Category: Championships

Smith, Brown & Peterson Take Home 2026 Briarwood Amateur Titles

The 2026 Briarwood Amateur, hosted by Briarwood Golf Club, featured three competitive divisions and plenty of low scoring across the two-day event.

In the Open Division, defending champion Grant Smith (above) successfully defended his title in dominant fashion, posting rounds of 65-63 for a 128 total, 16-under par. Smith made 17 birdies over the two rounds. Nate McCoy finished runner-up at 14-under par after rounds of 65-65, while Sam Storey placed third at 12-under.

Jon Brown claimed the Senior Division title with an impressive 17-under-par 127, carding rounds of 64-63. Brown made 16 birdies during the championship. Mike McCoy finished second at 11-under following rounds of 67-66, while two players shared third at 4-under.

In the Super Senior Division, Ron Peterson captured the title by four shots over Tony Malizia, finishing at 13-under par with rounds of 67-64. Peterson recorded 13 birdies during the event. Andy Burton finished third at 5-under.

Note: Hole No. 18 played as a par 3 during the event, although it is reflected as a par 4 in the online scoring.

Complete Results

Collett & Anderson Cap Dominant Performance with Senior Four-Ball Victory

From left – J.D. Anderson, Jeff Collett, Dave Waugh and Tom Norton

Jeff Collett and J.D. Anderson saved their best for last.

After opening the 2026 IGA Senior Four-Ball Championship at Council Bluffs Country Club as the first-round leaders, Collett and Anderson closed with a spectacular 61 (-10) to claim the championship with a two-shot victory. The duo finished at 19-under-par 123 for the 36-hole event.

Their final round was highlighted by an incredible scoring performance, with Collett and Anderson combining for 11 birdies and an eagle on the day. Impressive to say the least!

Chris Kramer and Jon Brown matched the champions with a final-round 61 (-10), making a furious run at the title. The pair combined for nine birdies and two eagles on their own ball to finish at 17-under-par for the championship and secure runner-up honors. Another impressive day of scoring!

Josh Janeczko and Cory Braunschweig posted matching rounds of 65 to finish at 12-under-par, good for a tie for third. Ron Peterson and Bret Taylor also finished at 12-under to share third place.

Tom Norton and Dave Waugh successfully defended their Super Senior title, storming back with a final-round 66 (-5) to finish at 11-under-par 131 and claim the championship.

Norton and Waugh faced a strong challenge from Tom Schill and Tony Malizia, who fired an impressive 64 in the final round to finish just two shots behind at 9-under-par.

Overnight leaders Tom Christensen and Dave Gaer followed their opening-round 64 with a 69 (-2) to also finish at 9-under-par, sharing runner-up honors.

Joe Ward and Al Pottebaum finished four shots off the lead at 8-under-par for the championship.

The 2026 IGA Senior Four-Ball Championship delivered plenty of low scores and exciting final-round action, with both divisions featuring impressive comebacks and plenty of birdies and eagles at Council Bluffs Country Club.

Complete results can be found here: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5757783

Collett/Anderson Take Two-Shot Lead at IGA Senior Four-Ball Championship

The 2026 IGA Senior Four-Ball Championship, hosted by Council Bluffs Country Club (above), got underway with an impressive opening round as teams in both divisions battled for position heading into tomorrow’s final round.

In the Senior Division, Jeff Collett and J.D. Anderson grabbed the early lead with an outstanding 9-under-par 62. The duo combined for 10 birdies, including a birdie by both players on No. 13, to build a two-shot lead over the teams of Chris Kramer/Jon Brown and Ron Peterson/Bret Taylor, who each carded a 7-under 64.

Two additional teams sit at 6-under 65, keeping themselves within three shots of the lead and firmly in contention heading into the final round.

In the Super Senior Division, Tom Christensen and Dave Gaer teamed up for seven birdies en route to a 7-under 64, giving them a one-shot advantage over Tom Norton/Dave Waugh, who posted a 6-under 65.

