Author: iowagolf

Golfers face windy conditions in day two of 47th Iowa Senior Amateur

June 3, 20250 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Amateur

While the sun has set on day two of the 47th Iowa Senior Amateur championship, the battle to crown a pair of champions has only just begun. With three players atop the Championship Division leaderboard each carding a second round 71 (E) and many in the hunt in the Super Senior Division, today’s final round is set to be a dogfight to the finish. 

In the Championship Division, Joe Palmer of Norwalk, Jon Brown of Adel (above), and Brian Verduyn of Polk City fared the elements to maintain their share of the lead.

Brown highlighted the day with a hole-in-one on the second hole.

“Second hole of the day and the wind’s howling right to left…Went in on the second bounce. Pretty cool,” expressed Brown. 

For the remainder of the field, the road to spotless rounds was far from easy. The players’ biggest adversary? The wind. With gusts up to 25mph, the links-style golf course left a trail of carnage. Triple-bogeys and worse plagued countless scorecards, and birdies became few and far between. 

“It was a two to three club wind out there today,” shared Gary Ellis of Norwalk. “I just had to trust my swing and trust the club and had to take some chances out there with the wind.”

Ellis shared the Championship Division low-round of the day with a 71 (E). 

Also carding a 71 was Ben Peters of Bettendorf. Making a strong comeback after a round one score of 74 (+3), Peters leads the entire field in birdies with a total of six so far. 

“I made quite a few nice putts today. When I’m getting the ball in play I’m able to score, I’m just hoping to get the ball in play more often,” Peters said.

The Super Senior Division was highlighted by Dave Gaer of Des Moines’ low-round of 70 (-1). As the only player with an under-par round today, Gaer made up some ground after an opening round of 76 (+5). 

“I hit 15 greens today which left me a lot of birdie putts. I avoided a lot of the fescue which certainly helps out here,” Gaer noted. “Heading into tomorrow, I’m really just looking to get the ball in the fairway and play smart.”

Jim Butler of Fort Madison shot 75 (+4) in round two which brings his two-day total to 145 (+3) and keeps him at the top of the leaderboard in the Super Senior Division. Following close behind is Gaer (+4) and a trio of golfers, Jim Madsen of Carroll, Tony Malizia of Humboldt, and Paul Wielage of Clive at (+6). 

With impending thunderstorms forecasted for tomorrow’s championship round, the entire field will begin play with an 8:30 a.m., shotgun.

Complete Results

Packed leaderboard at the 47th Iowa Senior Amateur

June 1, 20250 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Amateur

A crowded leaderboard highlights the opening round of the 47th Iowa Senior Amateur at Coldwater Golf Links in Ames, with five players tied for the lead at even-par 72. Sharing the top spot are Jon Brown (pictured above), Brian Verduyn, Joe Palmer (right), Kirk Macumber and Sean Davis.

While scoring opportunities were available, many players found consistency hard to come by—birdies often offset by bogeys or worse. Four competitors sit just one stroke back at 73 (+1), with seven more close behind at 74 (+2), all still in strong contention heading into Monday’s second round.

In the Super Senior Division, Jim Butler turned in a standout performance, carding a 70 (-1) — two strokes better than his age.

“It kind of came out of nowhere,” Butler said after his round.

Tony Malizia trails Butler by just two shots, while four additional players sit tied at 73 (+2), keeping the division wide open.

After Monday’s round, the field will be cut to the low 60 scores and ties, including anyone within 10 shots of the lead. The cut will reflect a ratio of entries between divisions — 35 spots allocated to Seniors and 25 to Super Seniors.

Complete Results

Weeks wins 2025 Lake Creek Amateur in playoff, Peterson & Malizia collect titles

May 28, 20250 commentsChampionships, News

Mason Weeks adds to family lore with championship

Mason Weeks (above) came to the Buena Vista University Golf Course at Lake Creek over the weekend intent on adding to the family hardware collection. He did all that and more in securing the 2025 Lake Creek Amateur title after shooting rounds of 68 and 70, then downing a fellow collegiate competitor in a one-hole playoff.

“My brother, Matt, won the Lake Creek Am in 2013,” said Weeks, as he shared a laugh. “Our dad, Paul, has never let us forget it.”

Weeks rose to the challenge and will now give his father reasons to seek other motivational means. He said his father gave him some advice as they texted on Saturday evening.

