The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is pleased to announce the 2019 recipients of the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award (Griffel is pictured above in sport coat). Whitney Anderson, Jenna Krogulski, Annika Patton, Kennedy Sorenson and Delaney Underwood will receive a one year scholarship of $2,000. These girls will join the group of 232 other students to have received this award since 1963.

Whitney Anderson is the daughter of Doyle and Melanie Anderson. She is a graduate of Sioux Center High School, and will be attending Central College in the fall to study Biology and play golf.

“I can’t thank the Ann Griffel Scholarship Committee enough for selecting me for this award,” Anderson said “It not only accentuates my love for golf, but it also allows me the opportunity to continue my education and golf career at Central College in Pella. Golf has been a highlight of my high school years and will continue to play a big role in my life at college and beyond.”

Jenna Krogulski is the daughter of Eric and Michelle Krogulski. She is a graduate of Valley High School and will be attending Wartburg College to study Exercise Science and Psychology. She will be a member of the Knights Women’s Golf team.

“I want to thank the committee for selecting me for the Ann Griffel Scholarship,” Krogulski said. “It is such an honor to be chosen as a recipient of this award. Golf is a huge part of my life and I couldn’t be more excited to have the opportunity to continue playing golf at the next level while pursuing an education at Wartburg College. I’m very excited to represent this scholarship and the Iowa Golf Association”

Annika Patton is the daughter of David and LeAnn Patton. She is a graduate of Alta-Aurelia High School and will be attending the University of Northern Iowa in the fall. She will be studying Business Management (Sports Marketing) while also competing on the Women’s Golf team.

“I am beyond thankful and appreciative to to be selected as a 2019 recipient of the Ann Griffel Scholarship,” Patton said. “The game of golf has provided unlimited opportunities to my life, and I hope to continue preserving and growing the game to the best of my ability. It is such an honor to receive a scholarship that will personally contribute to my future academic and golf careers at the University of Northern Iowa.”

Delaney Underwood is the daughter of Mike and Shannon Underwood. She is a graduate of Colfax-Mingo High School and will be attending Central College in the fall to study Mathematics and Chemistry. She will play on the Central College Women’s Golf team.

“It is truly an honor to be chosen as one of this year’s Ann Griffel scholarship recipients,” Underwood said. “I would like to thank the scholarship committee for selecting me and helping support my college education goals. While I plan to continue my golf career at Central College, I also plan to continue promoting golf by trying to get more young girls involved in the sport.”

Kennedy Sorenson is the daughter of Willy and Amy Sorenson. Kennedy is a graduate of Carlisle High School and plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall.

“My aspiration in life is to become a physician,” Sorenson said. “To begin this journey I will be attending Iowa State University this fall for my undergraduate degree. Golf has not just taught me things about itself, but it has taught me a lot about myself. It changed me to be the confident, industrious, and independent woman I am today, and for that, I will forever be in debt for golf’s kindness.”

The Ann Griffel Scholarship was established in 1963. It originated as just one $350 scholarship awarded by the Iowa Women’s Golf Association (IWGA) and 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 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 each year. This scholarship was named after the long time IWGA President, Ann Griffel, who during her 23 year term started the Girls’ State Junior, Forever 39, State Wife-Husband and Senior Women’s Championships.

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

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) would like to announce the 2019 recipients of the Herman Sani Scholarship Awards. Jacob Heit, of Newhall, Annika Patton, of Aurelia, Nick Pittman, of Urbandale and Delaney Underwood, of Mitchellville, will receive a four year scholarship of $2,000 per year. Those individuals will be recognized at the Herman Sani Golf Tournament held at Echo Valley Country Club, Norwalk, Fri-Sun, Aug 9-11.

Jacob Heit is the son of Steve and Ramona Heit. He is a graduate of Benton Community High School and will be attending Mount Mercy University to study biochemistry and play golf.

“The Herman Sani Scholarship will allow me to not only develop as a learner but will also help me grow as a golfer and person. I plan to attend Mount Mercy University to study biochemistry and play golf. I am humbled to be recognized with one of the most prestigious awards for young golfers in Iowa. I can’t wait to see how the Herman Sani Scholarship will allow me to impact others as I become a Mustang.”

Annika Patton is the daughter of David and LeAnn Patton. She is a graduate of Alta-Aurelia High School and will be attending the University of Northern Iowa in the fall to study Business Management (Sports Marketing) while also competing on the golf team.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to have been selected as a 2019 Herman Sani Scholarship recipient. There are few words capable of describing all that the game of golf has done for my life, and I look forward to the opportunity to represent what it means to be a Sani Scholar as I continue my academic and golf career at the University of Northern Iowa.”

Nick Pittman is the son of John and Amy Pittman. He is a graduate of Johnston High School and will be attending Drake University in the fall to study Finance, while also playing for the Bulldogs.

“The Sani Scholarship is something I have always respected throughout my entire life. To be chosen as a recipient this year is very humbling, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of my friends, parents, and coaches. I will do everything in my power to uphold the traits that the scholarship represents and continue to be a good sportsman and teammate. I am blessed to now be a part of the Sani community and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Delaney Underwood is the daughter of Mike and Shannon Underwood. She is a graduate of Colfax-Mingo High School and will be attending Central College in the fall to study Mathematics and Chemistry. She will play on the Central College Women’s Golf team.

“I feel very honored to be selected as one of this year’s recipients of the Herman Sani Scholarship. I am grateful that my passion for golf led me to this scholarship, as well as the opportunity to continue my education while playing golf at Central College. Thank you to the committee for selecting me, I am very appreciative of this honor.”

The Herman Sani Scholarship Program was established in 1958. Herman Sani had a passion for golf 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 his memory with the purpose to assist Iowa students to further their education. As of 2017, 175 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 contributor $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.