Author: iowagolf

Bull fires 65 (-5), takes opening round lead of 118th Iowa Amateur

July 27, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Amateur

Dennis Bull, of Norwalk, glanced at scores from the opening round of the 118th Iowa Amateur before teeing off in the afternoon at Davenport Country Club (pictured above). He knew he had some chasing to do if he wanted to be in the mix after day one.

At day’s end the field is now chasing Bull.

Bull, who made seven birdies on the day, got off to a hot start on the front nine, firing 31 (-5).

“There’s plenty of opportunities out there, but it’s a golf course where if you get aggressive and miss you can get in trouble,” Bull said. “I was just trying to give myself chances (at birdies). I hit great today.”

Bull would pair two bogeys with two birdies on the back nine to post 65 (-5). Bull leads by two over Andrew O’Brien, of Clive, and Trent Lindenman, of New Sharon.

“I was hitting it where I was looking,” Bull said after this round. “It was a great day and had a great group. I had the ball where I wanted it on the greens. I made a lot of birdies and was happy I was controlling my golf ball the way I did.”

Overnight into early morning showers saw DCC soften up slightly, but still was a firm test for those participating in this year’s event. Bull mentioned he thought it allowed for lower scores today, compared to how the course played during practice rounds.

“From yesterday the rain made it a little more scorable. It (the rain) definitely helped.”

Bull will go off early tomorrow in the second round and said he is going to keep this plan of attack simple.

“I am just going to keep trying to give myself a lot of chances. It’s nice when you are hitting it good, at least at a course like this. It’s demanding off the tee.”

Sitting just four back of Bull’s lead include Dusty Drenth (Davenport), Andrew Huseman (Ankeny), Kolby Chup (Des Moines), and Jon Olson (Ankeny).

Click here for a recap of scores

Snyder competes at Women’s Western Amateur

July 23, 20200 commentsUncategorized

Ames’ Britta Snyder is competing this week at the 120th Women’s Western Amateur, held at Prestwick Country Club in Frankfort, IL.

Snyder made the 32-player cut to match play after firing rounds of 72-76 in stroke play.  She earned the 25th seed.  In her first round match she defeated Brianne Bolden of Makena, IL on the 21st hole.

In her second round match, Snyder fell to 24 seed Brigitte Thibault 2&1.

Follow the action here.

 

About the Women’s Western Amateur

Held without interruption since its inception in 1901, the Women’s Western Amateur is among the oldest annual championships in women’s amateur golf. Each year, it attracts many of the top amateur and collegiate golfers in the world.

The field is limited to 120 players. The list of past champions spans more than a century, from legendary stars Patty Berg (1938) and Louise Suggs (1946, 1947) to modern standouts like Brittany Lang (2003), Stacy Lewis (2006) and Ariya Jutanugarn (2012).

The competition begins with 18 holes of stroke play. After a second 18 holes of stroke play, the field is cut to the low 32 players for match play. The match play qualifiers are seeded in a single-elimination bracket to determine the Women’s Western Amateur champion.

118th Iowa Amateur heads to Davenport Country Club

July 23, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Amateur

The 118th Iowa Amateur Championship will be contested at Davenport Country Club (pictured above) on July 27-29. This will mark the sixth time the Iowa Amateur will be held at the club. The last time Davenport Country Club hosted the Iowa Amateur was in 2008, when eventual champion Mike Oimeon, of Clear Lake, won in a playoff. Davenport Country Club first played host to the Iowa Amateur in 1927 when Sioux City’s Lee Herron won the trophy.

The golf course has recently received a major facelift. In 2014, the club embarked on a renovation seeking to restore the course to its original design as well as uncover several hidden features that were once covered up by trees. In total, more than 500 trees were removed during the renovation, opening up new sightlines and lines of play. Davenport Country Club has since received national recognition for being one of the best courses in Iowa according to Golf Digest and currently sits at #159 in the recent GolfWeek list of top 200 Classic Courses.

There are a number of past champions in this year’s field, including 2006 & 2019 Iowa Amateur Champion Jon Brown, who will look to defend his title in 2020. Three-time Iowa Amateur Champions Nate Dunn and Gene Elliott are seeking their fourth victories. Dunn’s most recent victory came in 2016 at Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo, with Elliott’s being in 2013 at Coldwater Golf Links in Ames. 2012 Iowa Amateur Champion Jon Olson and 2003 Iowa Amateur Champion Scott Hart will also be in the field.

The 2020 Player of the Year race is well underway, and several top contenders will be teeing it up next week in Davenport. Andrew Huseman, of Ankeny, 2020 IGA Match Play Champion Connor Peck, of Ankeny, and the previously mentioned Brown, of Adel, are currently in the top 5 in the POTY standings. They will be looking to make up ground on Ankeny’s Nate McCoy, who is leading the race with 690 points.