“My dad told me to stick to my process,” said Weeks, a recent graduate of the University of Sioux Falls and a two-time all-conference selection for the Cougars. “I knew that at Lake Creek, I needed to stay patient and not get too aggressive. I relied heavily on my irons and tried to hit as many greens as possible.”

Weeks had birdies on Nos. 4, 7, and 9 in the opening nine holes on Sunday, an outward side featuring a lone bogey on No. 5, where he had tree trouble off the tee and missed the green.

“I then had bogeys on both No. 11 and No. 12 and had a little talk with myself,” he said. “I knew some guys would be charging, so I had to get at least one more.”

He ended up making birdie on both par 5s at Nos. 13 and 16, holes he birdied the previous day. But when a 30-footer just slid left on No. 18, Weeks had to watch as Hogan Hansen, of Waverly, lined up a 7-foot birdie effort for the victory. When Hansen’s effort slid past, leaving both at 6-under par for the weekend, Weeks geared up to play No. 18 again, against Hansen in a sudden-death playoff.

In the playoff, Hansen reached the green from some tree trouble on the right. His birdie putt from 45 feet scooted past the hole, leaving him about six feet for par. After Weeks two-putted for his par, Hansen, an Iowa Hawkeye, saw his par putt miss right, which put the trophy into Weeks’ hands.

“I grew up playing with Hogan and Jake (Weissenburger, the two-time defending champion at BVU Lake Creek), and they are great golfers,” Weeks said. “Hogan played a great round today, and had two eagles, but just missed a putt at the end. It was so much fun playing in the last group with Hogan, Jake, and J.D. Anderson, who is one of the top names in Iowa amateur golf.”

Weissenburger and Ethan Mechling, of Des Moines, finished at two-under, good for fourth place. Anderson, a champion here in 2006 and 2009, finished at even par in eighth place. Nate McCoy, a second-place finisher at Lake Creek on a number of occasions, shot Sunday’s low round of 68, but would finish one shot back, in third place. The Ankeny resident and four-time defending IGA Men’s Player of the Year missed an eight-foot birdie putt on the last hole that could have put him in the playoff.

McCoy eagled No. 13 and birdied No. 16 to briefly pull him into a tie at the top.

“I try not to look at the scores, but when Nate made those numbers, I knew I had to keep charging,” Weeks said.

Weeks, who has been the medalist of the Iowa Amateur Qualifying event at Lake Creek in the past, plans to return to Storm Lake for this qualifier. The confidence forged in this victory should serve him well as he continues his summer schedule in advance of a fifth year of collegiate eligibility that will likely find him continuing his play at an NCAA Division I institution.

Seventy-nine golfers competed in three divisions during the Lake Creek Amateur. Golfers came from as far away as Keokuk to vie for honors in the Open Division, Senior Division, and Super Senior class. Urbandale’s Ron Peterson, a two-time Lake Creek Amateur Champion, edged Bill Matzdorff, of Cumming, by shooting 72-72 for an even par 144 total.

Sean Davis (Council Bluffs), Tony Newkirk (Des Moines), and Steve Eddie (Storm Lake) finished third through fifth.

Tony Malizia, of Humboldt, enjoyed a six-shot cushion in winning the Super Senior Division at 141 (three-under par). Steve Jordan (Johnston), David Studer (Keokuk), James Blackburn (Des Moines), and Bill Corrick (Fairfield) rounded out the top five.

“We had a great field from all over the state of Iowa, representing every corner of the state,” said Evan Krause, a former Buena Vista University golfer who organized and helped oversee the tournament at BVU Lake Creek. “Mother Nature cooperated with decent temperatures and the trademark winds that make Lake Creek a good test. We are thankful for our grounds crew for working to get the course ready for competition during a week in which we received more than three inches of rain.

“Of course, we couldn’t do this without the support we receive from Chad Pitts and the IGA, who show their faith in Lake Creek each year,” Krause continued. “We can’t wait to see Mason Weeks and many of these great amateur golfers back again as BVU Lake Creek hosts the Iowa Amateur Qualifying Tournament on July 9.”

