Category: Championships

Leaderboard packed at 15th IGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship

June 17, 20220 commentsIGA Women's Four-Ball

It was all smiles after round one of the 12th IGA Women’s Four-Ball. Addison Berg and Bella Pettersen hold a three-shot lead at Veenker Memorial Golf Course in Ames. The conditions were tough, but Berg and Pettersen refused to let that affect their four-under round. 

Anna Nacos and Rylie Driskell find themselves in second place after a one-under round of 72. Nacos and Driskell are not far behind and will look to make a run at Berg and Pettersen in tomorrow’s final round. 

The side of Anna Jensen and Hannah Bermel are in a three-way tie with Lindsay Burry and Tabitha Schumacher and the two-time defending champions, Paige Hoffman and Kylie Carey (pictured above). All three groups sit at one-over par and are only five shots off the lead.

In the Senior Division, the four-time champions, Margene Grady and Rose Kubesheski are on pace for five titles together. The 2021 champions, Grady and Kubesheski will attempt to fend off the side of Cindy Morrison and Laura Leszczynski and Julie Hartman and Nicki Clayton, who are not far behind at five-over par. 

A three-way tie for fourth place rounds out the top-five in the senior division. Barb Malchow and Mary Howell, along with Kelly Grimes and Sue Harmon and the side of Ardrae Parmenter and Noreen Christians all sit t seven-over par, three shots back.

The final round will take place Friday morning.

Open Division Standings
1. Addison Berg & Bella Pettersen -4 69
2. Anna Nacos & Rylie Driskell -1 72
T3. Anna Jensen & Hannah Bermel +1 74
T3. Kylie Carey & Paige Hoffman +1 74
T3. Lindsay Burry & Tabitha Schumacher +1 74

Senior Division Standings
1. Margene Grady & Rose Kubesheski +4 76
T2. Cindy Morrison & Laura Leszczynski +5 77
T2. Julie Hartman. & Nicki Clayton +5 77
T4. Barb Malchow & Mary Howell +7 79
T4. Kelly Grimes & Sue Harmon +7 79
T4. Ardrae Parmenter & Noreen Christians +7 79

Buerman wins fourth career Women’s Forever 39 Match Play title

June 10, 20220 commentsForever 39 Match Play

Flight Winners – (From left) Julie Buerman (Championship), Kathy Fortune First Flight), Jane Suiter (Second Flight) and Ardrae Parmenter (Third Flight).

Julie Buerman (above left) claimed the 59th Iowa Women’s Forever 39 Match Play Championship on Thursday afternoon at Pella Golf and Country Club. The road for Buerman was not easy, as she played three of the toughest competitors. 

Buerman’s championship run began after defeating the 2022 Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur champion, Laura Leszczynski, 1 up. She followed it up by de-throning the defending champion and 2021 IGA Women’s Player of the Year, Leanne Smith in the semifinal round. At this point, Buerman looked unstoppable. 

“Nine-hole matches are tough because you have to make a move quick or maintain,” Buerman said. “You just have to hang in there. The nine-hole matches are fast, so if you get down it is hard to get back up.”

The stroke play competition before the matches started seemed to benefit most players, including Buerman. 

“I have not played here before so the stroke play was kind of my practice round,” Buerman said. “The greens out here are small, but they roll well. The course was in great condition.”

In the championship match, Buerman knocked off the 2022 IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series Event #1 champion and the stroke play competition medalist, Fiona Watson, 2&1. Buerman recorded her first win of the season and enjoyed every moment.

“It is hard to win golf tournaments and it is fun to play well,” Buerman said. “There was a great field out here this week, lots of great competition. This is a great tournament; it is a lot of fun to play. Everyone is so friendly, but everyone is so competitive and everyone wants to win. It is just fun to see everybody and be able to play and have a great time.”

In the First Flight Bracket, Kathy Fortune ended up winning over Kelly Grimes in a 14-hole final round match. Fortune defeated Carroll Dethrow, 2&1, and Michelle Klein, 2&1, on her way to the final round.

The No. 7 seeded Jane Suiter secured the victory in the Second Flight Bracket over the No. 1 seeded Julie Hartman. Suiter had to go through Paula Klyn and Jennifer Corkrean to get to the final match, which she won 2 up.

