Tish Boothe (right) claimed the 2nd IGA Women’s Match Play Championship in a dramatic finale at Veenker Memorial Golf Course in Ames, showcasing resilience, precision, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Boothe navigated a demanding path to the title, beginning with a challenging first-round match against Kathy Fortune. “She’s a phenomenal putter and so steady,” Boothe said of her opponent. In a show of camaraderie, Fortune later volunteered to caddie for Boothe in the finals. “The support she provided was invaluable,” Boothe added.

In the semifinals, Boothe faced seasoned competitor Rose Kubesheski. Weather delays and fatigue added to the intensity of the match. “Never take Rose for granted—she’s always a competitor,” Boothe noted. Despite the disruptions, the match remained tight until the closing holes, with Boothe edging out the win.

The final match against Geri Huser turned into a back-and-forth duel. Boothe took an early lead, going 3 up through eight holes thanks to consecutive birdies. Huser responded with a strong rally, tying the match by the 14th hole. But Boothe held firm down the stretch. “There are big numbers out here, so I tried not to get too confident,” she said. “Patience was key, especially in a match that kept swinging.”

Boothe credits her earlier win in the Women’s Amateur Open Division with preparing her for this moment. “Training through good and bad at Wakonda taught me patience, which is vital in match play and on courses like this,” she shared.

The victory held personal significance. “It’s fun to compete against a great group of women. To see it through and stay patient—that’s what makes this win meaningful,” she reflected. She also praised the supportive atmosphere among senior golfers. “It’s a fun group, and everyone is genuinely rooting for each other.”

In the First Flight, Michelle Klein of Jesup earned her second title of the season. After defeating Leighann LaRocca (4 & 2) in the quarterfinals and Jeanne Swenson (3 & 1) in the semis, she secured the championship with a 2-up victory over Jennifer Corkrean. Klein’s previous win came in the IGA Women’s Four-Ball event alongside partner Laura Leszczynski.