Category: Championships

Iowa finishes in third place at Junior Girls’ Four-State

July 3, 20250 commentsChampionships

Team Iowa (from left) – Coach Julie Buerman, Natalie Henson, Rylee Brockhosue, Ava Lohrbach, Jaylee Shaffer, Chloe Bolte, Morgan Rupp and Coach Leanne Smith.

Team Iowa delivered a strong and spirited performance at the 2025 Junior Girls’ Four-State Championship this week, finishing third overall at Firekeeper Golf Course in Kansas. In a tightly contested event, Iowa earned 6.5 points—just one point behind champion Team Missouri (7.5 points). Team Kansas claimed runner-up honors with 7 points.

The championship opened with four-ball matches, where the Iowa duo of Morgan Rupp (Marion) and Chloe Bolte (Sumner) set the tone early with a commanding 4&2 victory over Kansas’ Hadley Neese and Jenny Sun, securing a key point.

Iowa added to its early momentum thanks to Jaylee Shaffer (Mount Ayr) and Natalie Henson (Marshalltown), who earned a 2&1 win against Nebraska’s Eden Larson and Tasha Kolbas. Their performance propelled Team Iowa into a tie for first place heading into the afternoon foursomes session.

During the foursomes, Iowa encountered stiff competition. The pairing of Ava Lohrbach (Ames) and Shaffer battled to halve their match with Kansas’ Savannah Cagle and Maddie Myers. After taking a one-up lead on the 16th hole, the Iowa team settled for a tie when Kansas birdied the final hole. Iowa closed the day in third place, still well within reach of the leaders.

On the final day, Team Iowa showed grit and determination in the singles matches. Strong victories from Henson, Shaffer, Rupp, and Lohrbach contributed four crucial points to Iowa’s total and nearly vaulted the team up the leaderboard.

It nearly became five.

In one of the event’s most dramatic matches, Bolte went toe-to-toe with Missouri’s Morgan Withington. All square heading to the 18th, the tightly contested duel came down to the final hole, where Withington edged out the win with a bogey—securing a vital point for Missouri and denying Iowa a chance at the title.

Team Iowa’s third-place finish reflects a week of outstanding effort, resilience, and teamwork. The 2026 Junior Girls’ Four-State Championship will be hosted in Iowa, with the venue to be announced at a later date.

Complete Results

Holmberg, Nelson claim thrilling victory at 2025 IGA Match Play Championships

June 30, 20250 commentsChampionships, IGA Match Play, Wmn's Match Play

The 2025 IGA Match Play Tournament at Talons of Tuscany concluded late Friday evening, capping off a week marked by unpredictable weather, extended delays, and unforgettable performances. What began with ideal conditions quickly turned into a test of endurance, as players battled the elements and each other in a grueling display of resilience and skill.

On the women’s side, Erika Holmberg (right) of Bettendorf emerged victorious after an epic 22-hole duel with Shannyn Vogler of Moline to capture the title. The No. 11 seed, Holmberg played an astonishing 52 holes on Friday to earn her second IGA title in just a few weeks.

Her road to the championship was anything but easy. Holmberg cruised past Michelle Klein in the Round of 32 with an 8&6 win, then edged Fiona Watson 1 up in the Round of 16. In the quarterfinals, she continued her strong play with a 2&1 victory over Chloe Bolte.

In a highly anticipated semifinal matchup, Holmberg faced off against her IGA Women’s Four-Ball partner—and good friend—Anna Jensen. The two recently claimed the Four-Ball title together, but on Friday, Holmberg came out on top with a 3&2 win.

“Playing Anna in the semifinals was very bittersweet,” Holmberg said. “She’s a great friend and we just won the IGA Women’s Four-Ball together. She played great golf, but I was able to edge ahead with birdies on 13 and 14 and stayed consistent with my putting.”

Reflecting on her week, Holmberg added, “I feel beyond fortunate to have claimed the IGA Women’s Match Play title. I didn’t play my best during stroke-play qualifying on Tuesday, so I knew I’d have to dig deep against tough competition. It was a true test of mental and physical toughness.”

Holmberg also credited her support team, saying, “This tournament was really special with so many friends and family on the bag throughout the week. A big shoutout to Karli Kerrigan for keeping me focused and present during the final holes of the championship match.”