Bob Brooks/Paul Wielage sit at 4-under 67, while three additional teams are just one shot behind at 3-under 68.

With one round remaining, both divisions remain wide open, with plenty of teams within striking distance of the championship.

Complete Results

Burry & Nelson Lead the Way at IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series Event #2

From left – Lindsay Burry, Kelly Nelson, Kelly Fosse and Karli Kerrigan.

The IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series continued with Event #2 at Ottumwa’s Cedar Creek Golf Course on Saturday, September 5, with 15 teams competing in a fun-filled day of golf.

The event featured a two-player shamble format, with both players hitting a drive before selecting the team’s best drive. From there, each player played their own ball through the completion of the hole, with the team’s best score counting toward the final team total.

Warm temperatures and excellent playing conditions helped produce some outstanding scores, particularly in the Gross Division.

Lindsay Burry and Kelly Nelson claimed the Gross Division title with an impressive 62 (-9), posting rounds of 32 on the front nine and 30 on the back nine. The duo was extremely consistent throughout the day, needing to count just one bogey on the entire card.

Finishing just one stroke behind were Fiona Watson and Tish Boothe, who carded a 63 (-8) with rounds of 32 and 31. Watson and Boothe were particularly impressive, recording no bogeys on their scorecard.

Julie Buerman and Katie Wenthe rounded out the top three with a 64 (-7), shooting 31 on the front nine and 33 on the back. Like the second-place team, Buerman and Wenthe also finished the day without a bogey.

Burry and Nelson also posted the low Net score of the day, finishing at 60 (-11). However, because they captured the Gross Division, the Net Division title went to Karli Kerrigan and Kelly Fosse, who also finished at 11-under par.

Buerman and Wenthe followed closely behind in the Net Division with a 61 (-10).

With 15 teams participating, Event #2 provided another exciting day for the IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series. The warm weather, great course conditions, and strong play made for an enjoyable event and produced plenty of low scores.

Complete Results

IGA Doubles Golf Championship Delivers Birdies, Playoff Drama and a Dramatic Eagle Finish at Lake Panorama National

The Iowa Golf Association’s 2026 IGA Doubles Golf Championship delivered an exciting day of team golf at Lake Panorama National Golf Course (above), with players taking advantage of favorable scoring conditions during a warm and humid day that featured plenty of birdies and several memorable finishes.

The championship featured the newly branded Doubles Golf format, formerly known as the traditional two-player “Better Shot” format or two-person scramble. The event included Men’s, Women’s, Mixed and Senior divisions, with both gross and net competitions.

The Open Men’s Gross Division produced the lowest score of the championship, as Micah Moyer and Josh Barnes fired a remarkable 59 (-13). Their score earned them the title following a playoff against two other teams.

In the Women’s Gross Division, LeAnn Patton and Jeannie Henningsen captured the championship with a 69 (-3). The pair saved their best moment for the final hole, where they recorded a dramatic hole-out eagle to secure the victory.

Erin and Greg Schaffer claimed the Mixed Gross Division title, also needing a playoff to do so, with a 65 (-7), while Kris Greenfield and Jon Weeks posted a 64 (-8) to win the Senior Men’s Gross Division.

The net divisions also featured impressive scoring and close finishes.

Geri and Dan Huser won the Mixed Net Division with a 63 (-9).

The Open Men’s Net Division ended in a tie at 60 (-12) between Jeff Collett and Aaron O’Brien and Connor Peck and Sam DeBartolo. Collett and O’Brien prevailed in the scorecard playoff to claim the championship.

In the Senior Men’s Net Division, Greenfield and Weeks also posted a winning score of 63 (-9). However, because they had already captured the Senior Men’s Gross title, the net championship went to Mike Ninneman and Stephen Hamilton, who finished at 64 (-8).

Soni Hansen and Adrae Parmenter rounded out the championship winners by taking the Women’s Net Division with a 65 (-7).

The 2026 IGA Doubles Golf Championship showcased the excitement and camaraderie of team golf, with competitive scoring throughout the field and dramatic finishes that highlighted the unique nature of the Doubles Golf format.

