It was a battle of grit and resolve at Whispering Creek Golf Club, and in the end, Nate McCoy (above) emerged victorious at the 40th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship. McCoy weathered brutal conditions and a hard-charging Trent Lindenman to win by a single shot—and claim a title that carries deep personal significance, as his father’s name is etched on the permanent trophy.

Entering the final round tied atop the leaderboard with Lindenman and veteran Gene Elliott, McCoy got off to a strong start with two birdies in his first seven holes, making the turn at one-under-par.

Lindenman, who posted a front-nine 38, mounted a spirited comeback with four birdies on the inward nine. After two superb shots into the 18th green, he had a real chance to force a playoff. But when his eagle chip settled inside 10 feet, the ensuing birdie putt slid just past the edge. That left McCoy with a three-foot par putt for the win—a simliar length he missed in 2024 to fall out of a playoff in this very event.

This time, there was no hesitation. McCoy calmly rolled it in to secure the win with a final score of 73-80-70 (+7).

“It was maybe the three hardest days to play ever,” McCoy said with a smile. “The first day was firm and challenging, but the second round was the worst-case scenario—we got poured on during the back nine. I tried to keep the grips dry, but lost that battle. I struggled to keep the ball in play.”

While the final round brought calmer winds and finally some sunshine, the relentless conditions had already taken their toll.

“I was teeing the ball low and just trying to bunt it down the fairway at times,” McCoy added. “Into the wind, you’re trying to flight it, and even downwind it was tough. I was just trying to get a yardage to the front of the green and adjust from there.”

Aware that a strong final round was necessary, McCoy aimed to set a target that would force the others to chase.

“I thought if I could shoot four under, someone in the last group would need to go five under to beat me,” he said. “I knew I needed to try and go low today.”

McCoy had high praise for Lindenman, who nearly stole the spotlight with his late charge.

“I give a lot of credit to Trent,” McCoy said. “He’s one of the best guys I know and such a solid player. He really went after it. If he had gotten me, I would’ve been happy for him. I respect his game immensely—and him even more as a person. We’ll have some good battles in the future.”

As for the final putt? McCoy said he didn’t think once about the similar miss from last year.

“Actually, it didn’t even cross my mind,” he said. “I putted well this week—it was the strongest part of my game. I made a lot of key putts when I needed them.”

The victory was especially meaningful after last year’s heartbreak.

“After Bos Landen last year, I was in a dark place after missing that short putt,” McCoy said. “So I’m glad to get a win—and not have history repeat itself. This is a great way to start my season. Next up is the Lake Creek Amateur.”

In the Senior Division, Joe Palmer nearly lapped the field, finishing seven ahead of Ron Peterson, after firing rounds of 75-73-72. His round of 73 in brutal conditions in the second round was astonishing.

“It could have been better,” Palmer said after his second round. “I three putted a couple times.”

A similar story could be told in the Super Senior Division as Dave Gaer pulled away for a nine shot victory over Tim Peters.

“Those conditions were brutal,” Gaer said in summarizing his week.

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From left – Dave Gaer (Super Senior Division Champion), Nate McCoy (Mid-Amateur Division Champion) and Joe Palmer (Senior Division Champion).

It was brutal.

Conditions for players in the second round of the 40th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship at Whispering Creek Golf Club were downright difficult for the entire day. Gusting winds and rain that never seen to let up gave most who teed it up all they could handle.

Heading into tomorrow’s final round in Sioux City, a trio set atop the leaderboard at +9. Gene Elliott, Nate McCoy and Trent Lindenman (above) will battle it out in the final group. J.D. Anderson (76) and Dusty Drenth (75) both posted solid rounds on Friday and will look to make a charge from their +12 position.

Six-time Iowa Mid-Amateur champion, similar to Elliott, Mike McCoy sits alone in 6th place at +13, but doesn’t think he out of it by any means.

“It’s going to be a shootout tomorrow,” the elder McCoy said.

Following an impressive 73 (+1) in the second round, Joe Palmer leads the way by five shots over Curtis Holck. Ben Peters, the opening round leader, sits in third place and six shots back of Palmer. Dave Gaer (+12) leads the Super Senior Division by a pair of strokes over Tim Peters.

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The wind and occasional rain came – and left many scratching their heads and licking their wounds at the end of the day.

