Category: Championships

Kramer, Weresh lead 40th Iowa Senior Amateur, two tied for Super Senior top spot

August 21, 20180 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Amateur

Following a lengthy day of golf, as some golfers had to finish their first round early this morning and continued right into their second round, a pair of Des Moines Golf & CC members lead the pack at the 40th Iowa Senior Amateur.

Matt Weresh, following a second round 70 (-2), is tied with Chris Kramer who posted the low round of the tournament with 68 (-4) of his own. Both players sit at 143 (-1) for the tournament being contested at Des Moines Golf & CC (pictured above). Joe Palmer and Jon Brown both are positioned just two back of the lead at 145 (+1).

After rain off and on most of the day yesterday, players were welcomed with much better weather conditions on Tuesday. All but one group was able to complete their second round and will return in the morning to finish two holes.

In the Super Senior Division John Peters and Dan Dalziel share the lead at 145 (+1). Both players matched scores the first two rounds with 73-72. Dave Sergeant is just two back of the lead at 147 (+3) and Jim Butler is at 148 (+4).

Click here for a full recap of scoring.

Click here for third round pairings

Round One of Iowa Senior Amateur to resume at 7 a.m. tomorrow (Tues.)

August 20, 20180 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Amateur

Play was suspended for the day this afternoon due to over-saturation on the putting surfaces. At least six of the greens had too much casual water to continue. Consequently, due to radar that showed the rain would simply continue for the bulk of the afternoon/evening play was called for the day. The greens had reached a tipping point where they could not handle any more water today.

THOSE WHO NEED TO FINISH ROUND 1: We will re-start Round 1 at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Please be ready to play by 6:45 a.m. at which time we will make announcements and get you back into position.

ROUND TWO TEE TIMES: Round 2 tee times will be delayed by 2 hours. We will make the 2-hour adjustments to the website, which you can view by clicking here.

Players who are finishing round 1 in the morning will turn in their round 1 scorecards and then will have a very short break between starting their second round.

This will put our final tee time of the day at 4:20 p.m. If the weather cooperates, there is a small chance we can get back on schedule for Wednesday’s play. If we are unable to finish round two Tuesday, we may need to make a cut for Round 3. That will be determined based on the how things go tomorrow.

The two main bullet points you need to know for tomorrow are:

– 7:00 a.m. Restart time for Round 1

– Add two hours to your original Round 2 tee time (website has been updated to show the new tee times)

Thank you all for your patience today as we dealt with the weather. It seems that is the theme for IGA events this year, but hopefully, things will get much better over the next two days.

Steffen wins 69th Herman Sani Tournament, Palmer & Christensen capture division titles

August 12, 20180 commentsChampionships, Herman Sani Tournament

It came down to who was going to hit a great shot to capture the 69th Herman Sani Tournament presented by Coppola Enterprises.

Zach Steffen (pictured above), a professional from Des Moines, was the one who answered the bell, even though it didn’t look promising before he hit the shot of the tournament, which came in a playoff.

Steffen, who posted the low score of the day with 66 (-6) just to get into a playoff with Broc Everett and J.D. Anderson, hit a towering wedge shot from the rough under one tree, over another that nearly went in the hole on #18 at Hyperion Field Club.

Steffen’s ball would settle above the hole and he would convert the birdie after Everett’s chip from just short of the green narrowly missed and Anderson’s putt slid by the hole for birdie. Steffen commented after the round it wasn’t as easy as it looked.

“I knew I needed some help going into today,” Steffen said. “If Broc shoots 63 again I would have no chance. I knew I needed to keep making birdies and go as low as possible. Especially on the back nine, I knew I needed to keep the pressure on (Everett and Anderson).

Even tough his tee shot in the playoff, at first glance didn’t look ideal, he was in a position he felt comfortable with.

“In regulation I hit three wood and was too close to the green to spin it,” Steffen said. “In the playoff I hit hybrid and hooked it a little. I got break where I was at and could get under one tree and over the next. I have practiced that shot a lot and can hit a really high 60 degree (wedge). I had a good number and ball hit the front and almost went in they said. I was hoping it wasn’t six feet above the hole because I know how fast it is, but I was fortunate enough to make it.”

Steffen’s day included seven birdies, all in a 13-hole stretch, and just a lone bogey.

“I wanted to give myself as many chances as possible today,” Steffen said. “I love these greens. It gives me a lot of confidence. I have played well here in the past.”

In the Senior Division, Joe Palmer charged back with a 68 (-4) to finish two shots clear of Robert Dickerman. Palmer come home in 33 (-3), including a pair of birdies in the last four holes.

In the Super Senior Division (new in 2018), Rob Christensen won by four strokes over Dave Sergeant. Christensen shot rounds of 74-69-74 to finish at 217 (+1).

Click here for a full recap of scoring.