Ardrae Parmenter won the Third Flight Bracket after defeating Ila Gilbert, 3&1. The match was close, until Parmenter closed out Gilbert on the eighth hole. Parmenter beat Becky Schwiete and Donna Vroom on her way to the final round. 

In the championship consolation match, Leanne Smith defeated Janece Schwarzkopf, 2 up. Michelle Klein beat Nicki Clayton in the First Flight Consolation Match, 4&3. In the Second Flight Consolation Match, Jennifer Corkrean topped Noreen Christians in 10 holes while Susan Mitchell knocked off Donna Vroom, 4&2.

Championship Flight Final
Julie Buerman def. Fiona Watson 2&1

First Flight Final
Kathy Fortune def. Kelly Grimes 14 Holes

Second Flight Final
Jane Suiter def. Julie Hartman 2 up

Third Flight Final
Ardae Parmenter def. Ila Gilbert 3&1

Ruthey charges back in final round, wins 2022 Southeast Iowa Amateur

June 6, 20220 commentsChampionships

Port Byron’s Anthony Ruthey (above left with PGA Professional Darin Fisher) completed an impressive comeback to win the 2022 Southeast Iowa Amateur, held at The Preserve on Rathbun Lake in Moravia. Ruthey defeated the first-round leader, Dylan Ellis, of Parkersburg, in a playoff to win the tournament.

On day one, Ruthey tallied 15 pars to go along with two birdies and one bogey. He began the second round seven shots back of Ellis after posting his first-round score of 71.

With a pair of birdies to start round two, Ruthey started to catch fire. He carded a two-under 34 on the front nine and followed it up with three-under 33 on the back. Ruthey’s second round 67 was just enough to sneak into a playoff with Ellis and ultimately win the tournament.

Ellis went low in the first round, firing an eight-under 64 that included two eagles on hole two and 14. On the front nine, Ellis recorded a six-under 30 and started to pull away from the field. A couple bogeys on day two and a low round by Ruthey placed Ellis in a playoff.

J.D. Anderson, of Johnston, earned his fourth top-five finish this season after placing third with a 141 (70-71) total. Pella’s William Simpson finished in fourth place, one shot ahead of a tie for second between Cale Leonard, of Ottumwa, and Jay Gregory, of Lineville.

In the Senior Division, Tony Newkirk (right) of Des Moines won by two shots over Dave Gaer. Newkirk carded a 68 in the first round and posted a 73 in the second to finish at three-under par for the weekend.

Down five going into the final round, Gaer cut Newkirk’s lead down to one, but a bogey on the 18th gave Newkirk a two-shot victory.

Bill Corrick, of Fairfield, and Albia’s Joe Bates finished in a tie for third place. The recent IGA Senior Match Play Champion, Jeff Collett tied with Legrand’s Troy Underhill for fifth place.

Pat Ryan, of Marshalltown, won the Super Senior Division by four shots over Bruce Neeley of Independence. Ryan was down one going into the final round, where he fired a two-under 70 to overtake the lead.

Jim Campbell, of Albia, finished in third place at six-over par. He was two shots ahead of Kevin Halbmaier who held on to fourth place. David Studer, of West Des Moines, rounded out the top-five with a 154 (78-76) total.

Open Division
1. Anthony Ruthey 71-67-138 *Won Playoff*
2. Dylan Ellis 64-74-138
3. J.D. Anderson 70-71-141
4. William Simpson 72-70-142
T5. Cale Leonard 74-69-143
T5. Jay Gregory 70-73-143

Senior Division
1. Tony Newkirk 68-73-141
2. Dave Gaer 73-70-143
T3. Bill Corrick 74-73-147
T3. Joe Bates 72-75-147
T5. Troy Underhill 74-74-148
T5. Jeff Collett 74-74-148

Super Senior Division
1. Pat Ryan 75-70-145
2. Bruce Neeley 74-75-149
3. Jim Campbell 77-73-150
4. Kevin Halbmaier 78-74-152
5. David Studer 78-76-154

Watson wins Women’s Mid-Am Series Event #1, Clayton takes Net Division

June 6, 20220 commentsChampionships

Fiona Watson (left), of Des Moines, began her 2022 season on the right track with a playoff victory at the IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series Event #1 held at Irv Warren Golf Course in Waterloo. Watson tied the Waterloo native, Lindsay Burry with a 51-point total (Stableford scoring format). The two competitors went into a playoff that lasted four holes before Watson was crowned champion.