The Iowa Golf Association thanks Lake Panorama National Golf Course for hosting the championship and congratulates all of the division champions and competitors who participated in the 2026 event.

2026 IGA Doubles Golf Championship Champions
Open Men’s Gross: Micah Moyer & Josh Barnes — 59 (-13)
Open Men’s Net: Jeff Collett & Aaron O’Brien — 60 (-12), scorecard playoff
Women’s Gross: LeAnn Patton & Jeannie Henningsen — 69 (-3)
Women’s Net: Soni Hansen & Adrae Parmenter — 65 (-7)
Mixed Gross: Erin & Greg Schaffer — 65 (-7)
Mixed Net: Geri & Dan Huser — 63 (-9)
Senior Men’s Gross: Kris Greenfield & Jon Weeks — 64 (-8)
Senior Men’s Net: Mike Ninneman & Stephen Hamilton — 64 (-8)

Complete Results

Irv Warren Memorial GC, Briarwood GC Claim Team Titles at 65th IGA Women’s Club Team

The 65th IGA Women’s Club Team competition delivered a full day of outstanding golf at Ames Golf & Country Club, with rain staying away and ideal conditions providing the perfect backdrop for the annual event.

Irv Warren Memorial GC Takes Team Gross Title
Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course (above) captured the Team Gross championship with an even-par total of 213, finishing seven shots ahead of Golf Club of Iowa.

The winning team featured Kelly Nelson, Lindsay Burry, Rose Kubesheski and Chase Doland, who combined for a strong performance throughout the competition.

In the Individual Gross competition, Katie Riedeman of Ames Golf & Country Club and Leanne Smith of Echo Valley Country Club shared medalist honors. Both players carded even-par 71s.

Briarwood Wins Team Net
In the Team Net competition, Briarwood Golf Club came out on top with a 12-under-par 201, edging Indianola Golf Club by one shot.

Briarwood’s winning team (right) consisted of Ila Gilbert, Nicole Petersen, Jaci Hake and Julie Davidson.

Morgan Conn of Indianola Golf Club claimed Individual Net honors with a 6-under-par 65, finishing three shots ahead of Tara Dabney.

Under the IGA Women’s Club Team format, each club records its best three of four scores on each hole in both the gross and net competitions, making consistency across the entire team critical to success.

With beautiful weather holding throughout the day, the 65th IGA Women’s Club Team provided a memorable day of competition and camaraderie at Ames Golf & Country Club.

Complete Results

Smith Holds On for Open Title as Matzdorff, Malizia Claim Division Crowns

Champions have been crowned at the Herman Sani Tournament held at Echo Valley Country Club in Norwalk this afternoon. Scattered thunderstorms early in the morning led to some unprecedented delays, but a few players persevered to earn the titles.

Winning the open overall division with a total of -11 (66-69-70)  is Grant Smith (above) of West Des Moines.

“After coming up short in a lot of these tournaments, it feels really good to finally get the job done,” expressed Smith with a smile. “The golf course, staff, and membership were incredible out here. It was a fun weekend.”

Smith’s championship round was a rollercoaster. After opening with three birdies in his first five holes, Smith found trouble on the par-four seventh where he took a double-bogey, followed up by a pair of bogeys.

“It was rough out there for a little bit,” shared Smith. “But I was fortunate to have my dad on the bag today and that really helped keep me grounded.”

Smith fired two birdies in his final two holes to edge Bettendorf’s Ethan Blomme by a single stroke. Blomme also rattled off back-to-back birdies in his final few holes to give himself a chance at -10 (69-68-69), but it was ultimately Smith who sealed the deal. Arthur’s Axton Miller rounded out the podium at -9 (67-68-72)

In the Senior Division, Echo Valley Country Club member Bill Matzdorff (right), of Cumming, claimed his first IGA major title in his career after posting rounds of 68-70-68 (-10) to win by two.

