Author: iowagolf

Smith Holds On for Open Title as Matzdorff, Malizia Claim Division Crowns

iowagolfAugust 9, 20260 commentsChampionships, Herman Sani Tournament

Champions have been crowned at the Herman Sani Tournament held at Echo Valley Country Club in Norwalk this afternoon. Scattered thunderstorms early in the morning led to some unprecedented delays, but a few players persevered to earn the titles.

Winning the open overall division with a total of -11 (66-69-70) is Grant Smith (above) of West Des Moines.

“After coming up short in a lot of these tournaments, it feels really good to finally get the job done,” expressed Smith with a smile. “The golf course, staff, and membership were incredible out here. It was a fun weekend.”

Smith’s championship round was a rollercoaster. After opening with three birdies in his first five holes, Smith found trouble on the par-four seventh where he took a double-bogey, followed up by a pair of bogeys.

“It was rough out there for a little bit,” shared Smith. “But I was fortunate to have my dad on the bag today and that really helped keep me grounded.”

Smith fired two birdies in his final two holes to edge Bettendorf’s Ethan Blomme by a single stroke. Blomme also rattled off back-to-back birdies in his final few holes to give himself a chance at -10 (69-68-69), but it was ultimately Smith who sealed the deal. Arthur’s Axton Miller rounded out the podium at -9 (67-68-72)

In the Senior Division, Echo Valley Country Club member Bill Matzdorff (right), of Cumming, claimed his first IGA major title in his career after posting rounds of 68-70-68 (-10) to win by two.

“It was great getting to win on home soil this weekend,” Matzdorff expressed. “If you would have told me at the start of the week I would only make six bogeys and fire off 16 birdies I wouldn’t have believed you. It was a great weekend.”

Norwalk’s Joe Palmer and Johnston’s J.D. Anderson came in second and third place, respectively, at -8 for the weekend.

In the Super Senior Division, Humboldt’s Tony Malizia (left) secured his victory going +7 (78-73-72). Malizia’s final round 72 was the lowest 18-hole score in the division all weekend.

“I made a lot more putts today than I had the previous two days, so that helped a lot,” shared Malizia. “I can’t say enough good things about this place, it was excellent.”

Des Moines’ Mark Gambaiana and Marshalltown’s Rob Christensen rounded at the podium at +16.

Iowa City’s Steven Ihm secured the professional division title at -6 (75-66-69), followed by Albia’s Darin Fisher (-4) and Ankeny’s Zach Steffen (-1).

Special thank you to the staff and membership at Echo Valley Country Club for generously hosting this year’s Herman Sani Tournament.

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Smith, Miller Share Lead After Two Rounds of 77th Herman Sani Tournament

iowagolfAugust 8, 20260 commentsChampionships, Herman Sani Tournament

The second round of the 77th Herman Sani Tournament is officially in the books, and the leaderboard has tightened considerably heading into the final round at Echo Valley Country Club.

Grant Smith (above) of West Des Moines and Axton Miller now share the Open Division lead at 9-under-par 135 after two rounds. Smith carded a 3-under 69 on Friday, highlighted by five birdies, while Miller fired a 4-under 68 with five birdies of his own.

Just one shot back is Jake Weissenburger at 8-under 136 after an impressive 67 in Round 2. Ethan Bloome sits at 7-under 137, while Andrew Johannsen and AJ Sposato are both at 6-under 138. Four additional players are just one shot further back at 5-under.

With so many players still within striking distance, the Open Division remains wide open heading into the final round.

In the Senior Division, Echo Valley Country Club member Bill Matzdorff (right) continues to lead after posting a second-round 70. Matzdorff finished his day in style, making a pair of birdies to move to 6-under 138 for the tournament.

Fellow Echo Valley Country Club member Joe Palmer made the biggest move of the day in the Senior Division, firing a 4-under 68 to climb to 5-under 139 and within one shot of the lead. Johnston’s J.D. Anderson, who opened the tournament with a 66, sits at 4-under 140 following his second round.

The Super Senior Division is also tightly contested, with Rob Christensen and Tony Malizia sharing the lead at 7-over 151. Andy Burton sits just one shot back at 8-over 152.

With one final round remaining, the leaderboard is crowded and plenty of players remain within striking distance of a championship.

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Strong Starts Highlight Opening Round of 77th Herman Sani Tournament

iowagolfAugust 7, 20260 commentsChampionships, Herman Sani Tournament

The opening round of the Herman Sani Tournament held at Echo Valley Country Club is officially in the books. Nearly flawless playing conditions fared well for the field, and a few players took advantage to climb atop the leaderboard.

Sharing the Open Division lead with a pair of stellar 66’s (-6) is Calen Bishop (right) of Johnston and Grant Smith of West Des Moines. Bishop took a commanding lead early in his round, firing a 30 (-6) on the front nine alone.

