Author: iowagolf

Wilson Wins Playoff Thriller, Leverenz Dominates at Iowa Junior Amateur Championship

June 24, 20260 commentsChampionships, Girls' Junior Amateur, Iowa Junior

 

Two champions were crowned today at the Iowa Junior Amateur Championship held at Legacy Golf Course at the 19. Playoff drama and many clutch putts down the stretch led to an eventful final round.

In the boys’ division, Luke Leverenz (above right) of Blue Grass stayed poised throughout the week to shoot 201 (-12) to claim the Iowa Junior Amateur Championship crown by six strokes. Leverenz got off to a hot start, birdying four of his first six holes.

“It was fun going out and attacking the pins on the back nine and then just seeing what putts I could make,” shared Leverenz with a smile. “I tried to just play like I was even-par all day and keep that mindset.”

Leverenz’ win earns him a spot in the prestigious U.S. Junior Amateur Championship which will be contested at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania July 20-25.

“I’m really looking forward to playing in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and having that experience,” expressed Leverenz. “I’m excited to meet some new people, it should be really fun.”

Waukee’s Jonathan Ward put up a good fight against Leverenz, but ultimately earned runner-up honors after shooting 72 (+1) on the day to post a 207 (-6) total. Grinnell’s Levi Jack fired a 70 (-1) in the final round to share runner-up honors with Ward. Jack opened with a front-nine 32, highlighted by two birdies and an eagle which offset some late-round bogeys.

In the girls’ division, Iowa City’s Ainsley Wilson (above left) claimed the title after scoring 222 (+8) for the week, but not without dueling Ames’ Ava Lohrbach in a sudden-death playoff first. After two extra holes, Wilson secured a clutch par while Lohrbach missed an up-and-down opportunity to extend the playoff.

“It feels like it’s been a long time coming to win this title,” Wilson shared. “It feels really good to finally get it done.”

With this win, Wilson punched her ticket to the U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur Championship which will be played at Old Chatham Club in Durham, North Carolina July 13-18.

“I’m really excited to tee it up at the national tournament. I think it’s going to be a fun event and a really good experience,” said Wilson.

Special thank you to all of the staff at Legacy Golf Course at the 19 for being so welcoming and accommodating this week!

Complete Results

One-Shot Leads Set Stage for Final-Round Showdown at Iowa Junior Amateur Championship

June 23, 20260 commentsChampionships, Girls' Junior Amateur, Iowa Junior

Ainsley Wilson of Iowa City stayed consistent and scored 75 (+3) to take the lead. Wilson fired off three birdies which nicely offset some late-round bogeys.

The second round of the Iowa Junior Amateur Championships held at Legacy Golf Course at the 19 tested players’ patience and resilience. Amidst blustery and unpredictable winds, a few juniors navigated the elements to find themselves atop the leaderboard.

Luke Leverenz of Blue Grass extended his lead by one stroke after firing a 70 (-1). His round was highlighted by two birdies and an eagle which helped offset two mid-round bogeys.

“It was a bit of a different day today playing in the afternoon with the wind,” Leverenz shared. “I really just tried to grind out some pars and take advantage of the times when I could be more aggressive”

Luke Leverenz

Making a climb up the leaderboard and sitting just one back of Leverenz is Jonathan Ward of Waukee. Ward fired a 66 (-5) with five birdies made on the front nine alone.

“[With my strong start] I just reminded myself that I’ve been in this position many times before and know how to manage it,” expressed Ward. “Heading into tomorrow, I’m just going to keep being me and try to hit it well out there.”

Grinnell’s Levi Jack and Urbandale’s Elijah Anderson each scored 67 and 68, respectively, to sit at -5 total. Both players posted four birdies on the day, while Jack tabbed an impressive eagle on the par-five first hole.

In the girls’ division, Ainsley Wilson (pictured above) of Iowa City stayed consistent and scored 75 (+3) to take the lead. Wilson fired off three birdies which nicely offset some late-round bogeys.

“The key for today was just trying to keep myself in good positions and make up-and-downs when necessary,” Wilson shared.

Following closely behind with a 75 (+3) on the day is Ava Lohrbach of Ames. Lohrback stayed away from trouble off the tee and made a few clutch putts to stay in the hunt.

“I made a few tweaks with my driver on the range yesterday so I was glad to see that pay off today,” Lohrback stated. “I’m going to rest up tonight and prepare myself for the day tomorrow.”

Clive’s Adalyn Wiig moved into fourth place after shooting 75 (+3), while Camille Wood of Bettendorf posted the division’s lowest score of the day with a 73 (+2) to put herself in fifth.

With only single-stroke leads in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions, there is no margin for error as players eye the coveted Iowa Junior Amateur Championship titles tomorrow.

Complete Results

Leverenz Fires 64, Roemer Grabs First-Round Lead at Iowa Junior Amateur Championship

June 22, 20260 commentsChampionships, Girls' Junior Amateur, Iowa Junior

The Iowa Junior Amateur Championship held at Legacy Golf Course at the 19 in Mason City is in full swing. Nearly perfect sunny and calm conditions made for plenty of birdie opportunities throughout the day which many players took advantage of.

In the boys’ division, Blue Grass’ Luke Leverenz (above) hit the ground running with an impressive 64 (-7) to lead by four strokes. Leverenz’s incredible play was highlighted by nine birdies, with six of them being scored on the back nine alone.