On the men’s side, play began with 18 holes of stroke-play qualifying, cutting the field from 130 players to the top 64. University of Iowa Hawkeye and Cedar Falls native Maxwell Tjoa earned the top seed after carding a remarkable 64 (-8) in challenging wet and windy conditions.

Despite holding a comfortable lead after qualifying, match play brings unpredictability—and Tjoa’s opening match proved just that. In the round of 64, Tjoa fell to Leo Fiscus of Davenport in a tightly contested match, with Fiscus prevailing one-up. However, Fiscus’ run was short-lived, as Iowa State Cyclone Owen Sawyer defeated him 6&5 in the round of 32.

Sawyer’s dominant win was only the beginning of a bracket-breaking streak. He continued his impressive form by defeating AJ Sposato of Norwalk 6&5 in the round of 16, followed by a 2&1 victory over C.T. Norris of West Des Moines in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Sawyer overcame a strong challenge from Spencer Clatt of Gilbert, ultimately securing a spot in the championship match with another 6&5 win.

On the opposite side of the bracket, second-seeded Blake Cronin of Clive advanced through the early rounds before being upset by No. 15 seed Jon Brown of Adel, who cruised to a 6&5 win.

With top seeds falling early, one underdog made a name for himself—No. 58 seed Braeden Nelson (right) of West Des Moines. The future University of Wisconsin Badger made a stunning run, defeating Parker Rodgers of Nevada and Isaiah Zoske of Solon before meeting third-seeded Nate McCoy of Ankeny in the semifinals. Notably, Nelson had incurred a two-stroke penalty in stroke play from teeing off from the wrong tee and had to survive a 16-for-7 playoff just to secure a spot in match play.

He made the most of the opportunity.

“Luckily I made it through the playoff,” Nelson said. “It was a lesson learned for sure.”

Nelson’s semifinal match against McCoy was a battle. After a weather delay, McCoy came out hot, making five birdies in his first six holes to go three-up. But Nelson responded with four birdies of his own, ultimately clawing back to one-up and clinching the match.

With over 60 players eliminated, the championship match came down to Owen Sawyer and Braeden Nelson. The front nine featured a tight exchange of birdies, with the players all square at the turn. Neither player led by more than one hole, showing remarkable resilience and focus in the humid conditions.

Nelson broke the deadlock with a clutch birdie on the 12th hole, edging ahead of Sawyer. Despite Sawyer’s efforts to rally, Nelson’s steady play down the stretch preserved his lead, and he ultimately secured the title with a one-up victory.

“I played 50 holes today,” Nelson said of his two final matches. “Talons (Golf) is such a great course and I love to be out here. My caddie helped me a ton. Putting was the key for me this week. Owen is a great player and he gave me all I could handle. I made some good putts that was the difference. It was a lot of fun.”

Complete Results

Greazel takes first FD Am title; Taylor, Gaer, Yunek also win

June 23, 20250 commentsChampionships

The drives were impressive. The approach shots were on point.

Putting separates the men from the boys in golf, though. And Grant Greazel (pictured above) showed nerves of steel to win a three-man playoff at the 77th annual Fort Dodge Amateur on Sunday at the Fort Dodge Country Club.

Greazel calmly rolled in a short birdie to defeat Owen Sawyer and Preston Bily for the Open Division title in the event’s first playoff since 2014. The former Marshalltown High School standout and 2024 NJCAA individual national champion was joined in the 2025 FD Am winner’s circle by Bret Taylor (Senior Division), Dave Gaer (Super Senior) and Joel Yunek (Legends).

The 21-year-old Greazel fought his way back from an inauspicious start and held firm through hot, windy conditions to eventually tie for the top spot after 54 holes with Sawyer and Bily at even-par 213. With a noticeable breeze at their backs, all three golfers cleared the trees off the tee on the par-four first hole to set up short pitches into the green.

Click here to read more from Eric Pratt of the Fort Dodge Messenger

Complete Results

Holmberg and Jensen Capture 15th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Title with Back-to-Back 64s

June 17, 20250 commentsChampionships, IGA Women's Four-Ball

From left – Michelle Klein & Laura Leszczynski (Senior Division Winners) and Anna Jensen & Erika Holmberg (Championship Division Winners).

