Author: iowagolf

McCoy captures emotional victory at 40th Iowa Mid-Amateur

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

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

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

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

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

Burry, Fosse capture wins at IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series Event #1

The IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series Event #1 teed off in perfect conditions on Saturday at Irv Warren Golf Course in Waterloo.

Lindsay Burry (above right) of Waterloo secured the gross division title after a two-hole playoff against Fiona Watson of Des Moines. Burry holed a lengthy birdie putt on the second playoff to end the competition. Both players scored 53 points in the stableford format. Karli Kerrigan of Grimes took third place in the gross division with 51 points.

Kelly Fosse (above left) of Grinnell took home the net division title with a score of 56 points. Fosse commented that Saturday’s round was one of her best ever in tournament play. Lindsay Burry placed second in the net division with 54 points and Kelly Nelson of Waterloo and Carroll Dethrow of Nevada tied for third with 53 points.

Not only did the first Mid-Am Series event kick off many players’ 2025 seasons, but it also kicked off a large fundraising effort for two players. Julie Buerman and Karli Kerrigan began their ambitious journey to play 100 competitive holes in support of the Ann Griffel Scholarship.

The Griffel Scholarship is awarded to five deserving Iowa high school senior girls who have been impacted by the game of golf each year. To learn more about the fundraiser or support Julie and Karli please visit their individual campaign pages by clicking on their names.

The next Women’s Mid-Am Series event will be at Bos Landen Golf Course in Pella on Saturday, July 26. The format will be a two-person shamble.

Complete Results

Tjoa / Messingham storm back, with 29th IGA Four-Ball title at Finkbine GC

They knew they were in striking distance and the course wasn’t anything new to either of them.

Maxwell Tjoa and Gage Messingham (above), who both play for the University of Iowa, took full advantage of knowing Finkbine Golf Course like the back of their hand in the final round of the 29th IGA Four-Ball Championship. Following an opening round 65 (-7), the duo posted an impressive 63 (-9) on a cooler day in Iowa City – good for a two-shot victory over Ethan Bloome and Tomas Rascon. Tjoa finished the tournament in style, make a sliding putt for birdie after Messingham had pitched to just a few feet following his lengthy drive on the last hole.

“It definably helped (knowing the course),” Tjoa said. “We got off to a good start (in the final round). We fed off each other today. On the front nine today we were bouncing back and forth with birdies.”

Going out in 30 (-6) set the tone for the final round with Tjoa / Messingham never looking back. They weren’t watching the leaderboard either.

“We talked at the beginning that we didn’t want to look at the leaderboard,” Messingham said. “We just wanted to play our game, make birdies when they came and no bogeys. Putts fell (in) today. We knew the birdies were out there.”

Tjoa also commented that he felt the team’s strengths messed well together – especially in the four-ball format.

“Our games compliemnt each other,” Tjoa said. “He hits it long and I was trying to just make pars. Knowing the greens well here was an advantage.”

The side of Luke Meyer / Ben Stewart finished three back of the leaders at -13, while three sides tied for fourth place at -12.

Click here for complete results

Spear / Leonard set the pace with 63 (-9), lead 29th IGA Four-Ball at Finkbine GC

Nate Spear and Cale Leonard wasted little time posting birdies.

The duo, first off the tee on #1 at 8 a.m., this morning to kickoff the 29th IGA Four-Ball Championship at Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City, teamed up for a total of nine birdies with no blemishes – good for 63 (-9). Spear / Leonard lead by a shot over the father-son combo of Brian and Todd Rose (pictured above), who posted 64 (-8) respectively in the morning wave of play as well.

Three sides give chase at -7, while another five sit just three back of the pace set by Spear / Leonard. Still within striking distance, no less than nine sides stand at -5 after Thursday’s play – all shooting 67.

Final round action will begin Friday morning at 7:30 a.m., with the leaders going in the second wave of action. Expect nothing less than a shootout to decide this year’s champion.

Full First Round Results

Final Round Pairings

‘Up and Down’ the Iowa Golf Scene – Wizard of Fun

Allison George is pictured with her children Sophia and Carson shortly after receiving the Don Rossi Award in 2022, recognizing her work to promote and advance the game.

George on a Mission to Make the Game More Enjoyable While Breaking Through Barriers

Allison George is on a dual crusade – a crusade to make the game fun for players of all levels and to elevate the status of women in a game that historically has been dominated by the proverbial “good ‘ole boys.” The owner and general manager of Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill, George has achieved significant strides on both fronts.