“It was great getting to win on home soil this weekend,” Matzdorff expressed. “If you would have told me at the start of the week I would only make six bogeys and fire off 16 birdies I wouldn’t have believed you. It was a great weekend.”

Norwalk’s Joe Palmer and Johnston’s J.D. Anderson came in second and third place, respectively, at -8 for the weekend.

In the Super Senior Division, Humboldt’s Tony Malizia (left) secured his victory going +7 (78-73-72). Malizia’s final round 72 was the lowest 18-hole score in the division all weekend.

“I made a lot more putts today than I had the previous two days, so that helped a lot,” shared Malizia. “I can’t say enough good things about this place, it was excellent.”

Des Moines’ Mark Gambaiana and Marshalltown’s Rob Christensen rounded at the podium at +16.

Iowa City’s Steven Ihm secured the professional division title at -6 (75-66-69), followed by Albia’s Darin Fisher (-4) and Ankeny’s Zach Steffen (-1).

Special thank you to the staff and membership at Echo Valley Country Club for generously hosting this year’s Herman Sani Tournament.

Complete Results

Smith, Miller Share Lead After Two Rounds of 77th Herman Sani Tournament

The second round of the 77th Herman Sani Tournament is officially in the books, and the leaderboard has tightened considerably heading into the final round at Echo Valley Country Club.

Grant Smith (above) of West Des Moines and Axton Miller now share the Open Division lead at 9-under-par 135 after two rounds. Smith carded a 3-under 69 on Friday, highlighted by five birdies, while Miller fired a 4-under 68 with five birdies of his own.

Just one shot back is Jake Weissenburger at 8-under 136 after an impressive 67 in Round 2. Ethan Bloome sits at 7-under 137, while Andrew Johannsen and AJ Sposato are both at 6-under 138. Four additional players are just one shot further back at 5-under.

With so many players still within striking distance, the Open Division remains wide open heading into the final round.

In the Senior Division, Echo Valley Country Club member Bill Matzdorff (right) continues to lead after posting a second-round 70. Matzdorff finished his day in style, making a pair of birdies to move to 6-under 138 for the tournament.

Fellow Echo Valley Country Club member Joe Palmer made the biggest move of the day in the Senior Division, firing a 4-under 68 to climb to 5-under 139 and within one shot of the lead. Johnston’s J.D. Anderson, who opened the tournament with a 66, sits at 4-under 140 following his second round.

The Super Senior Division is also tightly contested, with Rob Christensen and Tony Malizia sharing the lead at 7-over 151. Andy Burton sits just one shot back at 8-over 152.

With one final round remaining, the leaderboard is crowded and plenty of players remain within striking distance of a championship.

Complete Results

Strong Starts Highlight Opening Round of 77th Herman Sani Tournament

The opening round of the Herman Sani Tournament held at Echo Valley Country Club is officially in the books. Nearly flawless playing conditions fared well for the field, and a few players took advantage to climb atop the leaderboard.

Sharing the Open Division lead with a pair of stellar 66’s (-6) is Calen Bishop (right) of Johnston and Grant Smith of West Des Moines. Bishop took a commanding lead early in his round, firing a 30 (-6) on the front nine alone.

“I really just tried to play like I was even-par on each hole today,” Bishop shared. “Heading into tomorrow I’m just going to keep hitting fairways and greens and continue to give myself good looks.”

Smith also got off to a hot start, rattling off four birdies on his front nine. After a string of pars on holes 10-14, Smith hopped back on the birdie train on the par-five 15th and the par-four 18th.

In the senior division, Johnston’s J.D. Anderson (left) leads the field after an opening 66 (-6) which was highlighted by seven birdies, four of which were made in his first five holes.

“I played pretty solid and steady most of the day,” mentioned Anderson. “I had some nice wedge shots that I stuck in close, so that was helpful.”

Following closely behind Anderson with a 68 (-4) is Echo Valley Country Club member Bill Matzdorff, of Cumming. Matzdorff scored five birdies on the day, which helped counter a lone bogey on the par-five ninth hole.