The final round of the 15th Iowa Golf Association (IGA) Women’s Four-Ball Championship wrapped up early Tuesday afternoon under ideal weather conditions at Prairie Links Golf Club in Waverly. Following a long and competitive opening day, players returned to the course energized and ready to finish strong.

Erika Holmberg and Anna Jensen emerged as champions, posting a stellar two-day total of 128 (-16). The duo backed up their opening round of 64 (-8) on Monday with another identical round on Tuesday, securing the title by two strokes.

With the favorable weather providing optimal scoring conditions, several teams took advantage. The round of the day came from Chloe Bolte and Morgan Rupp, who fired an impressive 62 (-10) to make a late charge. Despite their surge, it wasn’t enough to overtake Holmberg and Jensen.

In the senior division, Laura Leszcynski and Michelle Klein claimed their third consecutive IGA Women’s Four-Ball title. They shot a final-round 69 to finish at 3-under-par for the tournament, maintaining their dominance from the first day and staying ahead of the field.

Veteran team Margene Grady and Rosalie Kubesheski finished as runners-up in the senior division. Consistent contenders, they once again found themselves near the top of the leaderboard.

This year’s championship introduced a new sterling silver trophy, generously donated by the Heinz family. Jenny Heinz, a four-time IGA Women’s Four-Ball Champion, holds the record for the most titles in the event’s history.

Complete Results

Play Suspended but Scores Shine in Round 1 of the 15th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship

June 17, 20250 commentsChampionships, IGA Women's Four-Ball

Karli Kerrigan hits a nice drive during the opening round of the 15th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship on Monday.

Round 1 of the 15th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship began under promising conditions at Waverly’s Prairie Links Golf Club, but weather soon became a significant factor. After a strong start to the day, play was suspended early in the afternoon on Monday due to inclement weather, resulting in a delay of over three hours.

Despite the disruption, several teams posted impressive scores. Anna Jensen and Erika Holmberg took advantage of the calm morning conditions, firing an outstanding 8-under-par 64 to set the early pace.

For teams caught in the delay, resuming play under more challenging conditions made maintaining momentum difficult—but not impossible.

In the Senior Division, the competition is tight at the top. Margene Grady and Rosalie Kubesheski are tied for the lead with Laura Leszcynski and Michelle Klein, as both pairs carded even-par rounds of 72.

Round 1 concluded just before nightfall, setting the stage for a decisive final round Tuesday, where champions will be crowned in both divisions.

Complete Results

Families Celebrate Golf and Togetherness at IGA Father/Son & Parent/Child Championship

June 16, 20250 commentsChampionships, Father-Son / Parent-Child

Father’s Day weekend was in full swing as families gathered at Jester Park Golf Course for the annual IGA Father/Son & Parent/Child Championship, a cherished tradition celebrating family, fun, and friendly competition.

In the Father/Son Open Division, Terry and Derek Hannah of Redfield claimed the title with an impressive 4-under-par 68. Their round featured eight birdies, including three consecutive on holes 2 through 4. Close behind at 3-under-par 69 were three teams: Derek and Leo Fiscus of Davenport, Brian and Burke Pitz of Urbandale, and Tim and Ryan Greteman of West Des Moines.

The Parent/Child Open Division was won by Ben and Maura Peters of Bettendorf, carding a 2-under-par 70. This marks the fifth victory for the Peters duo in this division. Finishing in second place with scores of 75 (+3) were Ben Weiland and Nancy Olberding of Cedar Rapids and Blake and Geri Huser of Altoona.

In the Father/Son Young Adult Division, Naph and Oliver Rediger of Urbandale captured the win with a solid round of 73 (+1), highlighted by 15 pars and a birdie on the par-five 15th hole. Aaron and Beckham O’Brien of Ottumwa followed closely, finishing at 76 (+4).

The Jester Park par-3 course was filled with smiles, laughter, and high-fives as junior golfers ages 10 and under showcased their skills alongside proud parents.

In the Father/Son Junior Division (8 & Under), David and Emmett Combs of Waukee took home the title with a 64 (+10). In the 9 & 10 Division, Reid and Blake Turner emerged victorious with a score of 61 (+7).