Everett leads, Jahn & Anderson give chase at 69th Herman Sani Tournament

August 11, 20180 commentsChampionships, Herman Sani Tournament

A pair of Herman Sani Scholars lead the way at the 69th Herman Sani Tournament after two rounds at Hyperion Field Club.

Broc Everett (pictured above), a 2013 Sani Scholar, leads by a stroke over Charles Jahn, a 2016 Sani Scholar. Everett, now professional, fired a 63 (-9) in today’s second round after an opening round 70. Everett, the 2018 NCAA D1 Individual Champion, made nine birdies on the day and no bogeys.  Jahn also put together a ‘clean’ card on his way to 66 (-6), making six birdies and no bogeys.

J.D. Anderson, the 2017 IGA Player of the Year, didn’t let Everett or Jahn get out of his sights, as he posted a 65 (-7) of his own and sits just two back of the lead. A total of seven players are within five strokes of the lead and tomorrow’s final round should be nothing short of exciting.

In the Senior Division, Robert Dickerman still leads and will take a three shot lead over Andy Burton into tomorrow. Rob Christensen leads by two strokes over Dave Sergeant in the Super Senior Division.

Click here for a recap of scoring.

Click here for final round tee times.

Gibb leads with 66 (-6), Dickerman leads Senior Division at Herman Sani

August 10, 20180 commentsChampionships, Herman Sani Tournament

Judd Gibb (professional) leads the 69th Herman Sani Tournament after the opening round, following a masterful 66 (-6). Gibb’s day started with a bogey, but would quickly turnaround, thanks to a total of seven birdies on the day at Hyperion Field Club. Gibb won this event in 2004.

Two fellow pros give chase, as Zach Steffen and Tyler Christians both posted 67 (-5), as they to stay on the heels of Gibb going into tomorrow’s round. Jake Marvelli and Charles Jahn are tied at 68 (-4) for low amateur through one round.

In the Senior Division, Robert Dickerman put together a fine round of his own, 68 (-4), to lead Andy Burton by four strokes. Dave Gaer sits just five shots back, at 73 (+1). Tom Sandie, 73 (+1) leads the Super Senior Division by a stroke over Ron Christensen.

Click here for a full recap of scoring.

Johnston’s solid play leads to Iowa Junior Amateur win, Burr wins 14-15 Division

August 8, 20180 commentsChampionships, Iowa Junior

A packed leaderboard was the story at Iowa Junior Amateur (16-18 Division) this year. Coming out on top was Ian Johnston (above right), who put together rounds of 68-69 (-1) to edge Burke Pitz (above left) by a single stroke. Conner Neighbors and Brock Snyder tied for third place, just three back of Johnston. Griffin Parker, who ultimately finished 5th, shot the low round of the tournament with 67 (-2) in the final round at Coldwater Golf Links.

 

Dillon Burr (above right) put together a pair of solid rounds at Coldwater Golf Links to capture the title in the Boy’s 14-15 Division. Burr, after opening with 70 (+1) on Tuesday, never trailed and won by three shots over Hogan Hansen (above left), who put together a 71 (+2) of his own in the final round.

Click here for a full recap of scoring.

Patton wins Iowa Girls’ Junior Amateur, Sayre captures 14-15 Division

August 8, 20180 commentsChampionships, Girls' Junior Amateur

With the most dramatic finish of the day at Coldwater Golf Links, Annika Patton (above right) won the Iowa Girls’ Junior Amateur (16-18 Division) on the second hole of a sudden death playoff against Bailee Frayne (above left). Patton, who opened with 73 (+4), shot 79 (+10), while Frayne posted consistent rounds of 76-76. Allison Nuss finished third, six shot back of the Patton and Frayne.

 

Overnight leader Saffire Sayre (above left) cruised to a nine stroke victory in the Girls’ 14-15 Division. Sayre posted rounds of 75-79 (+16) to outdistance Grace Butler (above right), who posted 83-90 (+25).

Click here for a full recap of scoring.

Iowa Junior Amateurs underway at Coldwater GL, Champions crowned

August 7, 20180 commentsChampionships, Girls' Junior Amateur, Iowa Junior

A trio of players are tied for the lead in the Iowa Junior Amateur at Goldwater Golf Links. Connor Neighbors, Ian Johnston and Mitchell Rice all posted 68 (-1). Due to some recent flooding on #2 and #15, those holes were played as a par three. Burke Pitz sits just a shot off the lead entering the final round.

Annika Patton, who opened with 73 (+4), leads by three strokes over Bailee Frayne in the Iowa Junior Girls’ Amateur. Lauren Sease is in third place, six shots off the lead, going into Wednesday’s final round.

In the Boy’s 14 & 15 Division Dillon Burr leads by five over Hogan Hansen, while Saffire Sayre leads Grace Butler by eight in the Girls’ 14 & 15 Division. Both division will play a second round to determine the champion.

