Author: iowagolf

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

iowagolfJune 10, 20260 commentsChampionships, Forever 39 Match Play

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

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

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

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

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

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

Complete Results

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

iowagolfJune 9, 20260 commentsUSGA, USGA Qualifiers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McCoy Successfully Defends Title at Carroll Amateur

iowagolfJune 8, 20260 commentsNews

Nate McCoy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Complete Results

2026 Ann Griffel Scholars announced

iowagolfJune 4, 20260 commentsNews, Scholarships

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

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

Brinley Carlson

Brinley Carlson, daughter of Shane and Michaela Carlson, graduated from Roland-Story High School and will attend the University of Northern Iowa this fall. She plans to study biology on a pre-med track while competing for the Panthers. Brinley was also named a Herman Sani Scholar this year.

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

Emma Hageman

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

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

Addie Smith

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

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

Ava Lohrbach

Ella Lohrbach

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

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

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

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

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

2026 Herman Sani Scholars Announced

iowagolfJune 2, 20260 commentsNews, Scholarships

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

The Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) has announced the recipients of the 2026 Herman Sani Scholarships. Brinley Carlson of Story City, Cody Weaver of Gilman, Drew Larimer of Cedar Falls, and Calista Joyce of Emmetsburg have each been awarded a four-year scholarship valued at $2,000 annually, totaling $8,000 per recipient.

The scholarship recipients will be formally recognized and presented with their awards during the Herman Sani Tournament at Echo Valley Country Club this August.

“Receiving the Herman Sani Scholarship is truly an honor because it represents the values that golf has helped teach me throughout my life, discipline, integrity, perseverance, and leadership,” Carlson said. “This scholarship will help support my education while allowing me to continue pursuing the goals and opportunities ahead of me in college. Golf has had a major impact on shaping who I am today, and I know it will continue to be an important part of my future.”

Cody Weaver, son of Todd and Stephanie Weaver, is a graduate of East Marshall High School and will attend the University of Iowa. He plans to major in business management and compete for the Hawkeyes men’s golf team.

“Golf has been the main passion of my life from an early age,” Weaver said. “It has taught me many life lessons and has shaped me into who I am today. This scholarship will help me to continue to pursue my passion at the next level.”

Drew Larimer, son of Chris and Danielle Larimer, graduated from Cedar Falls High School and will continue his academic and athletic career at the University of South Dakota. He plans to study sport management and marketing while playing for the Coyotes.

“Knowing the history that Mr. Sani has had in golf in the state of Iowa, I am so honored to get this scholarship in his name,” Larimer said. “I am so thankful for all the IGA has done for me throughout the years. This scholarship will be extremely helpful in college and will allow me to focus on managing school and golf.”

Calista Joyce, daughter of Andy and Kim Joyce, graduated from Emmetsburg High School and will attend Wartburg College this fall. She plans to major in accounting and compete for the Knights women’s golf team.

“As a little girl who grew up around the game of golf, I never imagined the sport would have such a positive impact on my life,” Joyce said. “I am grateful that my love for golf and the experiences I have had from the game allowed me to receive the Herman Sani Scholarship. With the help of this scholarship, I am able to live out my dream of playing golf at the collegiate level while attending Wartburg College this fall!”

The Herman Sani Scholarship Program was established in 1958. Herman Sani had a passion for golf and young people. Sani was the first director of the Iowa Golf Association and served the organization for over 30 years. This scholarship was created in his memory with the purpose to assist Iowa students to further their education. As of 2026, 210 college-bound students have been awarded this four-year scholarship.

Most of the scholarship money comes from the generous donations by individuals and corporate sponsors. Since 2013 the Coppola family of Norwalk has contributed $250,000 to the Herman Sani Scholarship Fund. The Iowa Golf Association and point events from around the state also make significant contributions to the fund. For more information about the scholarship visit our website at www.iowagolf.org/scholarships.

Anderson Repeats, Ward Wins Marathon Playoff at Iowa Senior Amateur

iowagolfJune 2, 20260 commentsIowa Senior Amateur

2026 Iowa Senior Amateur champion J.D. Anderson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026 Iowa Senior Amateur – Super Senior Division Champion Joe Ward

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Complete Results

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

iowagolfJune 1, 20260 commentsUSGA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IGA Interns Participate in National P.J Boatwright Intern Summit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weathering the Storm: Anderson, Gaer Remain on Top Entering Final Round

iowagolfMay 31, 20260 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Amateur

The second round of the Iowa Senior Amateur Championship tested players’ grit and resilience as they faced weather conditions contrary to the predicted forecast. Blue skies and sunshine were hard to come by amidst the rainy and cold elements today, but a few players prevailed to surge to the top of the leaderboard.

Navigating the elements and maintaining his lead in the senior division was J.D. Anderson (above) of Johnston. Anderson fired a solid 71 (-1) and was the only senior player under-par today.

“It was tough out there today,” expressed Anderson. “You had to be prepared to hit bad shots and accept what you get and just grind it out. It was really just about surviving.”