Watson posted a 75 on the day with a 34 on the front nine that included three birdies in her first six holes. She took advantage of the par fives by playing them at two-under par. 

Defending champion, Tabitha Schumacher finished in third place. Schumacher recorded 50 points and was one point away from making it a three-person playoff. Kelly Nelson, of Waterloo, and Tish Boothe, of Des Moines, rounded out the top-five with scores of 49. 

Urbandale’s Nicki Clayton (right) brought home the Net Division trophy with a 55-point tally. Clayton stayed one point ahead of the second-place finishers, Kathy Fortune and Carroll Dethrow. Lindsay Burry and Kelly Nelson tied for fourth place in the Net Division. 

 

Mid-Am Gross Division
1. Fiona Watson 51 *Won Playoff*
2. Lindsay Burry 51
3. Tabitha Schumacher 50
T4. Kelly Nelson 49
T4. Tish Boothe 49

Mid-Am Net Division
Nicki Clayton 55
T2. Kathy Fortune 54
T2. Carroll Dethrow 54
T4. Lindsay Burry 53
T4. Kelly Nelson 53

 

Collett wins 20th IGA Senior Match Play title, Norton takes Super Senior bracket

June 6, 20220 commentsIGA Senior Match Play

It was a revenge tour for this year’s IGA Senior and Super Senior Match Play champions. Jeff Collett prevailed in the Senior Division, earning his first IGA (Senior Division) victory. On the Super Senior side of the bracket, Tom Norton was unbeatable, winning his first career event as well.

Collett’s road to the final match was not easy – with many of the top seniors standing in his way, Collett focused on one match at a time.

“It was pretty difficult, considering I had to play Curtis Holck in the first match,” Collett said. “He is one of the best seniors around, so I knew that it was going to be a long tournament. I barely got through him and I barely got through Jay (Slings). It was survive and advance for me, it was a grind.”

New to the Senior Division, Collett had been looking for his first breakthrough. Collett has always been competitive, but with many high finishes he knew a win was due. 

“I have been close,” Collett said. “I was second in the Mid-Amateur the last two years and second in the four-ball last year. I have always thought I needed to do something just to get over the hump, and I think it was my putting that was going to get me over the hump just to start winning.”

Putting and strength stood out this week for Collett. In the championship match, Collett faced off against a former IGA Senior Match Play champion, Ron Peterson, who gave Collett high praise for his short game.

“I’d say we have kind of similar games for as old as we are,” Peterson laughed. “We still have enough speed and we hit it farther than most of the players we face, so I would say that is a strength of his game, not just off the tee with driver, but it helps out of the rough with irons. He also had a lot of really nice short game moments.”

Peterson completed one of the most challenging feats out of anyone. In his quarterfinal match, Peterson knocked off the 2021 IGA Senior Player of the Year, Joe Palmer. Since Palmer’s victory at the 2021 IGA Senior Match Play, he has recorded 14-straight match play wins, including a win against Collett last year.

“Someone like Joe, a player of his caliber you have to have your best and fortunately I did,” Peterson said. “That mentality started with my win against a good friend of mine, Chris Kramer. That mentality continued into my match with Joe.”

The championship match between Collett and Peterson was tied through the first four holes. Collett proceeded to fire back-to-back birdies on five and six to go 2 up in the match. Peterson threw in a birdie on nine to start the back nine one down. 

Collett would not let his lead slip away. He carded an eagle on the 10th hole to take back his two-hole lead. Not long after, Collett won the 12th hole to go 3 up in the match. Peterson got one back on the 13th, but Collett was too comfortable and closed the match out 3&2. 