Click here to view Round One Tee Times

Click here for live scoring

Vance takes control at Waterloo Open, wins by nine shots

July 20, 20200 commentsChampionships, News

Nate Vance (pictured right) took control on Sunday afternoon, posting a final round of 67 (-5) at Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course to capture the title at the 2020 Waterloo Open. The Marshalltown native opened with a round of 67 (-5) at South Hills Golf Course on Friday, followed by a second round of 65 (-7) at Gates Park Golf Course on Saturday, before running away with the lead during Sunday’s final round to finish with a 54-hole total of 199 (-17). 

Nate McCoy, of Ankeny, fired a bogey-free round of 66 (-6) on Sunday to earn himself a runner-up finish with a 54-hole total of 208 (-8). Rounding out the podium was Manchester’s Clayton Larsen, who carded rounds of 65-72-72 for a 54-hole tally of 209 (-7) to finish in third place. 

In the Senior Division, Dunlap’s Jeff Ott separated himself from the field on Sunday, posting a final round of 70 (-2) to win the title by three strokes at a 54-hole total of 208 (-8). Close behind was Joe Bates, of Albia, who posted rounds of 70-67-74 on his way to a runner-up finish with a final tally of 211 (-5).

Richard Gorbell, of Cedar Falls, successfully defended his 2018 and 2019 titles in the Super Senior Division, posting rounds of 73-76-74 to win his third consecutive Waterloo Open with a 54-hole total of 223 (+7). Gorbell was Co-Champion of the event in 2018 and Champion in 2019. 

Click here for a recap of scoring

Hoffman & Carey win 10th IGA Women’s Four-Ball title; Kubesheski, Grady take Senior Division

July 18, 20200 commentsChampionships, IGA Women's Four-Ball

The team of Paige Hoffman & Kylie Carey (pictured above) put on a show this week at Ellis Golf Course in Cedar Rapids. The pair carded rounds of 67 (-5) and 70 (-2) on their way to a four-shot victory with a 36-hole tally of 137 (-7) in the 10th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship. Both shared positive remarks about the four-ball format of the event.

“It was a lot of fun, we just tried to stay positive,” Carey said. 

The duo acknowledged that the format altered their mindset, allowing them to take more chances than they would in stroke play.

“If we were both on the green and had looks at birdie it was definitely more aggressive putting,” said Hoffman. 

Finishing runner-up was the pair of Ellie Braksiek and Sarah Nacos, who posted consecutive subpar rounds of 71 (-1) and 70 (-2) for a two-day total of 141 (-3). Finishing in a tie for third were the sides of Julie Buerman and Karli Kerrigan, along with Hannah Bermel and Sydney Eaton. Both sides finished with a 36-hole total of 142 (-2). 

In the Senior Division, Margene Grady and Rose Kubesheski (pictured right) earned their third IGA Women’s Four-Ball title, posting rounds of 71 (E) and 72 (+1) to win by a two-stroke margin. The pair won the event back-to-back years in 2017 and 2018. 

Kelly Grimes and Sue Harmon made a strong push on the final day, putting together an even par round of 71 to follow up Thursday’s 74 (+3) to finish runner-up.

Click here for a recap of scoring

Several in the hunt at 10th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship

July 17, 20200 commentsChampionships, IGA Women's Four-Ball

Several former IGA Champions are in the mix after the opening round of the 10th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship, being contested at Ellis Golf Course in Cedar Rapids. 

2019 Iowa Women’s Amateur Champion Paige Hoffman, along with her playing partner Kylie Carey, both of West Des Moines, will have a one-stroke advantage heading into Friday’s final round. They put together a strong round of 67 (-5), which included four birdies on the back nine. 

2018 IGA Women’s Match Play Champion Sydney Eaton, of Mason City, alongside teammate Hannah Bermel, of Cedar Falls, carded a 68 (-4) and will be looking to make a move during Friday’s final round. The duo of IGA veteran Julie Buerman, of Cedar Rapids, alongside 2016 and 2017 IGA Four-Ball Champion Karli Kerrigan, of Ankeny, will be in contention tomorrow after putting together a solid round of 69 (-3). 

In the Senior Division, the pair of Laura Leszczynski and Nancy Lorenzini, of Saint Mary’s and Cedar Rapids respectively, hold the lead after an opening round of 70 (-1). One behind is the team of Cedar Falls’ Margene Grady & Rosalie Kubesheski, of Dubuque, who carded an even par opening round of 71.

Click here for a recap of scoring

Experience THE FOURSOME Screening Tour

July 15, 20200 commentsNews
Looking for something to do this weekend? Join Wavelength Productions in celebrating the great game of golf the heartwarming documentary short film THE FOURSOME! Following four forever friends – Herb, Gary, Darrel, and Bob – through the days leading up to their 50th year entering the Waukon Men’s Invitational, THE FOURSOME exemplifies the incredible ability of the sport to not only bring us together, but keep us together. Check out the trailer here!
Wavelength Productions is currently touring the film across Iowa! They are hosting COVID-safe screenings at various golf courses throughout the state. In addition to the screening, they are selling merchandise, holding a raffle, as well as hosting a Q+A after the film. Wavelength is so excited to be bringing THE FOURSOME across Iowa and you can find out all of the tour dates and more information here.