After collecting four birdies throughout the round, Anderson stretched his lead to a lofty six strokes and sits at -5 overall. Even with his comfortable position on the leaderboard, his game plan for tomorrow remains the same, “I really just plan to play my game and not look at the leaderboard,” Anderson shared. “The goal is to make pars and take the birdies as they come.”

Following Anderson at +1 overall was Chris Kramer of West Des Moines. Kramer posted a 75 (+3) today after stringing together a collection of pars paired with a lone birdie. Nate Dunn of Cedar Rapids also put himself in contention after firing a 72 (E) today to put him at +3 for the tournament.

A trio of players sit at +4 including Ben Peters of Bettendorf, Brian Rodman of Waukon, and Jon Brown of Adel. Peters rallied with two birdies in his last four holes to put himself in contention, while Brown countered his early bogeys with a few nice birdies on the back nine.

“I made a lot of clutch five, six-footers just to hang in there,” Brown noted. “The rough was really wet and thick so staying out of that was key today.”

In the super senior division, Dave Gaer (right) of Des Moines held onto his lead at +1 after shooting a steady 72 (E) today. Gaer made two bogeys on the day which were quickly canceled out by two clutch birdies.

“I hit a lot of greens today and kept it in the fairway, paired with a lot of close putts. I was really pleased with how I played today,” expressed Gaer. “Heading into tomorrow, the plan is to just play steady golf and hopefully throw a few more birdies up there.”

Joe Ward of Polk City made a nice comeback after shooting 71 (-1) to put him at +3 overall, two behind Gaer. After starting with an early double-bogey, Ward bounced back with four birdies to finish under-par.

“It was fun out there today,” Ward shared with a smile. “I had about an 18-footer on the last (hole) to shoot my age, but unfortunately I missed it. I’m still very pleased with how I played.”

Only 18 holes remain before our senior and super senior champions are crowned. Championship day is sure to be a fun one as players duke it out for the prestigious titles.

Complete Round Two Results

Anderson Sets the Pace, Gaer Leads Super Seniors After Day One

iowagolfMay 30, 20260 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Amateur

The Iowa Senior Amateur Championship held at Oneota Golf and Country Club in Decorah is officially underway. Amidst gusty winds and treacherous greens, a few players prevailed to find themselves atop the leaderboard after round one of the championship.

Defending champion J.D. Anderson of Johnston (above) navigated the course with ease after firing an impressive 68 (-4) to lead the field. After shooting a steady 35 (-1) on the front nine, Anderson put his foot on the gas going 3-under in his next five holes on the back. Even a lone bogey on hole 16 was remedied by a clutch birdie on the last.

“My wedge game was really solid today,” shared Anderson. “I stuck a few of them to one foot and that helped me a lot out there.”

Following closely behind with a pair of 70’s (-2) was Josh Janeczko and Chris Kramer of West Des Moines. Both players finished strong in the final stretch with Janeczko holing out for eagle on 18 and Kramer birdying three out of his four last holes.

“I was about 230 out and had a hybrid in. I luckily got all of it and had a hot one that chased up the front of the green and went in,” expressed Janeczko with a smile.

“I just kind of hung in there most of the day, and then the last four holes I was able to stick a few close ones in there to make something happen,” shared Kramer.

Chad Bosch of Swisher closed out the under-par crew with a 71 (-1) highlighted by a string of birdies in his final three holes.

Defending super senior champion Dave Gaer (right) of Des Moines returned with a dominating presence after posting a 73 (+1) to lead the division. After a slow start with three bogeys on the front nine, Gaer found his footing and made two birdies on the back nine to secure his spot atop the leaderboard.

“I really just tried to hit a lot of greens and keep it in the fairway,” shared Gaer. “The rough is really thick out there and I was certainly in my fair share of it, but I navigated it well and made some putts.”

Following Gaer’s heels was Steve Kahler of Marion who posted a 74 (+2) after a rollercoaster back nine. With four bogeys, a birdie, and an eagle just on the second nine alone, Kahler proved that his grit was enough to keep him in the mix.

“I was driving it pretty steady today which was crucial for these tight fairways,” mentioned Kahler. “I chipped in for eagle on 15 which really helped with the bogeys.”

With two days left of competition, the championship is still anybody’s game. Blue skies and soft winds over the next few days are sure to be kind to the field as they eye the coveted championship titles.

Complete Round One Results

Pair of 66s take Nate McCoy to first Lake Creek Amateur title

iowagolfMay 26, 20260 commentsChampionships

Birdie on final hole allows McCoy to edge state high school champion Andrew Johannsen

Four-time Iowa Amateur of the Year Nate McCoy (right) read a 4-foot putt on the last hole on Sunday afternoon at the Lake Creek Amateur and told himself to simply, “Have fun with this.”

McCoy rolled the putt into the back of the cup for a birdie that gave him a 1-shot victory over Andrew Johannsen in the 2026 edition of the Lake Creek Amateur at BVU Lake Creek in Storm Lake. For the 35-year-old McCoy, the final birdie on his 12-under-par effort marked a redemption of sorts as he has fished runner-up at Lake Creek on a number of occasions.