Complete Results

Past Open Division Champions, Lake Creek Amateur
2025 – Mason Weeks, Spirit Lake (138)
2024 – Jake Weissenburger, Clive (141)
2023 – Jake Weissenburger, Clive (137)
2022 – Aaron Clausen, Storm Lake (141)
2021 – Brenden Bassing, Sioux Falls (143…36 holes)
2020 – Jack Evans, Brainerd, Minn. (144…36 holes)
2013 – Matt Weeks, Spirit Lake (213)
2012 – Gene Elliott, West Des Moines (207)
2011 – Kirby Pettitt, Carroll (206)
2010 – Justin Schulte, West Des Moines (207)
2009 – J.D. Anderson, West Des Moines (209)
2008 – Jon Brown, Urbandale (205)
2007 – Kyle Ritchie, Corning (211)
2006 – J.D. Anderson, West Des Moines (204)
2005 – Mike McCoy, West Des Moines (209)
2004 – Scott Quandt, Mt. Carmel (204)
2003 – Ron Peterson, Urbandale (141)
2002 – Ron Peterson, Urbandale (210)
2001 – Kevin Johnson, Urbandale (215)
2000 – Steve Smith, Johnston (207)
1999 – Jim Curell, Boone (205)
1998 – Jason Knutzon, Ames (207)
1997 – Nate Dunn, Manchester (67)
1996 – Ben Pettitt, Carroll (206)
1995 – Mike McCoy, Des Moines (172)
1994 – Mike McCoy, Des Moines (206)
1993 – Jon Brown, Urbandale (209)
1992 – Mike McCoy, Des Moines (206)
1991 – Jay Horton, Ames (207)
1990 – Al Pottebaum, Le Mars (208)
1989 – Mike Dunphy, Perry (207)
1988 – Todd Sapp, Lincoln (220)
1987 – Bill Manske, Algona (218)
1986 – Steve Winkel, Algona (215)
1985 – Ned Zachar, Ames (210)
1984 – Greg Tebbutt, Bettendorf (213)
1983 – Dean Kain, Algona (283)
1982 – Gary Claypool, Marion (278)
1981 – Jim Curell, Boone (242)
1980 – Dean Kain, Algona (288)
1979 – Jim Curell, Boone (287)
1978 – Bill Manske, Algona (277)
1977 – Chuck Null, Cedar Rapids
1976 – Julius Boros, Iowa City (139)
1975 – Lon Nielsen, Belle Plaine
1974 – Roger Null, Cedar Rapids
1973 – Larry Castagnoli, Fort Dodge

 

2025 Ann Griffel Scholars announced

May 28, 20250 commentsNews, Scholarships

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) congratulates the 2025 recipients of the Ann Griffel (above right) Scholarship Award: Paige Franzen, Hope Faber, Malinda Voortmann, Lydia Krueger and Lauren Nuss. Each recipient will be awarded a one-year scholarship of $2,000. Since 1963, the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award has been helping students further their education. A total of 268 students have earned the honor of receiving this prestigious scholarship.

🎓 Paige Franzen
High School: Nashua-Plainfield High School
College: Coe College
Major: Nursing
Plans to play college golf
Parents: Philip & Jamee Franzen

“To me, receiving this scholarship means that I am one step closer to achieving my dreams of becoming a nurse. Additionally, I will be continuing my golf career at Coe College and will continue to grow the game for those around me. I am truly honored to be a recipient of the Ann Griffel Scholarship.” – Paige Franzen

 

🎓 Hope Faber
High School: Sioux Center High School
College: Dordt University
Major: Elementary Education
Plans to play college golf
Parents: Michael & Karri Faber

“Receiving this scholarship is a huge honor. This scholarship motivates me to continue striving for excellence both on the course and in the classroom. The game of golf will always be a huge part of my life and has taught me many lessons thus far. I hope all younger girls can experience this game in the same way that I have.” – Hope Faber

 

🎓 Malinda Voortmann
High School: Clear Lake High School
College: Iowa State University
Majors: Computer Science & Business
Parents: Jeremy & Kathleen Voortmann

“Receiving the Ann Griffel Scholarship is an incredible honor. I have always loved golf, from playing with my family growing up to competing on my high school golf team. This game has taught me valuable lessons and has allowed me to connect with many people. Knowing this scholarship carries on Ann Griffel’s legacy of supporting women in golf makes it even more meaningful. I’m so grateful to the Iowa Golf Association Foundation for investing in my future and encouraging girls like me to continue growing through the game.” – Malinda Voortmann

 

🎓 Lydia Krueger
High School: Norwalk High School
College: Iowa State University
Major: Graphic Design
Parents: Aaron & Tonya Krueger

“I am honored to be chosen as a recipient for this scholarship. Golf has been a very important and influential part of my life and it is a privilege to represent such a wonderful sport and organization.” – Lydia Krueger

 

🎓 Lauren Nuss
High School: New Hampton High School
College: University of Northern Iowa
Major: Biochemistry (Pre-Pharmacy Track)
Plans to play college golf
Parents: Marty & Carolyn Nuss

“I am truly honored to receive the Ann Griffel Scholarship. I want to inspire the future generation to pick up golf, as it plays a significant role in my life. Additionally, I am grateful to be chosen for this scholarship to help fund my studies and golf career.” – Lauren Nuss

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.