On the Parent/Child side, Grant and Margo Walker of Ames won the 8 & Under Division, carding a 74 (+20), while Patrick and Kensi Wynja of Huxley secured the 9 & 10 Division title with a round of 66 (+12).

The IGA thanks all participants for making this event a heartwarming celebration of family and golf. Special thanks to Jester Park Golf Course for hosting another memorable championship weekend.

Complete Results

Rupp and Ward Crowned Champions at Iowa Junior Amateur Championships, Earn National Berths

June 12, 20250 commentsChampionships, Girls' Junior Amateur, Iowa Junior

Morgan Rupp (right) of Marion delivered a dominant performance at Glynns Creek Golf Course, leading from start to finish to capture the 2025 Iowa Girls’ Junior Amateur Championship. Rupp opened the 54-hole event with an impressive 64 and followed it up with rounds of 70 and 75 to finish at 209 (-7), securing not only the title but also an exemption into the prestigious U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur, set to be played this July at Atlanta Athletic Club.

“The wind and heat made things challenging today,” said Rupp following her final round. “I was pretty nervous. Normally I’m not in a position with such a big lead, so it was new territory for me. I just tried to stay calm and focused. My opening round really gave me a great foundation—it’s always nice to start a tournament like that.”

Chloe Bolte posted a final-round 73 to finish four strokes behind Rupp, claiming the runner-up position. Despite being competitors this week, Rupp praised Bolte, who will be her partner in the upcoming IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship.

“We’re all happy when the other one plays well,” Rupp said. “Chloe played great today and actually beat me in the final round. I really enjoy playing alongside her and the other girls.”

In the Boys’ Division, Waukee’s Jonathan Ward (right) secured the Iowa Junior Amateur title with a birdie on the first playoff hole, earning his spot in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, to be held this July at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas.

Ward shot rounds of 69-72-72 for a 213 (-3) total, tying with Grant Sherrick, Ty Potter, and Parker Rogers to force a playoff. He maintained composure throughout the event, focusing on consistency and mental resilience.

“For me, it was all about staying in the moment and not getting caught up in what others were doing,” Ward said. “I kept reminding myself to ‘be where your feet are.’ I hit a lot of fairways and greens, though not many close chances. I was fortunate to birdie No. 17 and get into the playoff. I did glance at the leaderboard coming down the stretch.”

That birdie on the playoff hole proved decisive, giving Ward the win and a coveted national championship berth.

“This one feels really good,” Ward said with a smile.

Complete Results

Rupp Extends Lead, McGreen Surges at Iowa Junior Amateur Championships

June 11, 20250 commentsChampionships, Girls' Junior Amateur, Iowa Junior

Same course, two different stories.

Marion’s Morgan Rupp (right) continues her dominant performance at the Iowa Girls’ Junior Amateur, extending her lead to six strokes heading into the final round at Glynns Creek Golf Course.

Rupp followed up her blistering opening round of 64 (-8) with a steady 70 (-2) on Tuesday, bringing her two-day total to 134 (-10). She now holds a commanding lead over Chloe Bolte of Sumner, who carded a 71 (-1) in round two and sits at 140 (-4).

“I felt like today was all about staying within my routine,” said Rupp. “I expected to make a few bogeys, but I focused on bouncing back with birdies. My putting has been the difference—I’ve made everything inside four feet. I’m not thinking about anyone else, just focusing on what I can control.”

Ella Lohrbach of Ames and Ainsley Wilson of Iowa City each fired rounds of 70 (-2) to climb into the top four on the leaderboard.

In the Boys’ Division, Aiden McGreen (left) of West Des Moines made a major move in round two. After an opening 73, McGreen shot a 67 (-5) on Tuesday, highlighted by an eagle, to take a one-shot lead over Jonathan Ward of Waukee, who shared the overnight lead after round one.

Close behind at three shots off the lead are Cade Sunde (West Des Moines) and Parker Rogers (Nevada), with another trio of players sitting at even par and looking to make a final-round push.

“Everything clicked today,” said McGreen. “The putter was hot, and although the wind picked up later in the round, it was manageable.”

The final round of the Iowa Junior Amateur Championship concludes Wednesday, with both divisions set for an exciting finish.

