Two IGA Additional Sanctioned Point Events are taking place this weekend.
The Tri-State Masters – played over three courses in the Sioux City area – gets underway on Friday, May 17th and finishes on Sunday, May 19th. You can follow the find scores and tee times by clicking this link.
The Southeast Iowa Amateur at The Preserve on Rathbun Lake is contested over Saturday and Sunday, May 18th and 19th. Follow the action here.
Dennis Bull (pictured above), of Norwalk, had the mindset to stay patient and see where the chips fell at the end of the day. Thankfully for Bull the chips fell in his favor with the help of solid golf in the final round of the 32nd Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship at Briarwood Golf Club in Ankeny. The victory marks Bull’s first ‘solo’ IGA title, as he paired up with Dusty Drenth to win the IGA Four-Ball last year.
Starting the day Bull was one shot behind opening round leader John Burgett (pictured right), of Waukee. Burgett’s lead grew to three strokes early on in the round, but as mentioned Bull stayed patient.
“This is going to be a long day I thought,” Bull said after the round. “I made a sloppy bogey on #1. John made a nice, long putt on #2, so right away I was in a hole. I didn’t birdie #3 or #4. I was playing ok, just wasn’t scoring. But then I birdied 5 and it was back and forth after that.
Fast forward to the 14th hole, where two fine shots left Burgett an eagle putt he would convert and take sole position of the lead by three strokes.
“John made eagle on #14, which was fantastic and then I fail to make birdie, so (once again) I am three (strokes) down, Bull said. “I didn’t think I was out of to after he made eagle. I had good looks on #16-18 for birdie, just didn’t make any of them and he made a couple bogeys coming in.”
Bull’s final round included a pair of birdies to offset his two bogeys, which was good enough by one stroke over Burgett and three over West Des Moines’ Ryan Bishop. Bull, who shot 145 (+1) for the championship, admitted with the cooler, windier weather in the final round, birdies wouldn’t be flying by any means.
“My mindset was trying to stay patient today,” Bull said. “I drove the ball so-so early on, but didn’t make many mistakes. Scores were a little higher due to the weather. There was a little bit of wind and it was cold. But it’s nice to win one of these, I have been trying for a while.”
In the Senior Division, West Des Moines’ Bob Brooks defeated Brian Verduyn, of Polk City, after both players finished with a two-round score of 143 (-1). Jim Butler, of Fort Madison, claimed the Super Senior Division title by a six shots over Dave Sergeant, of Fort Dodge. Butler also posted 143 (-1) over the two-day event.
From left – Jim Butler (Super Senior Division Champion), Dennis Bull (Mid-Amateur Champion) and Bob Brooks (Senior Division Champion). Bull is shown above holding the Michael McCoy Mid-Amateur trophy.
John Burgett, of Waukee, leads the 34th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship following an opening round 72 (E). Burgett, who is a member at Briarwood Golf Club, where the event is being contested, made three birdies to offset his three bogeys.
Hot on Burgett’s heels is a group of five who posted 73 (+1), which includes Aaron O’Brien, Dennis Bull, Scot Cook, Ben Stein and Brian Allison.
In the Senior Division Brian Verduyn, of Urbandale, put together a fine round of 68 (-4). Verduyn’s card was clear – four birdies against no bogeys. Not to be outdone, Bob Brooks, of West Des Moines, posted his own 68, which included two birdies and an eagle. Joe Bates, of Albia, is in third place at a round of 71 (-1).
In the Super Senior Division, Dan Dalziel, Cedar Rapids, and Jim Butler, of Fort Madison, both fired 72 (E) to co-lead by three of Richard Gorbell, of Cedar Rapids.
Click here for First Round results
Click here for Second Round Pairings/Tee Times
Davenport Country Club didn’t give up much during Monday’s U.S. Open Local Qualifier. Only four players were able to shoot par or better, with David Lawrence, of Moline, IL, being the only player to break par to earn medalist honors.
Lawrence (right), who admitted he has chased the professional golf dream all over the world, shot 69 (-1) on a day that saw many players struggling to find success.
“I thought anything around par was going to be a great score today,” Lawrence said. “I really thought par was 72 today, especially with the wind directions and hole locations. I made a nice, solid par on #1 which is a good way to get your day going. It’s a tough hole. I had a tap in birdie on #2 and slid one in on #4. When you see a couple go in and your pace is good it really sets the tone for the day nicely.”
Being from the Quad Cities area Lawrence admitted it was nice to be close to home for the qualifier and felt like he knew, to some degree, what to expect at Davenport CC.
“I have played out here occasionally over the years, but the course has changed over that time too,” Lawrence said. “I have only played it a couple times over the last three years or so. I am a huge fan of the course.”