On the Super Senior side, Tom Norton (above) grabbed his first win on the IGA circuit as he took down Tom Schill in the championship round. Norton was the IGA Senior Match Play runner-up twice to Iowa Golf Hall of Famer Gene Elliott and the five-time IGA Senior Match Play Champion, Palmer. 

“Winning this tournament feels really good,” said Norton. “I think the golf course suits me, I have always liked this golf course and I have played good here. The course is in great shape and the greens are in great shape and fairly fast.”

Norton praised Schill as a strong competitor who would not back down. That showed in the final round as Schill was down three holes early in the match, but brought it back to one down going into the 11th hole. 

“Playing someone like Tom is a grind; you know you can’t hit any bad shots,” Norton said. “Fortunately, I rolled in a few putts on him today, but he played really well and he is a great competitor.”

Norton wrapped up the match with a conceded birdie on the 17th hole and the two competitors shook hands as their road came to an end. Schill left with great sportsmanship and a chip on his shoulder for next year and Norton headed home as a winner for the first time. 

IGA Senior Match Play Champion
Jeff Collett def. Ron Peterson 3&2

IGA Super Senior Match Play Champion
Tom Norton def. Tom Schill 3&1

President’s Bracket Champion
John Justus def. Tim McKnight 5&3

Semifinals set at 20th IGA Senior Match Play

June 3, 20220 commentsChampionships, IGA Senior Match Play

Day two of the 20th IGA Senior Match Play Championship concluded Thursday afternoon at Fort Dodge Country Club. Many of the top-remaining seeds prevailed and will move on to the third and final day of the championship. 

The defending champion, Joe Palmer, continues his march at a sixth IGA Senior Match Play title after knocking off the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member, Jon Brown in 19 holes. Palmer secured his spot in the final four and will take on the No. 14 seed, Ron Peterson. 

Peterson beat the Senior Division’s 2022 IGA Mid-Amateur Champion, Chris Kramer, to move on to the semifinal round. Peterson will have to take down the five-time Senior Match Play Champion, Palmer, for a chance to earn the second Senior Match Play title of his career. 

Jay Gregory, who earned the No. 1 seed after winning the stroke play competition, defeated Bob Brummel, 2&1 in the round of 16, and Brian Persson, 4&2 in the quarterfinal round. Gregory will advance to play the No. 4 seed Jeff Collett (pictured above) in the semifinal round.

Collett won his morning match over No. 13 seeded, Jay Slings in 19 holes. In the afternoon, Collett defeated Terry Cook in a long 21-hole match. Gregory and Collett will battle it out for a spot in the final round. 

The Super Senior Division’s No. 1 seed, Tom Norton, earned victories over Iowa Golf Hall of Famer, Dave Sergeant, and the No. 9 seed, Pat Ryan. Norton will move on to play Steve Kahler in the semifinal round.

Kahler defeated the two Iowa State Cyclones in his matches today. In the morning wave, Kahler knocked off No. 12 seed Mike McDonald on the 18th hole. An upset over the No. 4 seed Jim Madsen pushed Kahler into the final four Super Seniors left. 

Tom Schill, the No. 2 seed, had to beat Joel Yunek, of Mason City, and the Gowrie native, Ned Palmer to put himself in the final four. Schill will have to face off against the 2006 IGA Senior Match Play Champion, David Studer. 

Studer advanced to the semifinal round with wins against No. 22 seed Randy Studer and No. 19 seed Tim Taylor. Studer will look to advance to the final round with an upset win over Tom Schill Friday morning. 

The semifinal and the championship matches will take place Friday morning. You can follow along using our live scoring feature as we crown the champion of the 20th IGA Senior Match Play at Fort Dodge Country Club.

Senior Players Advancing
No. 1 Jay Gregory
No. 2 Joe Palmer
No. 4 Jeff Collett
No. 14 Ron Peterson

Super Senior Players Advancing
No. 1 Tom Norton
No. 2 Tom Schill
No. 5 Steve Khaler
No. 6 David Studer

President’s Bracket Champion
John Justus def. Tim McKnight 5&3

Matches underway at 20th IGA Senior Match Play

June 2, 20220 commentsChampionships

The first round of matches at the 20th IGA Senior Match Play Championship wrapped up Wednesday afternoon. The championship made its second return to its home at Fort Dodge Country Club since the Iowa Golf Association began managing the championship.