Complete Results

Rupp, Trio of Boys Shine in Blustery Opening Round of Iowa Junior Amateur Championships

June 10, 20250 commentsChampionships, Girls' Junior Amateur, Iowa Junior

The wind never let up at Glynns Creek Golf Course, making for a challenging opening round at the Iowa Junior Amateur Championships. While many in the field battled the blustery conditions, some standout performances rose above the breeze.

Marion’s Morgan Rupp (right) delivered a sensational round, carding an 8-under 64 to take a commanding five-shot lead in the Iowa Girls’ Junior Amateur over Sumner’s Chloe Bolte.

“I felt like everything in my game came together today,” Rupp said. “I just tried to stay relaxed and not get too worked up about anything. I hit 17 greens and made a lot of solid putts. I didn’t make many mistakes.”

Bolte, who shot a solid 69, acknowledged the wind was a significant factor throughout the day.

“I hit a lot of knockdown shots today,” she said. “You really had to pay attention to the wind. I think playing in some harsh conditions this spring helped. It’s a new day tomorrow, and you just have to focus on the shot in front of you.”

Three players are tied for third after posting rounds of 2-over 74, all looking to close the gap heading into the final round.

On the boys’ side, the Iowa Junior Amateur leaderboard is tight at the top, with Jonathan Ward (Waukee), Drew Larimar (Cedar Falls), and Cade Sunde (West Des Moines) all shooting 3-under 69 to share the lead.

Grant Sherrick of Bettendorf is just two shots back in solo fourth after an impressive 1-under 71.

“My ball striking was really solid today,” said Ward (right). “I made a lot of two-putt pars, and I knew par would be a good score with the wind. I got into a good rhythm on the back nine. There are a lot of birdie chances out there—you just have to take it one shot at a time.”

Larimar echoed a similar sentiment.

“I made a couple of bogeys but rolled in a lot of putts,” he said. “It was all about managing the wind and keeping it in play off the tee. Every shot required extra focus.”

Sunde was also pleased with his performance.

“It was a really good day for me,” he said. “My short game saved me a lot—I chipped and putted well, especially with the wind being so tough. On some holes downwind, you could be aggressive, but staying patient was the key.”

Tomorrow’s second round promises more drama as the top juniors in Iowa battle for the title — and the wind may once again have its say.

Complete results

McCoy wins Carroll Amateur in playoff over Simpson

June 9, 20250 commentsChampionships, News

Nate McCoy (above) of Ankeny notched his second victory of the season in dramatic fashion this past weekend at the Carroll Amateur hosted by Carroll National Golf Club. 

Scoring an impressive 54-hole total of 202 (-8), McCoy’s victory did not come without some adversity. In the final nine holes of the championship, McCoy and Will Simpson of Pella battled back and forth with birdies and pars in efforts to overturn each other for the title. Following closely behind them was Chris Thayer of Golden, CO, who concluded play with a 54-hole total of 203 (-7)

Coming down the final leg, McCoy made one last push of one-under in his final nine holes to give him leverage over the field. Despite this impressive run, Simpson matched McCoy with a one-under stretch to post a 54-hole total of 202 (-8) to force a playoff. After one playoff hole, McCoy ultimately took the crown as he made a par over Simpson. McCoy’s victory marks his second of the season. 

Now earning two victories after only two starts this season, McCoy is proving to be on a dominating run. With the IGA Match Play only two weeks away, McCoy’s stellar 2025 resume positions him as a frontrunner heading into the event. 

“It’s always nice to win,” McCoy said. “These kids can play and I am just thankful I had an opportunity to make the playoff. Will is a great player and made it difficult to even get into that position.”

Sean Davis of Council Bluffs won the Senior Division after posting a 36-hole total of 139 (-1). Davis made a total of eight birdies across the two days en route to his victory. Ron Peterson of Urbandale followed close behind claiming runner-up honors with a 36-hole total of 142 (+2). 

Dave Gaer of Des Moines continued his dominating winning streak with another victory in the Super Senior Division. Gaer posted a 36-hole total of 139 (-3) en route to his victory. Following closely behind coming in second was Tony Malizia from Humboldt who scored a 36-hole total of 140 (-2). 

Complete results

Scroll to top