ahead of Sawyer. Despite Sawyer’s efforts to rally, Nelson’s steady play down the stretch preserved his lead, and he ultimately secured the title with a one-up victory.

“I played 50 holes today,” Nelson said of his two final matches. “Talons (Golf) is such a great course and I love to be out here. My caddie helped me a ton. Putting was the key for me this week. Owen is a great player and he gave me all I could handle. I made some good putts that was the difference. It was a lot of fun.”

Complete Results

Five Juniors Advance to USGA Championships After Ames Qualifier

June 25, 20250 commentsUSGA, USGA Qualifiers

Ninety-six junior golfers braved gusting winds and torrential downpours over the past few days at Ames Golf & Country Club, all vying for a coveted spot in the 2025 USGA U.S. Junior Amateur Championships. When the final putts dropped, four boys and one girl emerged victorious, punching their tickets to the prestigious national event.

In the boys division, Stuart Boulware of Fairway, Kansas earned medalist honors with a stellar round of 65 (-6). Boulware carded seven birdies, including an impressive stretch of three in a row on holes 15 through 17 to cap off his round.

“I made some really nice putts towards the end of my round today, and my wedge shots were really working for me,” said Boulware. “I’m really looking forward to playing in Texas at Trinity Forest Golf Club at the national USGA Championship.”

Joining him at the championship will be Zach Huang of Sammamish, Washington, who fired a 67 (-4). Huang surged early with a front-nine 31 (-4), putting himself firmly in contention from the start.

The final two qualifying spots were claimed by Nolan Kunkel of Oakdale, Minnesota and Carson Korver of Orange City, Iowa, who both posted rounds of 68 (-3) to secure their places in the national field.

In the girls division, Ruihan Kendria Wang of Bellevue, Washington delivered a dominant performance, earning medalist honors with a 69 (-2). Wang opened with back-to-back birdies and added three more on the back nine to finish atop the leaderboard.

The USGA U.S. Junior Amateur Championship (Boys) will take place July 21–26 at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, Texas. The Girls Championship will be held July 14–19 at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia.

Complete Results

Greazel takes first FD Am title; Taylor, Gaer, Yunek also win

June 23, 20250 commentsChampionships

The drives were impressive. The approach shots were on point.

Putting separates the men from the boys in golf, though. And Grant Greazel (pictured above) showed nerves of steel to win a three-man playoff at the 77th annual Fort Dodge Amateur on Sunday at the Fort Dodge Country Club.

Greazel calmly rolled in a short birdie to defeat Owen Sawyer and Preston Bily for the Open Division title in the event’s first playoff since 2014. The former Marshalltown High School standout and 2024 NJCAA individual national champion was joined in the 2025 FD Am winner’s circle by Bret Taylor (Senior Division), Dave Gaer (Super Senior) and Joel Yunek (Legends).

The 21-year-old Greazel fought his way back from an inauspicious start and held firm through hot, windy conditions to eventually tie for the top spot after 54 holes with Sawyer and Bily at even-par 213. With a noticeable breeze at their backs, all three golfers cleared the trees off the tee on the par-four first hole to set up short pitches into the green.

Click here to read more from Eric Pratt of the Fort Dodge Messenger

Complete Results

Holmberg and Jensen Capture 15th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Title with Back-to-Back 64s

June 17, 20250 commentsChampionships, IGA Women's Four-Ball

From left – Michelle Klein & Laura Leszczynski (Senior Division Winners) and Anna Jensen & Erika Holmberg (Championship Division Winners).

The final round of the 15th Iowa Golf Association (IGA) Women’s Four-Ball Championship wrapped up early Tuesday afternoon under ideal weather conditions at Prairie Links Golf Club in Waverly. Following a long and competitive opening day, players returned to the course energized and ready to finish strong.

Erika Holmberg and Anna Jensen emerged as champions, posting a stellar two-day total of 128 (-16). The duo backed up their opening round of 64 (-8) on Monday with another identical round on Tuesday, securing the title by two strokes.