A multi-generational family-owned business, Toad Valley was once a 200-acre farm plot used by Allison’s grandfather Dale Brady to test his farm implement equipment. More than 50 years later, it has emerged as a well-diversified golf complex featuring an 18-hole championship layout, the “Field of Greens” miniature golf course, two indoor golf simulators and the 6,000 square foot “Flight Zone” top-tracer driving range that features ten heated bays, lounging area, restrooms, snack bar and covered porch. The Topgolf-like facility was added in 2023 as the course celebrated its 50th anniversary.

“I’m a big believer that golf is meant to be fun,” George told Up and Down the Iowa Golf Scene during a recent interview at Toad Valley. “Our philosophy here is to create an environment that produces and sells family memories. When a family looks back to recall its best experiences, we want them to remember Toad Valley.”

A view from the early 1970’s and today illustrates the vast changes at Toad Valley. The bustling golf complex features golf simulators, miniature golf, top-tracer driving range and 18-hole course that produces nearly 50,000 rounds annually.

George has developed a series of golf programs and initiatives to enhance those goals. A super twilight program encourages families to come out and play a few holes after dinner and is priced where participants don’t need to worry about getting nine holes in. Promotions such as “Bald and be Free” offers free golf to those with follicle challenges, “Tax Relief Day” promotes a special discount on April 15, among others, all designed to encourage interest in the game. She is especially proud of the “Ladies Night” initiative started over 20 years ago. The program averages about 100 participants annually and has drawn more than 2,000 attendees over its history. In addition to teaching golf fundamentals and etiquette, women are also taught other tips and customs designed to navigate their way around the golf course smoothly and efficiently.

“We are on a mission to change the culture on how women are perceived and received in the game,” George said. “If I come to your golf course and don’t feel comfortable, there’s a problem. We want to eliminate the barriers and intimidation factors women once faced. Golf is such a powerful, interactive force beyond just playing the game. We want everyone to be able to take advantage of its networking opportunities, including women.”

George has been recognized on a national level as being a force for change in advancing the stature of women in the game. In 2023, she was honored by Golf Inc., magazine with a Hilda Allen Award, presented to the 10 most influential women who are leaders in helping women prosper and grow the golf industry. Hilda Allen was a leader in the golf course real estate brokerage business, a historically male dominated profession. Golf Inc. magazine is the world’s only publication designated for golf course developers, owners and management executives. In 2022, George received the Don Rossi Award by the National Golf Course Owners Association, presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of golf and its growth while inspiring others. Rossi, a founding general manager of the Dallas Texans football team went on to become president of the National Golf Foundation and executive director of the National Association of Public Golf Courses. She has been a member of the NGCOA since 2007.

Over the past two decades, George has been a frequent presenter at golf conferences and shared ideas to help courses grow the number of rounds, players and revenue. She has also spoken at events designed to grow the number of women with leadership roles in the game, often being the only female in the room. In one instance, she recalled with irony at a panel discussion on the subject where she was the only female of eight panelists.

“I am proud of the progress being achieved,” she noted. “The industry is changing, and more women are assuming key roles and more women playing the game.”

George was predestined to be part of the golf industry. At age two, she tagged along with her father Tom to move the tee markers and change hole locations. By age 11, she was working full-time at Toad Valley, washing carts, emptying garbage containers and doing landscaping work. Later, she mowed fairways, greens, rough and tee boxes and then started working the counter in the pro shop.

“Toad Valley always felt like my second home and a fun place to be,” she noted. “It wasn’t until I started working inside when I realized this is a business as well.”

Toad Valley Golf Course, once a 200 acre agriculture equipment testing plot, has been transformed into a multi-faced golf complex.

George started her college career at the University of Iowa then returned to Des Moines to complete her degree at Grand View University. While she once had a desire to become an English teacher, the strong family roots produced a stronger sway. She took time off to get married and start a family. Then, in 2004 and at age 27, she was part of a small group of family investors Toad Valley from her uncle Steve and began a golf odyssey that now includes a multi-faced operation that averages 250 rounds per day and nearly 50,000 during the season. The ride has not been without potholes as the 2008-09 economic recession produced numerous challenges for all business, including golf courses.

“Much of which I get praised for came out of desperation in order to make payroll and pay property taxes,” she quipped.