The final two qualifying spots into U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying went to (pictured left) Sean McCarty, of Solon, and Frank Lindwall, of Cedar Rapids, via a three-way playoff along with Charles Jahn (1st Alternate), of Sperry, who all finished at 70 (E). Second alternate went to Broc Everett who posted 71 (+1).
Golf’s new World Handicap System, which is designed to bring the game of golf under a single set of Rules for handicapping and provide a more consistent measure of players’ ability between different regions of the world, remains on track for implementation starting in 2020.
Education has begun with events being held in Singapore, South Africa, Great Britain and Ireland, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Continental Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and the USA.
A secure resource portal, accessible via whs.com, has also been launched to provide national associations with a library of materials that they can use to help support their own education efforts.
Coinciding with this release, the USGA and The R&A are launching a social media video campaign today to remind golfers of the eight key features of the new Rules of Handicapping and to reveal more details. These features include:
Significant progress has been made in preparation for the rollout of the new system, which includes building a library of education materials, finalizing the new Rules of Handicapping, release of the technical specifications and the continuation of testing. Many national associations around the world are busy ensuring that their golf courses are rated in accordance with the Course Rating System and working to update local software platforms so that they are ready to apply the new Rules of Handicapping.
While many countries will be ready to transition to the WHS early in 2020, given both the magnitude of the change for some jurisdictions and varying seasonality throughout the world, it is anticipated that some will need more time.
“The World Handicap System is the latest example of our work to make the game more welcoming,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “Golfers throughout the world will be able to play equitably, measure their success and more fully enjoy and engage with the game. After working with national associations across the world on Course Rating throughout the past 30 years and now the World Handicap System, this monumental collaborative effort will benefit everyone in golf.”
Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said, “There are many ways in which it is important for golf to modernize and become more appealing for people thinking of taking up the sport and handicapping is clearly one of them. The World Handicap System is a major new initiative for the sport which will establish a clearer and more consistent handicapping process for golfers throughout the world.
“We are working closely with national associations, as we do across all our core activities, to ensure they are fully prepared for the introduction of the new system as soon as possible after it becomes available for implementation.”
Since its conception, the development of the WHS has focused on three key goals: to encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index; to enable golfers of differing abilities, genders and nationalities to transport their Handicap Index to any course around the world and compete on a fair basis; and to indicate with sufficient accuracy the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving on any course around the world, playing under normal conditions.
The system has been devised following extensive consultation with the six existing handicapping authorities: Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the USGA. The Japan Golf Association and Golf Canada have also been closely involved in developing the new system.
Widespread support for the WHS was expressed in an international survey of 52,000 golfers with 76% in favor of the new system and a further 22% saying they were willing to consider its benefits. Focus groups were also held in different regions of the world to elicit detailed feedback on the features of the new system, which have contributed to the finalized Rules of Handicapping.
The World Handicap System will unite the golf world under one single set of handicapping rules and will be governed by the USGA and The R&A, with support from the existing six handicap authorities.
As an extension of their support of the Rules of Golf worldwide, Rolex has made a commitment to support The R&A’s and the USGA’s efforts to implement the World Handicap System.
NEW in 2019 – PUTT-PUTT TOURNAMENT
In 2019, the IGA and our hosts at Jester Park GC will be holding an optional Putt-Putt Tournament on Sunday, June 16th during the IGA Father/Son-Parent/Child Championship.
The tournament costs $10 per team to play and all players will receive free ice cream. Players of all ages are encouraged and welcomed. The only requirement is that the team must be a parent and a child, in any combination (Father-Son, Mother-Son, Mother-Daughter or Father-Daughter).
Jester Park GC installed an 18-hole miniature golf course at the practice range facility in 2018. Teams can play anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday (June 16th) and are NOT required to play in the regular Father/Son-Parent/Child Championship. So if you have a young one who isn’t quite ready for the big course, this is a way you can bring them into the fold!
You can sign up in one of three ways:
NOTE: when signing up online, both players must have a Player Profile created with the IGA’s online signup program – click here for more info on creating those profiles
The format will be alternate shot. One player tees off first on the even numbered holes and the other player tees off first on the odd numbered holes, then you alternate strokes during the hole. Teams will choose which person tees off on the even and odd holes before starting their round.
Once all play is finished, we will divide the field into flights based on their score. The overall winners will receive trophies and flight winners will receive various prizes.
If you have any questions about the Putt-Putt Tournament, or have any troubles signing up, please give us a call at (515) 207-1062.