With the favorable weather providing optimal scoring conditions, several teams took advantage. The round of the day came from Chloe Bolte and Morgan Rupp, who fired an impressive 62 (-10) to make a late charge. Despite their surge, it wasn’t enough to overtake Holmberg and Jensen.

In the senior division, Laura Leszcynski and Michelle Klein claimed their third consecutive IGA Women’s Four-Ball title. They shot a final-round 69 to finish at 3-under-par for the tournament, maintaining their dominance from the first day and staying ahead of the field.

Veteran team Margene Grady and Rosalie Kubesheski finished as runners-up in the senior division. Consistent contenders, they once again found themselves near the top of the leaderboard.

This year’s championship introduced a new sterling silver trophy, generously donated by the Heinz family. Jenny Heinz, a four-time IGA Women’s Four-Ball Champion, holds the record for the most titles in the event’s history.

Complete Results

Play Suspended but Scores Shine in Round 1 of the 15th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship

June 17, 20250 commentsChampionships, IGA Women's Four-Ball

Karli Kerrigan hits a nice drive during the opening round of the 15th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship on Monday.

Round 1 of the 15th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship began under promising conditions at Waverly’s Prairie Links Golf Club, but weather soon became a significant factor. After a strong start to the day, play was suspended early in the afternoon on Monday due to inclement weather, resulting in a delay of over three hours.

Despite the disruption, several teams posted impressive scores. Anna Jensen and Erika Holmberg took advantage of the calm morning conditions, firing an outstanding 8-under-par 64 to set the early pace.

For teams caught in the delay, resuming play under more challenging conditions made maintaining momentum difficult—but not impossible.

In the Senior Division, the competition is tight at the top. Margene Grady and Rosalie Kubesheski are tied for the lead with Laura Leszcynski and Michelle Klein, as both pairs carded even-par rounds of 72.

Round 1 concluded just before nightfall, setting the stage for a decisive final round Tuesday, where champions will be crowned in both divisions.

Complete Results

Families Celebrate Golf and Togetherness at IGA Father/Son & Parent/Child Championship

June 16, 20250 commentsChampionships, Father-Son / Parent-Child

Father’s Day weekend was in full swing as families gathered at Jester Park Golf Course for the annual IGA Father/Son & Parent/Child Championship, a cherished tradition celebrating family, fun, and friendly competition.

In the Father/Son Open Division, Terry and Derek Hannah of Redfield claimed the title with an impressive 4-under-par 68. Their round featured eight birdies, including three consecutive on holes 2 through 4. Close behind at 3-under-par 69 were three teams: Derek and Leo Fiscus of Davenport, Brian and Burke Pitz of Urbandale, and Tim and Ryan Greteman of West Des Moines.

The Parent/Child Open Division was won by Ben and Maura Peters of Bettendorf, carding a 2-under-par 70. This marks the fifth victory for the Peters duo in this division. Finishing in second place with scores of 75 (+3) were Ben Weiland and Nancy Olberding of Cedar Rapids and Blake and Geri Huser of Altoona.

In the Father/Son Young Adult Division, Naph and Oliver Rediger of Urbandale captured the win with a solid round of 73 (+1), highlighted by 15 pars and a birdie on the par-five 15th hole. Aaron and Beckham O’Brien of Ottumwa followed closely, finishing at 76 (+4).

The Jester Park par-3 course was filled with smiles, laughter, and high-fives as junior golfers ages 10 and under showcased their skills alongside proud parents.

In the Father/Son Junior Division (8 & Under), David and Emmett Combs of Waukee took home the title with a 64 (+10). In the 9 & 10 Division, Reid and Blake Turner emerged victorious with a score of 61 (+7).

On the Parent/Child side, Grant and Margo Walker of Ames won the 8 & Under Division, carding a 74 (+20), while Patrick and Kensi Wynja of Huxley secured the 9 & 10 Division title with a round of 66 (+12).

The IGA thanks all participants for making this event a heartwarming celebration of family and golf. Special thanks to Jester Park Golf Course for hosting another memorable championship weekend.

Complete Results

Scroll to top