Propelled by a strong work ethic formed at a young age, George would routinely put in 70-80 hours per week during the golf season. A serious accident on the course during the 2020 season readjusted her perspective. During one of the many fundraisers staged at the course, George approached a tee box in the beverage cart while a player unwittingly teed off, striking her just below the right eye from a distance of just 20 yards. Doctors told George the velocity was akin to that of a rifle shot. She endured multiple surgeries, a fractured orbital and other serious injury to the eye socket. George feels thankful that the injury could have been much worse, although she still has nerve damage and some vision issues. After a six-month absence from work, she returned to the job with a new outlook, having learned some valuable lessons. Her staff and team are capable and will rise to the occasion. The golf course doesn’t stop operating when she’s not there and people continue to enjoy the experience. After that realization, she now enjoys a better work/life balance which is often lacking in the golf industry.

When asked to reflect on her most significant achievements, George returns to her deep family heritage.

“I’m so proud that my children want to be part of a multi-generation family business,” she stated. “And I would love to be able to take my grandpa on a tour of Toad Valley and show him how his vision for this land has been transformed into a comprehensive golf complex.”


“Up and Down” the Iowa Golf Scene

A regular feature column written by IGA Foundation board member Mark Gambaiana, Up and Down the Iowa Golf Scene is designed to take the reader beyond the headlines and scoreboards to share stories of those who help make Iowa golf so rich and rewarding. Profiles will spotlight those who advance the game through volunteerism, service, extraordinary achievement, competition, human interest and the many other dimensions of golf in Iowa.

Click the links below to read previous Up and Down features
– IGA Rules Official Sean Flanders
– R&A, USGA Champion Gene Elliott
– Nervig Reflects on Decades of Service to The Iowa Masters
– Arseneault Finds Fulfillment in Life’s Next Chapter After Competitive Golf
– Ivan Miller remembers the days of the Minnows
– Kinney adjusts to life on tour
– Standard Golf’s roots run deep
– Pettersen sets sights high
– McCoy, Norton Put Iowa Stamp on Florida Senior Golf
Moreland Reflects on his Extraordinary Club Pro, Playing Career
From Sibley to the LPGA Tour – Barb Thomas Whitehead Fulfills Her Dream
At 88 Years Young, Cleo Brown Remains a Fixture at the Principal Charity Classic, IGA Events
Love of the Game, Service to Others Propel Charlie Taylor to IGA’s 2023 George Turner Award
The Calling Card for Ottumwa’s Matthew Walker in Quest to Reach Golf’s Highest Level
Following the Rules Leads Katelynn Hogenson Down a Path Through Magnolia Lane
State Golf Champions Gather, Reminisce, 50 Years after Surprise Title
High-Level Competition, Boatwright Internship Preps Hoffman for Career in Golf
Globetrotting Knutzon Comes by Nomadic Golf Lifestyle Naturally

IGA, Iowa PGA Agree on Updates to Iowa Cup Matches

Prestige Upgraded, Player Experience Enhanced

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) and Iowa Section PGA Boards have recently approved a series of changes to the format of the annual Iowa Cup Matches, a prestigious event that brings together Iowa’s top amateur and professional golfers in head-to-head team competition.

Beginning with the 2025 edition, each team — one representing Iowa’s best amateurs and the other made up of top PGA professionals in the state — will consist of 12 players instead of the traditional 20. The 12-player teams will now include 10 Open Division players and 2 Senior Division players.

The decision to reduce team size comes after careful evaluation and input from stakeholders. In recent years, the event has faced increasing challenges in fielding full 20-player rosters, and the adjustment to 12-player teams ensures a more manageable and competitive field.

“Reducing the team size not only helps with the logistics of fielding competitive squads, but also enhances the prestige of earning a spot on the team,” said Mike Purcell, IGA President and Chair of the Rules & Competitions Committee. “Being selected as one of just 12 players — whether amateur or professional — now carries even greater weight.”

Another benefit of the change is a more personalized player experience. With fewer total participants, the IGA will be able to invest more in player gifts and amenities, providing a more memorable and rewarding experience for those who earn their place in the matches.

To be certain that all accomplishments are considered for every player, the IGA will now institute a rolling point cycle. The window to earn points for the 2025 team Aug 12, 2024 through July 30, 2025. Going forward, it is expected that the window will be from the final day of the Iowa Amateur to the final day of the next year’s Iowa Amateur. Click here to see the current standings for the 2025 team.

Finally, the IGA and ISPGA look forward to increasing the exposure and prestige of the Honorary Captains of each squad, including having them hit a ceremonial first tee shot on day one. Other items are in the works as well.

The Iowa Cup Matches remain one of the most anticipated traditions in the state’s golf calendar, offering a unique blend of camaraderie, competition, and pride. The updated format is designed to preserve the spirit of the event while adapting to the evolving needs of players and organizers.
This year’s matches will be played at Ames Golf & Country Club on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 30th and October 1st.

 

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