Whispering Creek Golf Club in Sioux City, host of the 40th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship, played downright tough in the opening round with winds gusting almost all day. Ankeny’s Nate McCoy (above) weathered the storm for the most part and holds a two stroke advantage over Trent Lindenman (New Sharon) and Ryan Horner (Clive). McCoy’s round of 73 (+1) included five birdies but six bogeys derailed any thought of an under-par start for the 2022 champion in this event.

Six-time Iowa Mid-Amateur champion Gene Elliott sits just four back of the pace, while Coby Thompson finds himself in the mix at +6.

Only eight players broke 80 on Thursday in the Mid-Amateur Division.

Ben Peters (+1) leads the Senior Division by a single stroke over Ron Peterson, while three other sit just two off the lead.

Not to be outdone, Tim Peters, brother of Ben, leads the way in the Super Senior Division, following a round of 78 (+6). Dave Gaer and David Studer both posted rounds of +8 and will look to close the gap in tomorrow’s second round in Sioux City.

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With a final round charge, Charlie Hoyle (right) won the 39th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship hosted by Bos Landen Golf Course in Pella. A closing 68 (-4) from Hoyle was enough for a one-shot victory over Nate McCoy. Hoyle admitted coming down the stretch it was anything for a walk in the park.

“There is no let up on the back nine once you get passed #13,” Hoyle said. “After that you really have to have control of your golf ball off the tee and into greens. Even once you get on the green, the job isn’t done. I made a nice par save on 16 and then made two good pars (on 17-18).”

Hoyle, who made six birdies in the final round, said he didn’t really look at the leaderboard at all throughout the day and honestly didn’t know where he stood until finishing his round.

“I didn’t look (at scores),” Hoyle said. “I am going to the same shots regardless. I thought -6 total would win it, the weather looked good. The first two rounds I putted pretty terribly, but my ball striking was solid all three days. I made a couple putts today and that was the difference. If you can make pars coming down the stretch here, you’re doing pretty well.”

Hoyle, who won the 2024 Iowa Amateur at Glen Oaks Country Club, hopes to keep his winning ways up as much as he is able to this summer.

“After winning the Iowa Amateur (last year), it got the competitive juices going again,” Hoyle said. “Getting the win (here) is awesome. To win it is an honor.”

Jon Olson, who got off to a hot start in the final round with an opening nine 31, shared third place with J.D. Anderson at -3 for the event. Trent Lindenman rounded out the top five at -2.

In the Senior Division, Jon Brown left no doubt – winning by nine shots over Terry Cook. Brown posted a 215 (-1) total for the event.

Dave Waugh captured the Super Senior Division crown with a 226 (+10) total, good enough got a two-shot advantage over Dave Baer.

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More of the same.

Nate McCoy (-5), following an opening round 68, followed up with a steady 71 on Thursday, to take a two shot advantage into the final round of the 39th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship hosted by Bos Landen Golf Course in Pella.

J.D. Anderson and Trent Lindenman both find themselves chasing McCoy at -3 through two rounds of play. Many players found the course holding its own all day on Thursday, including McCoy (pictured above).

“I felt the course played a little tougher today,” McCoy admitted after his round. “I three putted a couple times which also didn’t help. I am just going to try to keep hitting it in the fairway (tomorrow) and on the greens and see what happens. We have had a lovely week to play that’s for sure.”

Jon Brown leads by six shots in the Senior Division, following a crafty 70 (-2) in the second round. Brown’s round include four birdies, on a day when they were hard to come by for the field.

In the Super Senior Division Dave Gaer and Dave Waugh remain tied for the lead at 152 (+8) through two rounds. Keith Levi trails Gaer and Waugh by only two and will look to make a charge on Friday.

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Nate McCoy (above), winner of the 2022 Iowa Mid-Amateur, opened with a nearly flawless round of 68 (-4), to lead the 39th edition of the event at Bos Landen Golf Course in Pella.

Five birdies against a lone bogey gives McCoy a one-stroke lead heading into the second round over Trent Lindenman. J.D. Anderson sits just two back of the lead, while Dennis Bull and Scott Hart posted rounds of 71 (-1) and are just three off the pace.

“I had a swing lesson last week, and it paid off,” McCoy said. “I felt I had a lot of control over the ball and gave myself a lot of looks. The conditions for scoring were good, so I knew I had to take advantage.”

McCoy knows all too well that there is a lot of golf left to be played in Pella and no shortage of good players looking to chase him down.

“I’m looking forward to playing two more rounds,” McCoy said with a smile. “There are a lot of good players in the mix, so it will be a lot of fun.”