In the Senior Division, defending champion Joe Palmer, of Norwalk, and Jay Gregory (pictured above), of Lineville, tied for first place in the stroke play portion of the tournament. Heading into match play, Gregory earned the No. 1 seed and Palmer took the No. 2 seed.

Gregory and Palmer both won their afternoon matches and will move on to the round of 16. The No. 4 seed Jeff Collett, of Ottumwa, won a 19-hole match against the 2022 Classic champion, Curtis Holck, of Ankeny.

The No. 30 seeded Robert Dickerman, of Marion, took the No. 3 seeded Dave Henry to the final hole where he won the match 1 up. Iowa Golf Hall of Famer, Jon Brown of Adel, won a close match against Waterloo’s Tom Christensen. 

Another upset was Marion’s Todd Hingtgen’s victory over Jeff Panek, of Johnston. Hingtgen holed out twice in his round, winning the match 1 up on the final hole. 

Muscatine’s Tom Norton won the Super Senior Division stroke play portion by three shots over Tom Schill, of Gowrie. Both competitors earned the top two seeds and byes in the first round of match play. 

Bob Hartzler, who claimed the No. 3 seed in the stroke play competition, defeated his opponent, Richard Jones of Fort Dodge, 3&1. The No. 4 seeded Jim Madsen, of Carroll, knocked off John Kinsey, of Alleman to move on to the Round of 16. 

Two early upsets put the Fort Dodge native, Terry Miller, and Randy Studer, of West Des Moines on watch. Miller took down the No. 10 seed Rob Christensen and Studer ended the No. 11 seed Mark Hogenson’s run early.

John Justus, of Marion and Tim McKnight, of Indianola, battled it out in the President’s Bracket. Justus took home the trophy after defeating McKnight 5&3. 

The second and third round of the championship will begin Thursday morning. You can follow the players as they battle for the Senior Match Play Champion title. 

President’s Bracket Champion
John Justus def. Tim McKnight 5&3

Senior Players Advancing
No. 1 Jay Gregory
No. 2 Joe Palmer
No. 4 Jeff Collett
No. 5 Tony Newkirk
No. 6 Chris Kramer
No. 7 Mike Gaul
No. 9 Brian Persson
No. 10 Jon Brown
No. 11 Brian Verduyn
No. 12 Terry Cook
No. 13 Jay Slings
No. 14 Ron Peterson
No. 15 Troy Underhill
No. 16 Bob Brummel
No. 25 Todd Hingtgen
No. 30 Robert Dickerman

Super Senior Players Advancing
No. 1 Tom Norton *BYE*
No. 2 Tom Schill *BYE*
No. 3 Bob Hartzler
No. 4 Jim Madsen
No. 5 Steve Khaler
No. 6 David Studer
No. 7 Ned Palmer
No. 9 Pat Ryan
No. 12 Mike McDonald
No. 13 Rick Gorbell
No. 17 Dave Sergeant
No. 18 Joel Yunek
No. 19 Tim Taylor
No. 22 Randy Studer
No. 23 Terry Miller
No. 25 Rick Leyendecker

Clausen becomes first local golfer to claim Lake Creek Amateur

May 31, 20220 commentsChampionships, News

Aaron Clausen (left) holds the trophy after winning the 2022 Lake Creek Amateur at BVU Lake Creek on Sunday, with Clausen is Joe Powell, coach of the Buena Vista University golf teams and director of golf at BVU Lake Creek.

Storm Laker battles wind, elite field in carding two rounds under par

Storm Lake resident Aaron Clausen became the first local golfer to win the Lake Amateur on Sunday, May 29, after carding rounds of 71 and 70 to claim the title by two strokes over former champion J.D. Anderson, of Johnston, in an event completed under gusty conditions at Buena Vista University Golf Course at Lake Creek over the weekend.

The Lake Creek Amateur, which began in 1973 during Lake Creek’s second year, is a points event used by the Iowa Golf Association to help the sport’s state organization determine its Player of the Year.

