Category: Championships

Swegle finishes in a flurry, wins 71st Herman Sani Tournament

August 10, 20200 commentsChampionships, Herman Sani Tournament

Professional Jeff Swegle (pictured above), of West Des Moines, grew up watching several of Iowa’s finest players win the Herman Sani Tournament presented by Coppola Enterprises. Following a dazzling eagle-birdie-birdie finish, he has now joined their ranks, clinching the 71st Herman Sani Tournament victory after firing a final round of 66 (-6) for a 54-hole total of 204 (-12). 

“It feels great”, Swegle said. “I’ve grown up with a lot of guys who have had success at this tournament – the elder statesmen now. It’s awesome to come back and compete against them and be able to win. It’s a great feeling.”

Swegle found himself 4-under par on the day after 13 holes, before back-to-back bogies temporarily derailed his comeback bid. Swegle didn’t flinch. He holed out from the bunker for eagle on the par-4 sixteenth and followed it up with birdies on the final two holes to secure his victory. 

He stressed the importance of avoiding errors while taking advantage of the birdie opportunities that Hyperion Field Club presents.

“I didn’t really keep mistakes off the card today, but I was able to make the birdies I needed,” Swegle said. “I was just trying to stay away from mistakes.”

Iowa Golf Hall of Famer Jon Brown, of Adel, carded a bogey-free round of 67 (-5) on Sunday to win the Amateur Division and finish second overall in the Open Division with a 54-hole tally of 205 (-11). In a three-way tie for third overall at 208 (-8) were PGA Professional Sean McCarty (Solon), Jon Olson (Ankeny), and Nate McCoy (Ankeny). 

IGA veteran Joe Palmer, of Norwalk, captured his third Senior Division title for the third time in the event (2013, 2017, 2020) with his wire-to-wire victory, posting rounds of 69-71-72 for a 54-hole total of 212 (-4). Norwalk’s Terry Cook finished runner-up, carding a final round of 70 (-2) to finish four strokes off of the lead. 

West Des Moines’ David Studer sealed the deal in the Super Senior Division, posting a final round of 75 (+3) to win three-shots clear of the field with a 54-hole total of 217 (+1). Two-time defending champion Rob Christensen, of Marshalltown, finished runner-up with a three-day tally of 220 (+4).

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Pettitt leads, several will give chase in final round of 71st Herman Sani Tournament

August 8, 20200 commentsChampionships, Herman Sani Tournament

Several players took advantage of moving day at the 71st Herman Sani Tournament presented by Coppolla Enterprises, being held at Hyperion Field Club in Johnston.

Ben Pettitt, of West Des Moines, separated himself from the field by posting a bogey-free round of 66 (-6) for a 36-hole total of 135 (-9). Pettitt will be seeking his second Herman Sani Tournament title on Sunday, with his first victory coming back in 2001. One behind Pettitt is professional Sean McCarty, of Solon. McCarty carded a second round of 69 (-3) and is well positioned to make a run at his fifth Herman Sani Tournament title on Sunday. Nate McCoy, of Ankeny, is two back after a steady round of 70 (-2).

Joe Palmer, of Norwalk, continued his steady play in the Senior Division, posting a second round of 71 (-1) for a 36-hole total of 140 (-4). Palmer will carry a four-stroke advantage into the final round. Norwalk’s Gary Ellis is in second place after carding a second round of 71 (-1) and will be looking to make things interesting on Sunday.

West Des Moines’ David Studer found his rhythm on Saturday, making six birdies en route to shooting a round of 69 (-3) for a 36-hole total of 142 (-2). Two-time defending Super Senior Champion Rob Christensen, of Marshalltown, is seated five strokes back after a second round of 77 (+5).

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Logjam at the top of 71st Herman Sani Tournament

August 7, 20200 commentsChampionships, Herman Sani Tournament

The leaderboard is jam-packed at Hyperion Field Club (pictured above) after the first day of play at the 71st Herman Sani Tournament presented by Coppola Enterprises. Friday’s opening round yielded over a dozen subpar rounds, and several IGA veterans are in the mix heading into the weekend.