In the Senior Division, Bill Matzdorff (-2) leads by two over Jon Brown, while Dave Waugh and Dave Gaer lead the Super Senior Division following opening rounds of 73 (+1).

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Muscatine’s own Sam Herrmann (right) finished victorious at the the 38th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship hosted by Geneva Golf and Country Club. 1-under on the day, Herrmann finished the tournament 2-under (211), holding off Ankeny’s Connor Peck who played the final round 2-over for a total of 214. Josh Janeczko of West Des Moines and Jon Brown of Adel tied for third place at 217. Janeczko played a strong 1-under (70) round while Brown struggled to make up ground, ending up with a 3-over 74.

While having the home course advantage, this was Herrmann’s first ever IGA victory.

“Patience was the biggest thing for me,” he said. “[I] knew I was going to be nervous out of the gate.”

Despite Peck’s early lead, Herrmann stuck to his plan and it paid off on the back nine.

“[I] had a few putts roll my way, Connor got plopped out on 16 and [I] just sort of capitalized on that,” Herrmann explained after the round.

Herrmann commented his driver was instrumental in closing out his win.

“Those finishing holes were no joke, especially with the wind,” Herrmann said. “[I] just had to commit to free swinging it.”

With the course being “the firmest” and “the fastest” it has played in a while, Herrmann believed that “growing confidence with that club was big” down the stretch.

In the Senior Division, Joe Palmer (left) of Norwalk triumphed over Ankeny’s Curtis Holck after three playoff holes in a finish reminiscent of the 2021 Senior Match Play championship match, when Palmer defeated Holck in a neck-to-neck 20 hole match. Holck played the final round 1-over (73) to force a playoff with Palmer despite teeing off three strokes back. The pair finished the tournament at 221, with Ottumwa’s Jeff Collett in third at 223.

Bob Brooks of West Des Moines continued his dominance over the Super Senior Division with a 1-over 72, gapping the field by 9 strokes on the tournament with an overall 1-over 214. Runner-up Tom Norton of Muscatine totaled a 223 and third place Dave Waugh of Davenport finished at 225.

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The 37th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship, hosted by Spencer Golf and Country Club, concluded on Saturday, May 21. After a weekend filled with tough conditions, Nate McCoy (above) etched his name on the trophy that was named after his father, Mike McCoy.

“It is very special to win this tournament that has a trophy named after my dad, who has won the Iowa Mid-Amateur multiple times,” McCoy said. “There is a lot of great names on that trophy that I am happy to have my name next to.”

Winds were gusting, temperatures were low and rain was falling. The task ahead of McCoy was not easy, but mother nature would not deter him from his first Iowa-Mid Amateur Championship.

“Like many other Iowa golfers, I would say I felt comfortable in the cold and windy conditions that were thrown at us this week,” McCoy said.

As the final round came closer to finishing, there were several players still in contention. J.D. Anderson, of Johnston, and the first-round leader, David Combs of West Des Moines, were neck-and-neck with McCoy.

“When I looked at the leaderboard after the 14th hole, I saw that I only had a one-shot lead going into final stretch of holes,” McCoy said “The wind started picking up which made the final three holes very difficult.”

Anderson was in the clubhouse at one-under and one shot back from McCoy. With the final two holes left to play, McCoy needed two pars to seal the championship.

“I was fortunate enough to make a great up-and-down on 17 from short right,” McCoy said. “I thought I heard some cheers and a honk around 18, which I assumed somebody birdied to tie it up. I had to take a breath knowing that I had two very important shots left in me that I needed to pull off.”

That he did, McCoy finished off the championship with a two-putt for par on the final hole. McCoy picked his ball up out of the hole and officially joined his father as an Iowa Mid-Amateur champion.

All McCoy could do after his victory was give credit to everyone that made it possible.

“This was my first time playing Spencer Golf and Country Club,” McCoy said. “I have nothing but good things to say about the golf course and everything that the staff did to make our experience here enjoyable.”

Anderson finished as the runner-up after posting a solid two-under total in the final round. Back-to-back birdies on 12 and 13 pushed Anderson back into contention.

The Kramer boys still remain as some of the toughest kids on the block. Little brother, J.P. Kramer concluded his week with a third-place finish in the Mid-Amateur Division, but like most big brothers, they always have to one-up the little brothers.

With a two-shot victory in the Senior Division, big brother Chris Kramer used the home course knowledge to his advantage this weekend.