Clausen, who played in “The Am” as a Storm Lake High School student, worked in the past few years to reclaim his amateur status. He finished in third place one year ago, then got over the hump this weekend to earn the trophy, the only golfer playing both rounds under par.

“The conditions were tough as the wind kept blowing,” Clausen said. “But those are the kinds of conditions that always test golfers here. The greens were rolling, and the pins were fair. Overall, it was a great test.”

Clausen shot a 1-under-par 71 on Saturday to hold the first-round lead with Freddy Bullock, a Dordt University golfer from Sioux Center. Clausen then shot 9-hole scores of 34 and 36 on Sunday for a 2-under-par 70, enough for a two-stroke cushion over Anderson, who had rounds of 73 and 70.

The champion’s opening nine holes on Sunday included five birdies, one bogey, and one double-bogey, which took place on the par-five No. 4. His most important shot, he said, occurred on the first hole of the final nine holes, a 10-foot par save on the 10th.

“Making that putt for par on no. 10 was huge,” Clausen said. “It helped me continue the momentum I had from those birdies on the opening nine holes.”

From that point forward, the former Creighton University golfer used less club on most shots while still swinging aggressively. He parred seven of his final nine holes while earning a birdie after dropping an 18-footer on No. 13. The lone blemish on his card in the final nine holes was the result of a tough three-putt bogey on the challenging No. 15 green.

When Anderson’s par attempt on No. 17 stayed on the lip. Clausen’s title was all but secured.

“The putt stayed there, and people told me to wait a second to see if the wind would push it in,” said the affable Anderson, a two-time Lake Creek Amateur winner, and two-time Iowa Player of the Year. “I could see it wasn’t going to fall, it was one rotation away.”

Anderson and fellow competitors such as Nate McCoy, of Ankeny, the reigning Iowa Golf Association Player of the Year, praised Clausen and the rest of the field for competing on a course and Lake Creek’s signature greens made demanding, but fair, due to winds of up to 40 miles per hour.

“The wind really made it challenging,” said Senior Division champ Bret Taylor, of Booneville. “In this kind of wind, you’ll have a lot of 3- and 4-foot putts for par and bogey. The golf course has always been good and a lot of fun. With the wind you could tell it would dry out. The greens played great.”

Taylor, who hadn’t been in Storm Lake for “The Am” in more than a decade, said he’ll return to play again. Earning the Senior Division title gave him the 57-year-old some measure of satisfaction as he had finished in second place in the Open Division four times previously. Super Senior Division champ Joel Yunek, of Mason City, joined Taylor in saying he’d be happy to return to a course that, in mere weeks, will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Yunek topped Tom Schill, of Gowrie, in a three-hole sudden-death playoff to earn his championship.

For his part, Clausen said he’d savor the title, one that he, in effect, shares with his community, and the staff and grounds crew at BVU Lake Creek, members led by BVU Lake Creek Director of Golf Joe Powell and Superintendent Bob Leinbaugh, locals who worked throughout a cool spring season in readying the 151-acre links layout.

“I’ve been out here playing a long time and figured at some point, someone (locally) would break through and win,” he said. “I’m really happy to win it as I have a lot of pride in this course. I’m equally proud that so many great golfers across Iowa continue to return to our community for the tournament. It’s great to be a point event and in the conversation in helping determine the IGA’s Player of the Year.”

The Lake Creek Amateur just this year returned to official points-event status for the IGA, the organization that honored BVU Lake Creek by naming it Iowa’s 18-Hole Course of the Year in 2021.

The year 2021 was also a game-changer for Clausen and his wife, Kelsey, as they welcomed identical twins into their family in late September. The girls, Rosemary and Lenora, were with their mother at the end of the rounds on Saturday and Sunday. Their dad gave each a kiss following the competition.

“This is their first golf tournament,” Aaron said with a smile. “It was so special seeing them after I putted out on the last hole. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.”

Click here for full results

 

McCoy’s grit gives him the edge, wins 37th Iowa Mid-Amateur

May 23, 20220 commentsChampionships, Iowa Mid-Am

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

Combs leads 37th Iowa Mid-Amateur at Spencer Golf & CC

May 20, 20220 commentsChampionships, Iowa Mid-Am

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

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