Author: iowagolf

Winning it again – Kubesheski takes home 55th Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur title

August 3, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Women's Amateur

History seems to repeat itself – sometimes a lot.

Dubuque’s Rose Kubesheski (pictured above left) has found the secret at the Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur – now for the seventh time in her career after pulling away from the field at the 55th edition of the event today.

Kubesheski admitted that this year’s title wasn’t easy and her steady play on the back nine holes of Carroll Country Club was the key to success. Kubesheski posted rounds of 77-75 (+10) for the two-day event.

“I parred #10 today and got lucky on the ‘water’ hole,” she said. “My putts were going in and it’s just amazing (to win this championship).”

Kubesheski, who has battled an injury the last couple of years mentioned that this year’s victory tastes a little sweeter than other in the past.

“I am coming off an injury the last couple of years,” Kubesheski said. “I am still trying to work through that. But coming off the injury it means a lot this year to win, more so than other years because of that.”

Rockwell City’s Kathy Fortune (pictured above right), who finished just three back of Kubesheski, took home the Super Senior Division title, with rounds of 79-76 (+13). Janece Schwartzkopf, of Stuart, won the Net Division with rounds of 73-70 (+1).

Click here for a recap of scoring and full results

Olson etches name in history at NW Am

August 3, 20200 commentsUncategorized

Jon Olson held off a couple of out of state players to win his first Northwest Amateur title on Sunday.  Olson, 40, of Ankeny, shot two rounds of 1-under-par 71 during Sunday’s 36-hole trek around Spencer Golf & Country Club to earn a three shot victory over Brett Benson of Bird Island, MN.  Lucas Schaefebauer of Aberdeen, SD finished in solo third, four shots back of Olson.

The win places Olson in esteemed company amongst some of the greatest to ever play the “Iowa Circuit”.  In Rick Brown’s recent book on the history of golf in Iowa, he identifies “Iowa’s Big Five” tournaments, which includes the Iowa Amateur, Northwest Amateur, Iowa Open, Iowa Masters and the Herman Sani Tournament.  Olson’s win on Sunday gives him titles in four of the five events, joining just six other players to ever accomplish the feat – Jon Brown, Gene Elliott, John Leichty, Mike McCoy, Brad Schuchat, & Steve Spray.  Only the Iowa Masters crown has evaded Olson to this point.  No player has won all five. 

Up by three shots heading into the final round, Olson did not get off to a great start, which was the exact opposite of Benson, his closest pursuer.  Olson made a bogey on his first hole of the final round and then made a double bogey on 3 before coming back with a birdie at four.  Meanwhile Benson was making birdie on three of his first four holes.  That stretch flipped the lead as Olson went from three up to start the afternoon round to two back.  

After that double bogey on three, Olson simply played smart, steady golf.  In addition to the birdie at four, he carded a birdie at 7 to tie Benson heading into the final nine holes.  Schaefbauer, who was three back after three rounds, posted 1 birdie and 8 pars to get within one of the two leaders thru 63 holes.  Olson’s final nine holes were simply better than that of Benson and Shaefbauer.  He shot a 2-under 34 while the others could each muster a 37, giving Olson the final cushion. 

On the Senior side, Chris Kramer of West Des Moines was the champion, shooting rounds of 66-71 to finish six shots clear of Brian Verduyn of Polk City.  Bret Taylor of Booneville finished in solo third.  

The Senior competition of the Northwest Amateur is complete after 36 holes. 

Kramer’s 66 on day one did not include a bogey.  Over the two rounds he managed nine birdies and just two bogeys.  Verduyn and Taylor both posted a 66 in their second rounds to make the move up the leaderboard. 

You can view complete results here.

 

Leaderboard packed at 55th Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur

August 2, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Women's Amateur

It’s a battle at the top of the leaderboard at the 55th Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.

Six-time champion Rose Kubesheski, of Dubuque, and 2019 IGA Senior Women’s Player of the Year Kelly Grimes, of Indianola, both posted rounds of 77 (+6) today at Carroll Country Club. Sitting just two shots back of the leads include 2009 champion Kathy Fortune, Rockwell City, and Kathy Nelson, Denison.

Both leaders made a pair of birdies and will look to add to that total in tomorrow’s final round. Cooler temperatures in the morning welcomed the ladies before windy conditions took over as the theme for the day.

Click here for a recap of scoring

2020 Iowa Golf Hall of Fame banquet postponed until next year

July 30, 20200 commentsNews

The induction ceremony for the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2020 has been postponed until spring of 2021 due to concerns about the coronavirus with travel and congregating in large groups. Details for the event are still being worked out, but it is the hope of the IGA that a ‘double-ceremony’ can be held honoring the Class of 2020 and 2021 next spring.

Beth Bader, John Benda and Judd Gibb were elected to the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2020 and will be recognized with a plaque in the IGA’s office and their accomplishment highlighted on the website similar to previous inductees.

We will post details regarding the induction in 2021 as soon as those details are finalized. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you at the event in the spring.

Anyone who had paid to attend the banquet will be refunded in full.