“I really just tried to play like I was even-par on each hole today,” Bishop shared. “Heading into tomorrow I’m just going to keep hitting fairways and greens and continue to give myself good looks.”

Smith also got off to a hot start, rattling off four birdies on his front nine. After a string of pars on holes 10-14, Smith hopped back on the birdie train on the par-five 15th and the par-four 18th.

In the senior division, Johnston’s J.D. Anderson (left) leads the field after an opening 66 (-6) which was highlighted by seven birdies, four of which were made in his first five holes.

“I played pretty solid and steady most of the day,” mentioned Anderson. “I had some nice wedge shots that I stuck in close, so that was helpful.”

Following closely behind Anderson with a 68 (-4) is Echo Valley Country Club member Bill Matzdorff, of Cumming. Matzdorff scored five birdies on the day, which helped counter a lone bogey on the par-five ninth hole.

Leading the Super Senior Division with a 76 (+4) is Mark Gambaiana of Des Moines. After starting his opening nine with a 40 (+4), Gambaiana bounced back with an impressive 36 (E) on his second nine.

Following closely behind at +5 is the trio of Cedar Rapids’ Bill Sutton, Johnston’s Steve Jordan, and Gowrie’s Tom Schill.

With two more days of competition remaining, the tournament is still anyone’s game.

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Honsa Ties Tournament Record, Wins 2026 Northwest Amateur by Nine Shots

iowagolfAugust 3, 20260 commentsChampionships, News

The 2026 Northwest Amateur concluded with a record-tying performance as Joe Honsa (above) of Mendota Heights, Minnesota captured the championship in dominant fashion. Honsa fired rounds of 63-66-67-70 to finish at 22-under-par 266, matching the tournament scoring record established by 2022 champion J.D. Anderson. His nine-stroke victory highlighted one of the finest performances in the event’s history. Honsa will begin his sophomore season this fall as a member of the University of Minnesota men’s golf team, and the Northwest Amateur is proud to add his name to its distinguished list of champions.

Finishing in a tie for second at 13-under-par 275 were Miles Bollinger of Woodbury, Minnesota, and Axton Miller of Arthur, Iowa, each posting outstanding four-round performances. Mick Herron of Excelsior, Minnesota claimed fourth at 12-under 276, while Ben Appelhof of Blaine, Minnesota rounded out the top five at 11-under 277.

The championship field showcased exceptional depth throughout the week. Simply qualifying for the Championship Flight—comprised of the tournament’s top 27 players—was a significant accomplishment, and scoring conditions reflected the high level of play, with all 20 golfers who finished in the top 20 ending the 72-hole championship under par.

The Championship Flight Top 20 finishers were:

Joe Honsa – Mendota Heights, MN (266)
Miles Bollinger – Woodbury, MN (275)
Axton Miller – Arthur, IA (275)
Mick Herron – Excelsior, MN (276)
Ben Appelhof – Blaine, MN (277)
Jack Mulligan – Clarendon Hills, IL (278)
Ben Hicks – Victoria, MN (279)
Dennis Bull – Norwalk, IA (279)
Jon Brown – Adel, IA (281)
Jackson Laven – Okoboji, IA (282)
Eddie Doyle – Fort Dodge, IA (282)
Drew Spooner – Cherokee, IA (283)
Carter Madison – Adel, IA (283)
Michael Clark – Spencer, IA (283)
Shane Barnes – Minnetrista, MN (283)
Jack Winkel – Ankeny, IA (284)
Judd Jirovsky – Grundy Center, IA (285)
James Preston – Lakeland, FL (285)
Joe Hunter – Altoona, IA (286)
Evan Smith – Knoxville, IA (287)

Congratulations also go to the winners of each flight:

1st Flight: Dominick Haskins (St. Paul, MN) – 211
2nd Flight: Patrick Herron (Deephaven, MN) – 215
3rd Flight: Cole Grandfield (Elkhorn, NE) – 215
4th Flight: Colin Mitchell (Dakota Dunes, SD) – 225 (won tiebreaker)
5th Flight: Jordan Oltman (Harrisburg, SD) – 224
6th Flight: AJ Stanley (Spencer, IA) – 227

Senior Division champions were also recognized:

Senior I (Ages 50–59): Jon Brown (Adel, IA) – 141 (won tiebreaker)
Senior II (Age 60+): Curtis Holck (Ankeny, IA) – 146

The Northwest Amateur extends its sincere thanks to all participants, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who helped make another outstanding championship possible. We appreciate everyone who made the trip to Spencer and look forward to welcoming players back for the 2027 Northwest Amateur, July 29–August 1, as another chapter is written in the tournament’s storied history.

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Sawyer Claims Second Straight Iowa Amateur Title

iowagolfJuly 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

iowagolfJuly 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

iowagolfJuly 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

iowagolfJuly 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

iowagolfJuly 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

iowagolfJuly 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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