There is a five-way tie at the top with the following players carding rounds of 67 (-5): J.D. Anderson (Johnston), Jack Dumas (Le Claire), Sani Scholar Charles Jahn (Sperry), PGA professional Sean McCarty (Solon), and Nate McCoy (Ankeny). McCarty is seeking his fifth Herman Sani Tournament title, with his most recent victory coming in 2016. McCoy is looking for a hat trick after capturing two Herman Sani Tournament titles in 2011 & 2015.

2020 Herman Sani Scholarship recipient Cole Davis, of Marshalltown, fired a three-under par round of 69 (-3) to place himself inside the top 10. Davis’ fine play earned him the Frohwein Award, which is presented to the low-Sani Scholar after the first round of play. All scholarship recipients were honored at a dinner following Friday’s round.

Norwalk’s Joe Palmer leads the way in the Senior Division after posting a round of 69 (-3). Palmer is looking for his second senior title of the summer after capturing a victory at the IGA Senior Match Play Championship back in May. Two-behind Palmer is 2020 Fort Dodge Senior Amateur Champion Terry Cook, of Norwalk.

IGA veteran Rob Christensen put together a solid round of 70 (-2) to earn a three-stroke advantage in the Super Senior Division. West Des Moines’ David Studer sits in second place.

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71st Herman Sani Tournament set for Aug. 7-9 at Hyperion Field Club

August 4, 20200 commentsChampionships, Herman Sani Tournament

The 71st Herman Sani Tournament presented by Coppola Enterprises is set for August 7-9, at Hyperion Field Club (pictured above), Johnston. Ricky Costello, the 2019 champion at Echo Valley Country Club returns to the field, as does Zach Steffen, winner of the 2018 event played at Hyperion Field Club.

Uniquely enough, both Costello and Steffen won their respective titles in a playoff. The ‘Sani’ tournament field is once again full of accomplished golfers and those looking to break on to the scene with a win at one of the most prestigious events held in Iowa.

The ‘Sani’ has a long and storied history at Hyperion Field Club, as the event was held there every year from 1953 – 2012. The event now rotates between Echo Valley Country Club and Hyperion Field Club featuring the state’s best amateur and professional golfers vying for the trophy.

The Herman Sani Scholarship Program, the benefactor of the yearly event, was established in 1958. Herman Sani, a Hyperion Field Club member, had a passion for golf and young people. Sani was the first director of the Iowa Golf Association and served the organization for over 30 years. This scholarship was created in his memory with the purpose to assist Iowa students to further their education. As of 2020, 187 college-bound students have been awarded this four-year scholarship.

Most of the scholarship money comes from the generous donations by individuals and corporate sponsors. Since 2013 the Coppola family of Norwalk has contributed $250,000 to the Herman Sani Scholarship Fund. The Iowa Golf Association and point events from around the state also make significant contributions to the fund. For more information about the scholarship visit our website at www.iowagolf.org/scholarships.

Missouri’s Naegel wins 87th Iowa Open, Huseman low amateur

August 4, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Open

Photo courtesy of the Iowa Section PGA

Chris Naegel from Wildwood, MO won the 87th Iowa Open on Sunday, August 2 at Blue Top Ridge at Riverside. Naegel (pictured above) recorded rounds of 63-65-69=197, 19-under-par to win by four strokes over Tim O’Neal, of Savannah, GA. O’Neal didn’t go down without a fight – firing a final round 64 to put some heat on the leader.

Naegel, who carded a bogey (only his second of the week) on hole 14 and birdies on holes 3, 6, 9,14, and 17 in the final round to secure the win, made 21 birdies over the stretch of the three-day event and played the par 4 holes in -12.

Low amateur went to Andrew Huseman, of Ankeny, who posted rounds of 71-71-72 – 214 (-2) to outdistance Clive’s Andrew O’Brien by a stroke.