“I was just making everything today,” shared Leverenz with a smile. “There wasn’t much to it, just fairways, greens, and one-putts.”

A trio of players share a tie in second place at three-under. Carson Korver of Orange City, Cody Weaver of Gilman, and Joe Greazel of Marshalltown tied together a string of birdies to put themselves in contention.

“My putter got really hot on the front nine to give me some birdie looks,” Korver shared. “I did a good job scrambling on the back-nine to stay in contention.”

In the girls’ division, Stella Roemer (right) of Bettendorf found herself atop the leaderboard after posting a nice 73 (+2). Roemer found her stride on the par-threes, going two-under total on those holes.

“With some of the longer holes out here, I definitely took advantage of the par-threes,” shared Roemer. “My driver was also the best club in my bag today so that helped give me some good looks throughout the day.”

Following closely behind at +3 is Iowa City’s Ainsley Wilson and Ames’ Ava Lohrbach. Wilson’s round was highlighted by three birdies, with two scored on the back nine alone. Lohrbach remained steady throughout the day, stringing together eight pars in a row with a lone birdie on the par-four 13th hole.

Adalyn Wiig of Clive and Saleah VivanhVong of Des Moines both posted rounds of 75 (+4) to share a tie in fourth place.

With two days of competition remaining, the coveted Iowa Junior Amateur Championship titles are still anyone’s game. Forecasted sunny skies are sure to be kind to the field as they each eye the championship crowns.

Complete Results

Champions crowned at inaugural Jim Hasley Amateur

June 22, 20260 commentsChampionships

The inaugural Jim Hasley Amateur concluded at Emeis Golf Course after weather forced tournament officials to shorten the final round to nine holes. Despite the adjustment, competitors delivered outstanding performances across all divisions, making the first edition of the championship a memorable success.

Open Division
The Open Division title belonged to Ehtna Blomme, who put together rounds of 66-70-36 to finish at 8-under par. Blomme’s aggressive play was highlighted by an impressive 13 birdies over 45 holes, helping secure a two-stroke victory.

Tying for runner-up honors at 6-under par were Sam Johnson (68-68-38) and Roman Roth (66-70-38), who stayed in contention throughout the championship and finished just behind the winner.

Senior Division
In the Senior Division, Jay Gregory claimed the championship with rounds of 72-72-38, finishing at 2-over par. Gregory played consistent, steady golf throughout the event, highlighted by four birdies and an eagle across his 45 holes.

Runner-up honors went to Bill Matzdorff, who posted rounds of 75-70-39 to finish at 4-over par.

Super Senior Division
The Super Senior Division provided the tournament’s most dramatic finish. Tom Wolfe and Tim Peters finished regulation tied at 12-over par. Wolfe carded rounds of 73-75-44 and ultimately prevailed in a playoff over Peters (77-76-39) to capture the inaugural title.

Women’s Division
The Women’s Division was controlled by Maura Peters, who recorded rounds of 73-69-37 to finish at 1-under par. Peters played remarkably steady golf throughout the championship and earned an impressive 13-shot victory.

Finishing second was Ella Sherrick, whose rounds of 76-73-43 resulted in a 12-over par total.

Despite weather shortening the final round, the inaugural Jim Hasley Amateur showcased strong competition, standout performances, and an exciting finish across multiple divisions. From Blomme’s birdie-filled championship run to Wolfe’s playoff victory and Peters’ commanding performance in the Women’s Division, the event established a strong foundation for what promises to become a premier championship on the Iowa amateur golf calendar.

Complete Results

Memories made at annual IGA Father/Son, Parent-Child Championship

June 22, 20260 commentsChampionships, Father-Son / Parent-Child

The Iowa Golf Association’s annual Father-Son (F/S) & Parent-Child (P/C) Championship brought families together for a memorable weekend of competition and camaraderie at Jester Park Golf Course. Played in a modified alternate shot format, the event showcased teamwork, strategy, and plenty of family connections on the course.

Players were greeted by near-perfect conditions throughout the championship. With little to no wind and comfortable temperatures both days, competitors enjoyed outstanding golfing weather that allowed families to focus on making memories and enjoying time together on the course.

Championship Division Winners

Father-Son Open Overall Division
🥇 Brian Rose & Todd Rose (Urbandale) – 67 (-5)

Parent-Child Open Overall Division
🥇 Nate Pettitt & Hannah Pettitt (Urbandale) – 69 (-3)

Father-Son Young Adult Division
🥇 Brad Henningsen & Jack Henningsen (Atlantic) – 77 (+5)

Parent-Child Young Adult Division
🥇 Ben Nedved & Natalie Nedved (Humboldt) – 107 (+35)

Par 3 Course Champions

Father-Son Juniors 8 & Under
🥇 Brian Wynia & Palmer Wynia (Urbandale) – 61 (+7)

Father-Son Juniors 9 & 10
🥇 David Combs & Emmett Combs (Waukee) – 64 (+10)

Parent-Child Juniors 8 & Under
🥇 Grant Walker & Margo Walker (Ames) – 77 (+23)

Parent-Child Juniors 9 & 10
🥇 Wade Pettitt & Brooklyn Pettitt (Waukee) – 65 (+11)

The championship once again highlighted what makes this event special: families spending quality time together, sharing the challenge of competition, and creating lasting memories. Congratulations to all of this year’s champions and participants for another successful Father-Son & Parent-Child Championship.

Complete Results

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

June 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

June 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

June 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

June 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

June 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.

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