McCoy captures emotional victory at 40th Iowa Mid-Amateur

May 18, 20250 commentsChampionships, Iowa Mid-Am

It was a battle of grit and resolve at Whispering Creek Golf Club, and in the end, Nate McCoy (above) emerged victorious at the 40th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship. McCoy weathered brutal conditions and a hard-charging Trent Lindenman to win by a single shot—and claim a title that carries deep personal significance, as his father’s name is etched on the permanent trophy.

Entering the final round tied atop the leaderboard with Lindenman and veteran Gene Elliott, McCoy got off to a strong start with two birdies in his first seven holes, making the turn at one-under-par.

Lindenman, who posted a front-nine 38, mounted a spirited comeback with four birdies on the inward nine. After two superb shots into the 18th green, he had a real chance to force a playoff. But when his eagle chip settled inside 10 feet, the ensuing birdie putt slid just past the edge. That left McCoy with a three-foot par putt for the win—a simliar length he missed in 2024 to fall out of a playoff in this very event.

This time, there was no hesitation. McCoy calmly rolled it in to secure the win with a final score of 73-80-70 (+7).

“It was maybe the three hardest days to play ever,” McCoy said with a smile. “The first day was firm and challenging, but the second round was the worst-case scenario—we got poured on during the back nine. I tried to keep the grips dry, but lost that battle. I struggled to keep the ball in play.”

While the final round brought calmer winds and finally some sunshine, the relentless conditions had already taken their toll.

“I was teeing the ball low and just trying to bunt it down the fairway at times,” McCoy added. “Into the wind, you’re trying to flight it, and even downwind it was tough. I was just trying to get a yardage to the front of the green and adjust from there.”

Aware that a strong final round was necessary, McCoy aimed to set a target that would force the others to chase.

“I thought if I could shoot four under, someone in the last group would need to go five under to beat me,” he said. “I knew I needed to try and go low today.”

McCoy had high praise for Lindenman, who nearly stole the spotlight with his late charge.

“I give a lot of credit to Trent,” McCoy said. “He’s one of the best guys I know and such a solid player. He really went after it. If he had gotten me, I would’ve been happy for him. I respect his game immensely—and him even more as a person. We’ll have some good battles in the future.”

As for the final putt? McCoy said he didn’t think once about the similar miss from last year.

“Actually, it didn’t even cross my mind,” he said. “I putted well this week—it was the strongest part of my game. I made a lot of key putts when I needed them.”

The victory was especially meaningful after last year’s heartbreak.

“After Bos Landen last year, I was in a dark place after missing that short putt,” McCoy said. “So I’m glad to get a win—and not have history repeat itself. This is a great way to start my season. Next up is the Lake Creek Amateur.”

In the Senior Division, Joe Palmer nearly lapped the field, finishing seven ahead of Ron Peterson, after firing rounds of 75-73-72. His round of 73 in brutal conditions in the second round was astonishing.

“It could have been better,” Palmer said after his second round. “I three putted a couple times.”

A similar story could be told in the Super Senior Division as Dave Gaer pulled away for a nine shot victory over Tim Peters.

“Those conditions were brutal,” Gaer said in summarizing his week.

Complete Results

From left – Dave Gaer (Super Senior Division Champion), Nate McCoy (Mid-Amateur Division Champion) and Joe Palmer (Senior Division Champion).

Three tied for lead at Iowa Mid-Amateur, several give chase

May 16, 20250 commentsChampionships, Iowa Mid-Am

It was brutal.

Conditions for players in the second round of the 40th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship at Whispering Creek Golf Club were downright difficult for the entire day. Gusting winds and rain that never seen to let up gave most who teed it up all they could handle.

Heading into tomorrow’s final round in Sioux City, a trio set atop the leaderboard at +9. Gene Elliott, Nate McCoy and Trent Lindenman (above) will battle it out in the final group. J.D. Anderson (76) and Dusty Drenth (75) both posted solid rounds on Friday and will look to make a charge from their +12 position.