Long-time IGA supporter Larry Ross passes away

July 30, 20200 commentsNews

Webster City’s Larry Ross (pictured right) meant a lot to his hometown. Ross, who passed away earlier this week on Tuesday, will be remembered for someone who put others before himself, including donating his time with golfers looking to improve their game in and around Webster City.

Ross played, and did quite well, in numerous IGA championships throughout the years. Always in a good mood, fellow competitors were always delighted when they found out they were grouped with Larry.  He brought a terrific attitude to the game.

Ross not only played in numerous IGA events year after year, but was also instrumental in the long-running success and state titles for the high school golf program, according to Webster City High School golf coach Eric Dawson.

Click here to read more about Ross from WHOTV 13

Bull leaves no doubt, wins 118th Iowa Amateur by six at DCC

July 29, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Amateur

Dennis Bull, of Norwalk, knew his game was in good form coming into this week at the 118th Iowa Amateur. Bull left no doubt who the best player in the field was at Davenport Country Club, winning by six shots, shooting 203 (-7).

“Coming into this week I had been playing really well,” Bull said. “Honestly I hit it awesome this week. I really had control of the ball and drove it well all three days.”

Bull (pictured above), who would post three rounds of the championship under-par, admitted he wasn’t confident with his putter to start the day.

“Today, I hate to admit it, but I was nervous with the putter most of the day,” Bull said. “I had a lot of opportunities but didn’t make any of them, other than a par putt on #5. I knew I had a cushion on #18 and was able to relax and make a putt (for birdie). I was really happy with the way I played today.”

New Sharon’s Trent Lindenman gave chase early, make the turn in 32 (-4) to put some pressure on Bull. Bull, who made a healthy dose of pars before birding the ninth hole, had a feeling someone might give give a run to start the day and make a move on his lead. Unfortunately, Lindenman could not keep up the pace and lost steam on the back nine of DCC.

“Obviously someone is going to make a run,” Bull said. “I just tried to stay patient and hit greens. I tried not to make mistakes coming in. There are some pins out here you just can’t go at.”

Connor Peck, of Ankeny, winner of the 2020 IGA Match Play finished runner-up. Peck posted a three-round total of 209 (-1). Griffen Parker, of Urbandale, and Lindenman would finish in a tie for third place at 211 (+1). Bull commented that the ‘young guys’ he continues to see at events are impressive and he took notice again this week.

“I am impressed with all these young guys I play with,” Bull said. “They are more patient and mature than I was (at that age).”

Bull, who worked at DCC several years ago, said he was able to use that experience from getting the chance to play the course occasionally to his advantage.,

“I have played here (at DCC) 15-20 times here prior to this event,” Bull said. “I worked the cart barn out here one or two nights a week (several years ago), so I could play out here.”

Bull, who won the 2019 Iowa Mid-Amateur, adds the Iowa Amateur title to his record, which also includes qualifying for several USGA events.

It’s safe to say, Bull will be charging hard at Iowa Golf Association events for years to come.

Click here to see a recap of scoring

Bull takes five shot lead into final round at 118th Iowa Amateur

July 28, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Amateur

Norwalk’s Dennis Bull (-6) has kept his game plan simple this week at the 118th Iowa Amateur. Bull (pictured above) has managed to control his game better than anyone else through two rounds at Davenport Country Club and now leads by five heading into tomorrow’s final round.

“I feel like I am playing pretty solid,” Bull said. “Maybe not as good as yesterday, but I managed to scrape it around you could say. I still feel like the putter let me down today. All in all I am pleased.”

Bull admitted that the course setup at DCC this week is fair, but you can’t let your guard down at any point. Bull, who shot 69 (-1) today, hasn’t flinched.

“There has been a good balance of hole locations (this week),” Bull said. “There are a couple holes if you aren’t paying attention it will jump up and get you. This course provides you opportunities to make birdie if you are controlling your golf ball. If you aren’t, you’re going to make bogey.”

Giving chase in tomorrow’s final round include a pair of golfers who have won titles already this summer. Andrew O’Brien, of Clive, recently won the Carroll Amateur, and Connor Peck, of Ankeny, who captured the IGA Match Play crown, both sit at 139 (-1) through two days of play. Also lurking are Trent Lindenman (pictured right), of New Sharon, and Andrew Huseman, of Ankeny, at 140 (E).

“I tried to stay in the middle of the greens today,” Peck said. “It was a good day. If I can get a few more putts to fall (tomorrow), it should be fun.”

Lindenman said he knows he will need to go mistake-free tomorrow to have a chance.

“It was tough out there today,” Lindenman said. “Hopefully, I can go mistake-free tomorrow and give Denny a challenge. The greens were really drying out and it firmed up (today).”

For Bull, the plan is simple looking ahead to the final round – He’s going to stick to what has been working.

“It sounds silly, but I am just going to try and hit fairways and greens,” Bull said. “I am going to give myself as many opportunities as I can. It’s really that simple and hopefully, the putter heats up. I am hitting it well and hopefully, I can keep doing what I am doing.”

Click here for a recap of scoring

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

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