There are many volunteer options during the 2019 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur tournament at Cedar Rapids Country Club (CRCC). All volunteers are encouraged to register for 2-3 shifts plus one training session. The cost to volunteer is $50 and each volunteer will receive a golf shirt, golf hat, meal voucher, and one (1) free round of golf at CRCC (dates TBD by Head Golf Pro).
The USGA holds the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship annually in August, September or October. Approximately 500 of the best female golfers in the world, age 50 and above, seek to qualify for the Championship at sites across the United States in the late summer. From these regional qualifiers, 132 women will come to CRCC for two practice rounds on August 22 and 23, followed by two qualifying stroke play rounds on August 24 and 25. The top 64 finishers from the qualifying rounds will compete in a series of single elimination, match play rounds from August 26-29.
The 2019 Iowa Cup Matches are moving to the fall.
The Iowa Golf Association and Iowa PGA approved a plan over the offseason to move the date of the traditional matches between the state’s top amateurs and professionals to late in the season. 2019 will mark the 52nd playing of the matches and will be staged at Crow Valley Golf Club in Davenport on September 26 & 27.
The Iowa Cup began in 1967 and, for quite some time, the matches were always played in the fall. It is unknown when they were moved to the spring. The most notable driving forces for moving the event back to the fall were the weather and golf course availability.
“Three of the last six Iowa Cup Matches have had sessions wiped out due to weather while another one – Geneva G&CC in Muscatine – was very cold, windy and miserable.” stated IGA Executive Director Chad Pitts. “So moving to the fall dates should help with that. Not to mention that golf courses are looking for business much more in the early fall than in spring, which makes securing top venues a bit easier.”
The format of the event remains the same. Four-Ball and Foursome (alternate shot) matches will take place in the morning and afternoon, respectively, of day one while Singles matches will be held on day two.
PICKING THE TEAM
In 2019, the IGA will use a point structure that mimics the Ryder Cup system. 50% of the points earned toward the 2018 IGA Player of the Year race will be added to 100% of the points earned in the 2019 race through July 28th (final day of the Iowa Amateur). The top 14 players in the Open division and the top 4 players in the Senior division will be invited to play. Reigning IGA Player of the Year J.D. Anderson will receive two captains picks to round out the 20 person squad.
In an effort to let golfers know what courses are open in 2019 (as always – weather dependent) this page will include and be updated with facilities that are open. Feel free to check back often!
Be sure to contact the course before heading out to play as the IGA doesn’t always know the conditions at every facility from day to day.
Amana Colonies Golf Club
Will open Thursday, March 28th. They will be Cart Path Only and the Practice Facility will be closed through this weekend.
Blue Top Ridge at Riverside Casino and Golf Resort
Weather permitting we will open April 5th with the below shoulder season rates till April 25th
-18 holes $55
-9 holes $35
-Replay rate $35
Juniors (17 & Under, excluding group events) $25
Bos Landen Golf Course
Hoping for Thursday, March 21st – Tentative as this point
Brown Deer Golf Club
Currently open and will remain as long as weather permits
Burlington Golf Club
Opening Saturday, March 23rd
Emerald Hills Golf Club
Opening with carts April 5th.
Harvest Point Golf Course
Will be open for walking play on Wednesday (3/20) and hopefully carts running on Thursday (3/31). The driving range is currently open.
Highland Park Golf Course
Hopefully opening April 6th – weather depending
Mason City Country Club
Will open at noon on Thursday, April 4th.
Pleasant Valley Golf Course
Fully open – Pre-Season rates will be in effect until around mid-April.
Rustic Ridge Golf Course
Currently Open
Sheaffer Memorial Golf Club
Currently Open (as of 3/22)
The Legacy Golf Club
Opening for play on Wednesday, March 20th. Shoulder Season rates are in effect through April 11th.
-18 holes with cart on Monday – Thursday = $40.00 + tax
-18 holes with cart on Friday – Sunday = $45.00 + tax
Carts will be restricted to the paths only for an extended period of time and the driving range is not yet open.
The Preserve on Rathbun Lake
Currently Open
$35 – 18 holes w/cart weekdays (M – Th) until March 31.
$42.50 – 18 Holes w/cart weekends (Fr – Su) until March 31
$20 18 hole replay rates
Veenker Memorial Golf Course
Driving Range opening Saturday, March 23, (Mats only and Max yardage of 200 yards due to wet conditions). Golf Course is currently now open. Carts available but will be restricted to path depending on weather conditions.
Warrior Run Golf Course
Hoping for Friday, March 22nd – Tentative as this point
Westwood Golf Course
Will open Friday, March 22nd, at 10 a.m. Carts will be ready to go (may have a hole or 2 that will be cart path only) but other than that the course should be ready for play.