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Winning it again – Kubesheski takes home 55th Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur title

August 3, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Women's Amateur

History seems to repeat itself – sometimes a lot.

Dubuque’s Rose Kubesheski (pictured above left) has found the secret at the Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur – now for the seventh time in her career after pulling away from the field at the 55th edition of the event today.

Kubesheski admitted that this year’s title wasn’t easy and her steady play on the back nine holes of Carroll Country Club was the key to success. Kubesheski posted rounds of 77-75 (+10) for the two-day event.

“I parred #10 today and got lucky on the ‘water’ hole,” she said. “My putts were going in and it’s just amazing (to win this championship).”

Kubesheski, who has battled an injury the last couple of years mentioned that this year’s victory tastes a little sweeter than other in the past.

“I am coming off an injury the last couple of years,” Kubesheski said. “I am still trying to work through that. But coming off the injury it means a lot this year to win, more so than other years because of that.”

Rockwell City’s Kathy Fortune (pictured above right), who finished just three back of Kubesheski, took home the Super Senior Division title, with rounds of 79-76 (+13). Janece Schwartzkopf, of Stuart, won the Net Division with rounds of 73-70 (+1).

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Leaderboard packed at 55th Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur

August 2, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Women's Amateur

It’s a battle at the top of the leaderboard at the 55th Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.

Six-time champion Rose Kubesheski, of Dubuque, and 2019 IGA Senior Women’s Player of the Year Kelly Grimes, of Indianola, both posted rounds of 77 (+6) today at Carroll Country Club. Sitting just two shots back of the leads include 2009 champion Kathy Fortune, Rockwell City, and Kathy Nelson, Denison.

Both leaders made a pair of birdies and will look to add to that total in tomorrow’s final round. Cooler temperatures in the morning welcomed the ladies before windy conditions took over as the theme for the day.

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Bull leaves no doubt, wins 118th Iowa Amateur by six at DCC

July 29, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Amateur

Dennis Bull, of Norwalk, knew his game was in good form coming into this week at the 118th Iowa Amateur. Bull left no doubt who the best player in the field was at Davenport Country Club, winning by six shots, shooting 203 (-7).

“Coming into this week I had been playing really well,” Bull said. “Honestly I hit it awesome this week. I really had control of the ball and drove it well all three days.”

Bull (pictured above), who would post three rounds of the championship under-par, admitted he wasn’t confident with his putter to start the day.

“Today, I hate to admit it, but I was nervous with the putter most of the day,” Bull said. “I had a lot of opportunities but didn’t make any of them, other than a par putt on #5. I knew I had a cushion on #18 and was able to relax and make a putt (for birdie). I was really happy with the way I played today.”

New Sharon’s Trent Lindenman gave chase early, make the turn in 32 (-4) to put some pressure on Bull. Bull, who made a healthy dose of pars before birding the ninth hole, had a feeling someone might give give a run to start the day and make a move on his lead. Unfortunately, Lindenman could not keep up the pace and lost steam on the back nine of DCC.

“Obviously someone is going to make a run,” Bull said. “I just tried to stay patient and hit greens. I tried not to make mistakes coming in. There are some pins out here you just can’t go at.”

Connor Peck, of Ankeny, winner of the 2020 IGA Match Play finished runner-up. Peck posted a three-round total of 209 (-1). Griffen Parker, of Urbandale, and Lindenman would finish in a tie for third place at 211 (+1). Bull commented that the ‘young guys’ he continues to see at events are impressive and he took notice again this week.

“I am impressed with all these young guys I play with,” Bull said. “They are more patient and mature than I was (at that age).”

Bull, who worked at DCC several years ago, said he was able to use that experience from getting the chance to play the course occasionally to his advantage.,

“I have played here (at DCC) 15-20 times here prior to this event,” Bull said. “I worked the cart barn out here one or two nights a week (several years ago), so I could play out here.”

Bull, who won the 2019 Iowa Mid-Amateur, adds the Iowa Amateur title to his record, which also includes qualifying for several USGA events.