Leading the Super Senior Division with a 76 (+4) is Mark Gambaiana of Des Moines. After starting his opening nine with a 40 (+4), Gambaiana bounced back with an impressive 36 (E) on his second nine.

Following closely behind at +5 is the trio of Cedar Rapids’ Bill Sutton, Johnston’s Steve Jordan, and Gowrie’s Tom Schill.

With two more days of competition remaining, the tournament is still anyone’s game.

Complete Results

Honsa Ties Tournament Record, Wins 2026 Northwest Amateur by Nine Shots

The 2026 Northwest Amateur concluded with a record-tying performance as Joe Honsa (above) of Mendota Heights, Minnesota captured the championship in dominant fashion. Honsa fired rounds of 63-66-67-70 to finish at 22-under-par 266, matching the tournament scoring record established by 2022 champion J.D. Anderson. His nine-stroke victory highlighted one of the finest performances in the event’s history. Honsa will begin his sophomore season this fall as a member of the University of Minnesota men’s golf team, and the Northwest Amateur is proud to add his name to its distinguished list of champions.

Finishing in a tie for second at 13-under-par 275 were Miles Bollinger of Woodbury, Minnesota, and Axton Miller of Arthur, Iowa, each posting outstanding four-round performances. Mick Herron of Excelsior, Minnesota claimed fourth at 12-under 276, while Ben Appelhof of Blaine, Minnesota rounded out the top five at 11-under 277.

The championship field showcased exceptional depth throughout the week. Simply qualifying for the Championship Flight—comprised of the tournament’s top 27 players—was a significant accomplishment, and scoring conditions reflected the high level of play, with all 20 golfers who finished in the top 20 ending the 72-hole championship under par.

The Championship Flight Top 20 finishers were:

  1. Joe Honsa – Mendota Heights, MN (266)
  2. Miles Bollinger – Woodbury, MN (275)
  3. Axton Miller – Arthur, IA (275)
  4. Mick Herron – Excelsior, MN (276)
  5. Ben Appelhof – Blaine, MN (277)
  6. Jack Mulligan – Clarendon Hills, IL (278)
  7. Ben Hicks – Victoria, MN (279)
  8. Dennis Bull – Norwalk, IA (279)
  9. Jon Brown – Adel, IA (281)
  10. Jackson Laven – Okoboji, IA (282)
  11. Eddie Doyle – Fort Dodge, IA (282)
  12. Drew Spooner – Cherokee, IA (283)
  13. Carter Madison – Adel, IA (283)
  14. Michael Clark – Spencer, IA (283)
  15. Shane Barnes – Minnetrista, MN (283)
  16. Jack Winkel – Ankeny, IA (284)
  17. Judd Jirovsky – Grundy Center, IA (285)
  18. James Preston – Lakeland, FL (285)
  19. Joe Hunter – Altoona, IA (286)
  20. Evan Smith – Knoxville, IA (287)

Congratulations also go to the winners of each flight:

  • 1st Flight: Dominick Haskins (St. Paul, MN) – 211
  • 2nd Flight: Patrick Herron (Deephaven, MN) – 215
  • 3rd Flight: Cole Grandfield (Elkhorn, NE) – 215
  • 4th Flight: Colin Mitchell (Dakota Dunes, SD) – 225 (won tiebreaker)
  • 5th Flight: Jordan Oltman (Harrisburg, SD) – 224
  • 6th Flight: AJ Stanley (Spencer, IA) – 227

Senior Division champions were also recognized:

  • Senior I (Ages 50–59): Jon Brown (Adel, IA) – 141 (won tiebreaker)
  • Senior II (Age 60+): Curtis Holck (Ankeny, IA) – 146

The Northwest Amateur extends its sincere thanks to all participants, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who helped make another outstanding championship possible. We appreciate everyone who made the trip to Spencer and look forward to welcoming players back for the 2027 Northwest Amateur, July 29–August 1, as another chapter is written in the tournament’s storied history.

Complete Results

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