Six-time Iowa Mid-Amateur champion, similar to Elliott, Mike McCoy sits alone in 6th place at +13, but doesn’t think he out of it by any means.

“It’s going to be a shootout tomorrow,” the elder McCoy said.

Following an impressive 73 (+1) in the second round, Joe Palmer leads the way by five shots over Curtis Holck. Ben Peters, the opening round leader, sits in third place and six shots back of Palmer. Dave Gaer (+12) leads the Super Senior Division by a pair of strokes over Tim Peters.

Complete Results

 

McCoy leads by two, many left baffled by gusting winds

May 15, 20250 commentsChampionships, Iowa Mid-Am

The wind and occasional rain came – and left many scratching their heads and licking their wounds at the end of the day.

Whispering Creek Golf Club in Sioux City, host of the 40th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship, played downright tough in the opening round with winds gusting almost all day. Ankeny’s Nate McCoy (above) weathered the storm for the most part and holds a two stroke advantage over Trent Lindenman (New Sharon) and Ryan Horner (Clive). McCoy’s round of 73 (+1) included five birdies but six bogeys derailed any thought of an under-par start for the 2022 champion in this event.

Six-time Iowa Mid-Amateur champion Gene Elliott sits just four back of the pace, while Coby Thompson finds himself in the mix at +6.

Only eight players broke 80 on Thursday in the Mid-Amateur Division.

Ben Peters (+1) leads the Senior Division by a single stroke over Ron Peterson, while three other sit just two off the lead.

Not to be outdone, Tim Peters, brother of Ben, leads the way in the Super Senior Division, following a round of 78 (+6). Dave Gaer and David Studer both posted rounds of +8 and will look to close the gap in tomorrow’s second round in Sioux City.

Complete Results

Four advance from U.S Open Local qualifying held at CRCC

May 13, 20250 commentsUSGA, USGA Qualifiers

From left – Matthew Walker, Isaac Rumler, Sean McCarty and Gage Messingham.

A total 76 players teed it up Monday at Cedar Rapids Country Club with the hope of advancing to U.S. Open Final Qualifying.

By the end of the day, those four had been identified and advanced.

Gage Messingham (amateur), of Arvada, Colorado, followed up his win at the IGA Four-Ball by claiming medalist honors. The Iowa Hawkeye fired 69 (-3) en route to medalist honors. Messingham’s day began on the 10th tee and he played the front nine at -4. On #1, Messingham was tested when he made a double bogey, but found a way to grind out the round.

Messingham credited his strong play to his driver and positioning off the tee. For final qualifying Messingham will rely on the confidence he has built early this summer and his excitement for the opportunity.

Matthew Walker (professional), of Ottumwa, took the second qualifying spot with 70 (-2). Sean McCarty (professional) of Solon and Isaac Rumler (amateur) of Moline, Illinois, took the third and fourth qualifying spots with a score of 71 (-1). Cedar Rapids Country Club was friendly to the Hawkeyes as Messingham is a current player at Iowa and McCarty and Walker are both alumni.

The four men will have a chance to qualify for the US Open at final qualifying. There are a variety of sites the players can choose from for the 36-hole qualifier, also known as “the longest day in golf.”

After a one-hole playoff Matthew Jennings (professional) of Prairie City earned the First Alternate spot and Mac McClear (professional) of St. Louis, Missouri, earned the Second Alternate position. Both men shot a score of even par 72 earlier in the day.

Complete Results

Young man Potter wins 2025 Southeast Iowa Amateur, Matzdorff & Jordan pull away from field

May 13, 20250 commentsChampionships, News

Following a blistering 66 (-6) in Saturday’s opening round, Runnells’ Ty Potter (-7) held on for a one-shot victory over Grant Greazel, of Marshalltown, to win the 2025 Southeast Amateur held at The Preserve at Lake Rathbun.

Potter made a total of 9 birdies over the weekend along with an eagle to finish atop the leaderboard in the 36-hole event.

Axton Miller (Arthur) and Ethan Mechling (Des Moines) finished T3rd place at -4 overall.

Bill Matzdorff, of Cumming, ran away with the Senior Division finishing five shots clear of second place finisher Bret Taylor, of Booneville. Matzdorff fired rounds of 67-69 (-8).

Steve Jordan, of Johnston, left little doubt as well in the Super Senior Division by winning by a total of nine shots over Bill Corrick of Farfield. Jordan posted rounds of 70-75 (+1) on the weekend.

Complete results

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