It’s safe to say, Bull will be charging hard at Iowa Golf Association events for years to come.

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Bull takes five shot lead into final round at 118th Iowa Amateur

July 28, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Amateur

Norwalk’s Dennis Bull (-6) has kept his game plan simple this week at the 118th Iowa Amateur. Bull (pictured above) has managed to control his game better than anyone else through two rounds at Davenport Country Club and now leads by five heading into tomorrow’s final round.

“I feel like I am playing pretty solid,” Bull said. “Maybe not as good as yesterday, but I managed to scrape it around you could say. I still feel like the putter let me down today. All in all I am pleased.”

Bull admitted that the course setup at DCC this week is fair, but you can’t let your guard down at any point. Bull, who shot 69 (-1) today, hasn’t flinched.

“There has been a good balance of hole locations (this week),” Bull said. “There are a couple holes if you aren’t paying attention it will jump up and get you. This course provides you opportunities to make birdie if you are controlling your golf ball. If you aren’t, you’re going to make bogey.”

Giving chase in tomorrow’s final round include a pair of golfers who have won titles already this summer. Andrew O’Brien, of Clive, recently won the Carroll Amateur, and Connor Peck, of Ankeny, who captured the IGA Match Play crown, both sit at 139 (-1) through two days of play. Also lurking are Trent Lindenman (pictured right), of New Sharon, and Andrew Huseman, of Ankeny, at 140 (E).

“I tried to stay in the middle of the greens today,” Peck said. “It was a good day. If I can get a few more putts to fall (tomorrow), it should be fun.”

Lindenman said he knows he will need to go mistake-free tomorrow to have a chance.

“It was tough out there today,” Lindenman said. “Hopefully, I can go mistake-free tomorrow and give Denny a challenge. The greens were really drying out and it firmed up (today).”

For Bull, the plan is simple looking ahead to the final round – He’s going to stick to what has been working.

“It sounds silly, but I am just going to try and hit fairways and greens,” Bull said. “I am going to give myself as many opportunities as I can. It’s really that simple and hopefully, the putter heats up. I am hitting it well and hopefully, I can keep doing what I am doing.”

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Bull fires 65 (-5), takes opening round lead of 118th Iowa Amateur

July 27, 20200 commentsChampionships, Iowa Amateur

Dennis Bull, of Norwalk, glanced at scores from the opening round of the 118th Iowa Amateur before teeing off in the afternoon at Davenport Country Club (pictured above). He knew he had some chasing to do if he wanted to be in the mix after day one.

At day’s end the field is now chasing Bull.

Bull, who made seven birdies on the day, got off to a hot start on the front nine, firing 31 (-5).

“There’s plenty of opportunities out there, but it’s a golf course where if you get aggressive and miss you can get in trouble,” Bull said. “I was just trying to give myself chances (at birdies). I hit great today.”

Bull would pair two bogeys with two birdies on the back nine to post 65 (-5). Bull leads by two over Andrew O’Brien, of Clive, and Trent Lindenman, of New Sharon.

“I was hitting it where I was looking,” Bull said after this round. “It was a great day and had a great group. I had the ball where I wanted it on the greens. I made a lot of birdies and was happy I was controlling my golf ball the way I did.”

Overnight into early morning showers saw DCC soften up slightly, but still was a firm test for those participating in this year’s event. Bull mentioned he thought it allowed for lower scores today, compared to how the course played during practice rounds.

“From yesterday the rain made it a little more scorable. It (the rain) definitely helped.”

Bull will go off early tomorrow in the second round and said he is going to keep this plan of attack simple.

“I am just going to keep trying to give myself a lot of chances. It’s nice when you are hitting it good, at least at a course like this. It’s demanding off the tee.”

Sitting just four back of Bull’s lead include Dusty Drenth (Davenport), Andrew Huseman (Ankeny), Kolby Chup (Des Moines), and Jon Olson (Ankeny).

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