Will be open all weekend probably not before 9:30 a.m., on both Saturday and Sunday.
Will take tee times and walk ins – 641-792-3087.
Whispering Creek Golf Club
Opening Thursday, March 21th
Waveland Golf Course
AH Blank Golf Course
Bright-Grandview Golf Course
Jester Park Golf Course
All opening Thursday, March 21st.
Waverly Municipal Golf Course
Is opening for the season Wednesday, March 27, at 10 a.m., for all play including carts. Weekday special is in effect now and all season long; 18 holes & cart only $26 M-F, before 2 p.m.
Parents Can Register Their Junior Golfers,
Get More Information at DriveChipandPutt.com
The USGA, PGA of America and the Masters Tournament announced that qualifying registration for Drive, Chip, and Putt is now officially open on DriveChipandPutt.com.
This fun, free and nationwide youth golf development initiative invites boys and girls, ages 7-15, to participate in local qualifying opportunities in all 50 states throughout the months of May, June, July and August. Entrants will play in girls’ and boys’ divisions in four age categories, with scoring centered around golf’s three fundamental skills – driving, chipping and putting. Top performers at the local level will advance through subregional and regional qualifiers in July/August and September/October, respectively, at several of the nation’s most acclaimed venues and championship sites. From these qualifiers, 80 finalists – 40 boys and 40 girls – will earn an invitation to compete in the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 5, the eve of the 2020 Masters Tournament.
“We are proud to be a founding partner of Drive, Chip and Putt, and are excited to bring young golfers to several USGA championship sites through our active participation in this program,” said Mark Newell, president of the USGA. “One of our most important tasks in this partnership is to work with every family through the registration process – which provides an important pathway into the game for so many across our country.”
“We are delighted that Drive, Chip and Putt continues to achieve our goal of engaging junior golfers of all ages and skill levels,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. “As a result of our shared partnership with the PGA of America and USGA, Drive, Chip and Putt gets better every year, helping new and returning young players across the country experience all the benefits our great game has to offer in a unique and fun way.”
“We’re proud that Drive, Chip and Putt serves as a welcoming environment for girls and boys to showcase their golf skills and passion for the game,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “The PGA of America is excited to host qualifying events across each of our 41 PGA Sections nationwide, as we inspire the next generation to pursue a lifetime of fun and enjoyment through the game of golf.”
Local qualifying begins Saturday, May 4, 2019, at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla. The full breakdown and schedule of 2020 Drive, Chip and Putt qualifying is as follows:
Local (May/June/July/August):
• 311 host sites throughout all 50 states
• 3 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue
Subregional (July/August):
• 61 host sites in more than 20 states
• 2 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue
Regional (September/October):
• 10 host sites in 10 regions
• 1 junior advances in each age/gender category from every venue
National Finals (April 5, 2020):
• 80 total participants at Augusta National Golf Club
The regional qualifying events in September and October of this year are set to take place at 10 host sites on the following dates:
September 7 | Oakland Hills Country Club
(Site of 6 U.S. Open Championships, 3 PGA Championships and the 2004 Ryder Cup)
September 8 | Oakmont Country Club
(Site of 16 USGA Championships and 3 PGA Championships)
September 8 | Chambers Bay
(Site of 3 USGA Championships)
September 8 | Colorado Golf Club
(Site of the 2010 Senior PGA Championship and the 2019 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship)
September 8 | Atlanta Athletic Club
(Site of the 3 PGA Championships and the 2014 U.S. Amateur Championship)
September 21 | Torrey Pines
(Site of 2 U.S. Open Championships)
September 28 | Interlachen Country Club
(Site of 5 USGA Championships and the 2016 Junior Ryder Cup)
September 28 | TPC Sawgrass
(Site of The Players)
September 29 | TPC River Highlands
(Site of the Travelers Championship)
October 5 | Alotian Club
(Site of the 2013 Western Amateur Championship and 2019 Arnold Palmer Cup)
The current sixth season of Drive, Chip and Putt will conclude on the eve of the upcoming Masters Tournament, with 80 junior golfers competing in the National Finals at Augusta National on Sunday, April 7. Golf Channel will broadcast the event live across North America and South America.
For more information about Drive, Chip and Putt, including official rules and a full listing of qualifying sites, please visit DriveChipandPutt.com.
About Drive, Chip and Putt
A joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and the PGA of America, Drive, Chip and Putt is a free, nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf. By tapping the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys ages 7-15, Drive, Chip and Putt provides aspiring junior golfers an opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers around the country. Participants who advance through local, subregional and regional qualifying in each age/gender category earn a place in the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament and is broadcast live by Golf Channel. For more information, visit DriveChipandPutt.com.