“I remember missing what was probably a 7-foot putt a few years ago and lost by one stroke,” said McCoy, an Ankeny resident who serves as Director of Handicapping and Course Rating for the Iowa Golf Association. “After missing that putt, on the drive home I began to ask myself, ‘Will I ever be able to win the Lake Creek Amateur?’”

The tournament is a favorite on his schedule as he began traveling to Storm Lake to caddy for his father, 4-time Lake Creek Amateur champion Mike McCoy, many years ago.

“I caddied for my dad back in something like 2005, and then I played in the tournament as a teen,” said McCoy. “I love coming back here because the course is such a great test and the people who put on the tournament at BVU Lake Creek do everything so well.”

Ninety golfers from as far as away as Keokuk, Muscatine, Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Australia ventured to Storm Lake for the Memorial Day weekend tournament, a points event for the Iowa Golf Association’s Iowa Amateur of the Year sweepstakes. Henry Sobaski, of Fairfax, won the Junior Division; Tom Schill, of Gowrie, captured the Super Seniors title; Bill Matzdorff, of Cumming, won the Seniors event; and Alta’s Sally Krause, who played collegiately at Southwest Minnesota State University, shot 79-75 to claim the crown in the inaugural BVU Lake Creek Women’s Amateur.

Four past Lake Creek Amateur champions in Jake Weissenburger, Aaron Clausen, J.D. Anderson, and Ron Peterson were included in the field.

“We were thrilled to feature a competitive field in each division as we work to keep growing the Lake Creek Amateur,” said Evan Krause, a former Buena Vista University golfer who directed the event. “It’s fun to see a number of our members competing against and alongside several of the state’s top golfers on our championship layout.”

Two-plus inches of rain in the week leading up to the tournament had the course playing a little longer, but greens remained receptive and true. Those trademark winds at Lake Creek weren’t a factor until midday Sunday.

Southerly gusts of up to 25 miles per hour played a role on the final hole as McCoy, who was tied with the longer-hitting Johannsen, a state champion last fall for Johnston High School, picked driver and teed it low, allowing the ball to carry 300 yards to 108 yards from the pin in the middle of the No. 18 fairway.

“I told myself that with the wind it would be playing 87 yards,” McCoy said.

McCoy hit the middle of the green and his ball came to rest four to five feet from the pin, giving him a birdie putt that moved slightly right.

“I worked on Friday night on a lighter grip pressure in my putting stroke,” McCoy said. “That plus a little longer stroke was working for me. I told myself to trust those mechanics and just have fun with the putt.”

Johannsen, who will compete for the University of Iowa in the fall, said he had fun the entire way on Sunday, playing in the last foursome in his first BVU Lake Creek Amateur appearance. The left-hander took a two-stroke lead after chipping in for eagle on No. 13, rolling in his chip from 15 yards in front of the green. Unfortunately, bogeys on Nos. 14 and 15 placed him back in a tie with McCoy.

Johannsen caught flier out of the rough on No. 14 and missed the green long. He failed to get up-and-down and settled for a five. He then made a bad putt on the par 3 No. 15, ending up taking a four.

“It was just a bad stroke on my part on that putt,” he said.

Johannsen would rebound with a great up-and-down for birdie on No. 16, sinking an eight-footer to keep pace with McCoy who was eyeing an almost sure bet in a two-footer.

“Andrew made a great birdie on No. 16,” McCoy said.

Alta’s Sally Krause, who played collegiately at Southwest Minnesota State University, shot 79-75 to claim the crown in the inaugural BVU Lake Creek Women’s Amateur.

After both men parred No. 17, it came down to the final hole. After McCoy’s drive found the middle of the fairway, Johannsen hit a 4-iron off the tee. His lift foot slipped a bit on his downswing, and he caught the ball on the toe of the clubface. From the right rough, his approach came to rest 20 to 25 feet from the pin. His birdie putt narrowly missed, which set up McCoy’s putt for the victory.

“I came here to play because I wanted to be able to play against some of the best players in the state, guys like Grant Smith (2025 Iowa Amateur of the Year), Jake Weissenburger (two-time BVU Lake Creek Amateur champ), and Nate McCoy,” Johannsen said. “And that’s just what happened. I was able to play in the final group with those guys, and we had a lot of fun. They’re all great guys.”

Johannsen was pleased his May schedule allowed him the opportunity to return to the Buena Vista University Golf Course at Lake Creek (BVU Lake Creek), where he last played in 2024 during the Iowa Amateur Qualifier. He shot even par on that day to qualify. His 11-under-par two-day total during the 48th edition of the Lake Creek Amateur showed his game and name should be among the top amateurs in Iowa for years to come.

“I like Lake Creek because you can’t just overpower it,” said Johannsen, who plans to study finance at Iowa. “You have to use every club in the bag. Plus, the greens roll very true.”

Evan Krause joined McCoy, Johannsen and other golfers in lauding the efforts of BVU Lake Creek Superintendent Josh McCormick and his staff in readying the links after a cool spring that was largely devoid of rain until this week. Following the completion of “The Am,” BVU Lake Creek now sets its sights on the IGA’s Iowa Amateur Qualifier (West) slated for July 9.

Past Open Division Champions, Lake Creek Amateur

2026 – Nate McCoy, Ankeny (132)
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

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