 

Jahn wins 83rd Iowa Masters by six shots

July 13, 20200 commentsChampionships, News

When Sperry’s Charles Jahn (pictured left with John Nervig) took the lead in the 83rd Iowa Masters, he didn’t look back. Jahn began Sunday’s final round at 6-under par, holding a two-stroke advantage over reigning champion Nate McCoy, of Ankeny.

After top 5 finishes in last year’s 117th Iowa Amateur Championship and 70th Herman Sani Tournament, this was Jahn’s time to shine. He executed with near perfection on Sunday, carding five birdies, an eagle, and a mere bogey on his way to a round of 66 (-6) and grand total of 204 (-12). McCoy played steady on Sunday, posting a round of 70 (-2) for a final total of 210 (-6) to finish runner-up. Nate Vance, of Marshalltown, finished in third place with a three-day total of 213 (-3).

Joe Palmer (pictured right with John Nervig), of West Des Moines, clinched the title in the Senior Division, finishing 11-shots clear of the field with rounds of 70-74-71 for a total of 215 (-1). Winterset’s Kirk Macumber finished runner-up with a final tally of 226 (+10).

In the Super Senior Division, Marshalltown’s Pat Ryan mounted a final round comeback, carding a round of 73 (+1) to finish two shots clear of Richard Gorbell, of Cedar Falls. Ryan posted rounds of 73-82-73 for a total of 228 (+12).

Clive’s Jake Calhoun rose to the top in the Cyclone Flight, posting rounds of 84-74-72 for a 230 (+14) total

Click here to see full results

Kubesheski, Grady claim IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series victory

July 13, 20200 commentsChampionships, News

The second event this year in the IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series took place this past weekend, July 11, at Edmundson Golf Course in Oskaloosa. This year’s tournament format was a modified alternate shot which saw Rose Kubesheski and Margene Grady (pictured above) shoot 69 (-1) to claim the title. The duo carded a front-9 36 that featured 8 pars and just a single bogey.

As they made the turn, Kubesheski and Grady started to find a groove, which featured back to back birdies on holes 12 and 13. After making two bogies, the pair went on to finish their final three holes in two-under par to claim a seven-stroke victory over Nancy Lorenzini and Laura Leszczynski.

In the Net Division, Nicki Clayton and Julie Hartman (pictured above) took home the title after a round of two-over 72. They beat out Janece Schwartzkopf and Kathy Fortune, who also shot 72, in a scorecard playoff.

Click here for full results

The third and final event in the IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series will take place on Saturday August 22nd at A.H. Blank Golf Course in Des Moines. Tournament information and registration can be found here.

Joy Chou makes birdie on last hole, wins 96th Iowa Women’s Amateur

July 8, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Women's Amateur

Ames’ Joy Chou (pictured above) didn’t know where she stood on the leaderboard most of the day in the final round of the 96th Iowa Women’s Amateur, but the person she was locked in a duel with she knew all too well.

Joy, along with sister and Iowa State University teammate YiTing (Ruby) Chou, battled back and forth all day long. Truth be told, Joy was just happy to be back out on the course and playing in a tournament.

“After three months of quarantine at home this was my first tournament,” Joy Chou said. “I am just trying to get myself back on track. I was just trying to come out (here) and have fun.”

Ruby, who would take the lead midway through the round, put herself in position for the title following a 32 (-3) on the front nine at Elmwood Country Club.

After an uncharacteristic double-bogey on #11, Joy buckled down and would make seven straight pars to leave her just one shot back of Ruby, who made a lengthy birdie putt on #17, heading into the final hole.

“I wasn’t really paying attention to the scoreboard,” Joy Chou said. “I didn’t want to think too much. I knew Ruby, my sister, was playing well today.”

Ruby’s long birdie putt on #17 looked to maybe be the difference, but after a wayward tee shot she found herself scrambling to make par. Meanwhile Joy hit a drive to just short of the green and chipped to almost tap-in distance.

When Ruby’s par attempt came up short, Joy calmly rolled in her birdie putt for a two-shot swing on the final hole and the win. Ruby’s 68  (-2) was the low round of the tournament, but just one shot shy overall of taking her sister into a playoff for the title.

Joy, who was T2nd last year in this event, finished with scores of 71-76-70 – 217 (+7) on a golf course that didn’t give up good scores easily.

“This is pretty cool,” Joy Chou said. “I was guessing we were close (going into #18). I had to be aggressive and maybe have a chip to make a birdie to win the tournament. The course is really nice, tough, but it was fun (to play).”

Amelia Mehmet-Grohn (3rd) and Taglao Jeeravivitaporn (T4th) joined the Chou sisters in the top five of the event. All four are teammates at ISU. Sydney Eaton, of Mason City and Dana Lerner, of Iowa City, also finished T4th place.

In the Open Division, Rockwell City’s Kathy Fortune (pictured left) outdistanced Kelly Grimes, of Indianola, by five shots for the victory. Fortune posted rounds of 86-78-82 246 (+36).

Click here for a full results

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