“We both grew up right on the 16th green, so we have played this course thousands of times,” Chris Kramer said. “We were very blessed to have lived up here, our dad just passed away a few months ago, so it was pretty special to see us both in contention.”

“Old Man Par is a patient soul, who never shoots a birdie and never incurs a buzzard,” stated the late Bobby Jones. That was all Bill Mathers, of Correctionville needed to get it done in the Super Senior Division this weekend.

“I had maybe four bogeys and four birdies this week along with a few up-and-downs,” Mathers said. “I was chipping and putting well and making those par putts, which really helps keep the round going. I did my best to keep the ball in play and tried to hit the greens and make putts.”

Since the beginning of the event, Mathers never let off the gas. Steve Kahler, of Marion, and defending champion, Rob Christensen, gave valiant efforts, but ultimately fell short of Mathers.

Kahler placed second after tying Mathers in the final round, but finished three shots behind after a 75 in the first round set him too far back. Christensen, of Marshalltown, jumped up two spots during the last round to finish in third place.

The IGA Senior Match Play is the next event on the 2022 schedule. The championship will take place on June 1-3 at Fort Dodge Country Club.

Mid-Amateur Division
1. Nate McCoy 72-70=142
2. J.D. Anderson 73-70=143
3. J.P. Kramer 72-72=144
T4. Jon Olson 72-73=145
T4. David Combs 70-75=145

Senior Division
1. Chris Kramer 71-69=140
2. Jeff Collett 72-70=142
T3. Eric Losen 72-72-144
T3. Sean Davis 72-72=144
5. Bob Brummel 70-75=145

Super Senior Division
1. Bill Mathers 72-72=144
2. Steve Kahler 75-72=147
3. Rob Christensen 76-73=149
T4. Harold Hickman 75-76=151
T4. James Blackburn 74-77=151

The first round of the 37th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship began Friday morning at Spencer Golf and Country Club. An unexpected battle arose for the players as they made their way around the cold and windy course.

Winds were around 20 to 25 mph with temperatures ranging from 50 to 60 degrees. The greens rolled quickly, and the fairways played narrow, providing the ultimate test for those playing.

“The wind started to pick up a little bit and it’s just cold,” said the opening round leader, David Combs. “It wasn’t as far as tough pins, but just hitting shots and getting comfortable with the greens. It was just cold and one of those days where wind is blowing, and it just doesn’t fly as far.”

Only three players out of all three divisions carded under-par rounds. Combs, of West Des Moines, held onto first place in the Mid-Amateur Division after firing an early morning 70 (-2) in round one.

“I haven’t had a chance to play the Mid-Amateur because I have been coaching in the spring for the last 10 years,” Combs said. “I just focused on hitting shots and putting well on the greens.”

After carding back-to-back 35s on the scorecard Friday, Combs sits ahead of six players who are only two shots back. Nate McCoy, Justin Livingston, Jon Olson, Luke Vermeer, J.P. Kramer, and Bill Matzdorff are all tied for second after posting 70 (E).

In the Senior Division, Orange City’s, Bob Brummel, holds a one-shot lead over Chris Kramer, of West Des Moines through the championship’s first 18-holes. Brummel’s included five birdies.

Kramer, originally from Spencer, caught fire at the end of his round, going three-under in his final eight holes. He sits one stroke ahead of a five-way tie for third place between Kirk Macumber, Joe Palmer, Sean Davis, Eric Losen and Jeff Collett.

Bill Mathers, of Correctionville, posted an even round of 72 in the Super Senior Division to take a two-shot lead into the final round. The second-place holder, James Blackburn, carded a two-over 74 and will look to make up two shots during Saturday’s final round.

The final round will begin at 7:30 on Saturday morning. You can follow the final round using the live leaderboard.

Mid-Amateur Division
1. David Combs 70
T2. Nate McCoy 72
T2. Justin Livingston 72
T2. Jon Olson 72
T2. Luke Vermeer 72
T2. J.P. Kramer 72
T2. Bill Matzdorff 72

Senior Division
1. Bob Brummel 70
2. Chris Kramer 71
T3. Kirk Macumber 72
T3. Joe Palmer 72
T3. Sean Davis 72
T3 Eric Losen 72
T3. Jeff Collett 72

Super Senior Division
1. Bill Mathers 72
2. James Blackburn 74
T3. Harold Hickman 75
T3. Steve Kahler 75
T3. Tom Schill 75