Grant Smith (above) of West Des Moines outlasted Nate McCoy and Trent Lindenman by one stroke to win the 41st Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship at Veenker Memorial Golf Course, closing out a weather-shortened final round with an even-par 33 over nine holes. Smith finished the championship at 177 (+2) to claim his second consecutive IGA Player of the Year honor.

Heavy rain and flooding at Veenker forced officials to shorten the final round to nine holes, using holes 1, 3-6 and 11-14. With the championship and the Player of the Year race on the line, Smith delivered when it mattered most, navigating Veenker’s demanding conditions with a steady finish and clutch saves around the greens.

Smith carded one birdie and one bogey in the final round, overcoming an early setback before settling into a rhythm on the greens.

“I would say it was playing really difficult today, but I was playing with two really good players. It was gonna be a tough day,” Smith said. “I really off to a bad start, made a bogey from, like, 50 yards out on hole three. Then I kind of bounced back and started making, really, every putt I looked at.”

Smith’s short game proved critical throughout the final nine, as he repeatedly found ways to save par on a course that offered few easy opportunities. One moment on the 11th hole provided a particularly memorable boost. After missing left and finding himself down the hillside, Smith chipped to approximately eight feet and made par after his putt caught the back of the cup and dropped.

“That was kind of a moment of boost, considering I didn’t feel like I should have made that par, but it did go in,” Smith said.

Smith estimated he needed only 11 or 12 putts during the final round, including a chip-in from the fringe, as his ability to recover around the greens helped him hold off the challengers.

“I think it’s just, don’t get too frustrated, although sometimes I did,” Smith said of his approach to Veenker. “I tried to play somewhat conservatively. That still didn’t even work out all the time. But I just tried to do my best to stay level-headed.”

McCoy entered the final round with the lead but carded a 35, finishing one shot short of Smith. Untimely bogeys on par-3 holes proved costly for McCoy as he attempted to maintain his advantage.

Lindenman posted a 34 and remained in contention throughout the abbreviated round. However, a bogey on the final hole of the day — the 14th hole, playing as the ninth and final hole of the stipulated round — left him one shot out of a playoff. Lindenman’s drive found the trees on the right, putting him in a difficult position to close out his round.

Brian Wynia finished fourth at 180 (+5).

The victory capped a successful season for Smith, who entered the championship with a chance to repeat as IGA Player of the Year. With the season-long race tight heading into the final event, Smith knew the stakes extended beyond the championship trophy.

“That’s the only reason I played in this event,” Smith said. “So that’s what I set out to do. I tried my hardest to do that. Fortunate for what to happen.”

Smith’s season included a strong start with U.S. Open local qualifying and a midseason stretch that tested his consistency. He found his form again around the time of his victory at the Herman Sani Tournament, stringing together several strong performances and putting himself back in position to claim the season-long honor.

“I certainly in the middle of the year, I didn’t think I would be in a position to have a chance to win Player of the Year,” Smith said.

Instead, Smith finished the season on top once again, adding the Iowa Mid-Amateur title to his résumé and securing back-to-back IGA Player of the Year honors in 2025 and 2026.

As for celebrating his latest championship, Smith had a simple plan for the trophy.

“I’m gonna fill up this little guy with a beverage,” he said, before joking that it might be “maybe some Diet Coke.”

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The stage is set for a compelling finish at the 41st Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship at Veenker Memorial Golf Course, where defending champion Nate McCoy (above) battled through a demanding second round to take the outright lead at 1-over par.

McCoy carded a 2-over-par 73 on Thursday and sits at 1-over 143 for the championship, holding a one-shot advantage over Trent Lindenman, Grant Smith and Brian Wynia, who are all within striking distance heading into the final round.

A two-time Iowa Mid-Amateur Champion and four-time Iowa Masters winner, McCoy knows what it takes to find success at Veenker, having captured multiple titles at the course that hosts the Iowa Masters each summer. With another championship within reach, the experienced contender will look to draw on that history as he pursues another Iowa Mid-Amateur title.

“Veenker is one of the most demanding courses we get to play in Iowa. It played hard today despite near perfect weather. I’m excited to have another crack at it tomorrow. Hopefully I can actually roll a couple pots in,” McCoy said following his round.

Lindenman made a move with a 1-under-par 71, putting himself just one shot off the lead. Having been in contention on numerous occasions, Lindenman will have another opportunity to break through and claim the championship with a strong final round.

Smith also remains firmly in the hunt after posting a 72, matching Wynia’s second consecutive round of even-par 72. Both players enter the final round just one stroke behind McCoy, setting up a crowded leaderboard where a few timely birdies could make all the difference.

The second round proved more challenging for the opening-round co-leaders. Conner Power followed his opening 69 with a 78, while Sam Zoske, who thrilled the field with two back-nine eagles on Wednesday, posted a 79. Tyler Brady, who shared the overnight lead with Zoske and Power after an opening-round 69, also struggled in Round Two, carding an 83 to fall back in the standings.

With the first-round leaders facing a tougher test on Thursday, the spotlight now shifts to the four players at the top.

Will McCoy make it another championship run? Can Lindenman finally turn years of near misses into a breakthrough victory? Will Smith charge to the top, or does Wynia have a few tricks — and a few birdies — up his sleeve?

With just 18 holes remaining, the contenders are separated by a single stroke, and the 41st Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship is primed for an exciting finish. All eyes turn to Veenker Memorial Golf Course tomorrow to see who will emerge as champion when the dust settles.

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The opening round of the 41st Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship at Veenker Memorial Golf Course produced a three-way tie at the top, with Sam Zoske, Conner Power and Tyler Brady (above) each carding 2-under-par 69.

Defending champion Nate McCoy sits just one shot back after an opening-round 70, while Blaine Buhr posted an even-par 71. Two additional players are within striking distance at 1-over 72.

Zoske’s round took a dramatic turn on the back nine. After making the turn at 2-over, he closed with a 4-under 31, highlighted by a pair of eagles to climb into the lead at 69.

Power relied on a steady birdie-making day, recording five birdies despite challenging scoring conditions across the field. Still, he felt there were opportunities left on the course.

“I left a few out there,” Power said after the round.

Brady also put together an impressive birdie total, making six on the day. Four of those came on the back nine, where he fired a 4-under 32 to finish at 2-under and join Zoske and Power atop the leaderboard.

With two rounds still to play, the championship remains wide open. Those chasing the leaders will have plenty of opportunities to make a move when the second round gets underway tomorrow.

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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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