In competition that concluded on Tuesday, Jett Loveanh outdistanced Mason Gatchel by six (Boy’s 11 & Under) and Maicy Baker won by six strokes over Lauren Nuss in the Girls’ 11 & Under Division. Meghan DeLong won by a single stroke over her sister Rebecca in the Girls’ 12 & 13 Division and Reid Hall was a winner by two over Joseph Currans in the Boy’s 12 & 13 Division.

Click here for a full recap of scoring.

Jett Loveanh (left) & Mason Gatchel (right)

Maicy Baker (left) & Lauren Nuss (right)

Joseph Currans (left) & Reid Hall (right)

Rebecca DeLong (left) & Meghan DeLong (right)

Woltman birdies last two, wins 85th Iowa Open

August 6, 20180 commentsChampionships, Iowa Open

Dan Woltman (above) of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin won the 85th Iowa Open after carding a 6-under-par 66 in the final round. Woltman beat out amateur, Tripp Kinney by two-strokes.

“You can get a lot of birdies on this golf course,” said Woltman. “There was no wind today and the greens were soft and rolling so well. I knew someone was going to have a low round in front of me. I just tried to stay patient and continued to hit fairways and greens. Luckily it was enough to win.”

Woltman started the final round in second place, one stroke off the lead, after carding a 2-under-par 70 in round one and an 8-under-par 64 in round two. Woltman carded a bogey-free final round with six birdies, including three-in-a-row on Nos. 2-4. He also tallied back-to-back birdies on Nos. 17-18 to secure the victory.

Click here to read more courtesy of the Iowa PGA Section.

Click here for a recap of scoring

Kinney captures 116th Iowa Amateur

July 25, 20180 commentsChampionships, Iowa Amateur

By RICK BROWN
POLK CITY – Golf can be exhilarating. And kick-in-the-stomach cruel.

Both sides of that emotional coin were on display Wednesday during the final round of the 116thIowa Amateur Championship at Tournament Club of Iowa.

Tripp Kinney of Waukee rolled home a 5-foot birdie putt on the 18thgreen to outlast defending champion Trevor Ullestad of Jewell on the third hole of their sudden-death playoff.

Minutes earlier, Ullestad had missed a 3-foot birdie putt at No. 17 that would have made him the 12thman to successful defend his title, and first since Bo Anderson in 2001 and 2002.

Kinney, 20, who plays collegiately at Iowa State, took advantage of his second chance a hole later. This was the first playoff he’d ever been a part of.

“You never want to see a guy to miss a putt,” Kinney said. “It’s so hard, in that pressure situation. Fortunately I was able to get another hole. But Trevor played great today. I don’t want to take anything away from him.”

Kinney hit a knock-down 7-iron, into the wind, to 5 feet on the third playoff hole. After Ullestad didn’t get up and down for par when he missed the green left, Kinney had two putts to win. He needed just one.

“I was so nervous at that point,” said Kinney, who has played for the last two Cyclone teams that reached the NCAA finals. “It was a 5-footer. That’s the stuff I practice all the time.”

Kinney and Ullestad finished regulation play at 210, 3-under par. The two had started the final round tied for the lead and both closed with 71s.

“I played pretty well coming down the stretch just to get in the playoff,” said Ullestad, 22, who completed his eligibility at Missouri this spring. “Whenever you miss a short putt to win and end up losing, it hurts pretty bad.”

Former champ Jon Brown, who won the IGA Match-Play Championship last month, tied for third with University of Iowa golfer Alex Moorman at 210. Moorman’s 69 was the lowest final-round score.

Brown closed with a 70 and made the biggest move of the day, taking the lead with a front-nine 4-under 31.

“I did hear about it,” Kinney said. “But my mentality today was not to worry about anyone else, and just worry about what I could do. I was able to focus on what I could control.”

Brown, 50, who won the Iowa Amateur in 2006, looked like he might outplay the college kids once again. Brown had defeated Iowa’s Matthew Walker in the match-paly semifinals, and beat Iowa State’s Frank Lindwall in the final.

But he couldn’t sustain his front-nine fireworks and Kinney and Ullestad passed him on the par-5 13th. Kinney made an eagle, Ullestad a birdie.

Kinney would bogey the next three holes, and his lead over Ullestad melted to a single shot.

The par-5 17thproved to be a pivotal hole in regulation, as well as in the playoff. Kinney had a 15-footer for eagle, but settled for birdie. Ullestad had a 6-footer for eagle on the same line as Kinney’s eagle attempt, and made it to draw even with a hole remaining.

Ironically, Kinney’s eagle on the 13thhole, from 8 feet, was on the same line as the 12-footer Ullestad had attempted for eagle from the back fringe.

“I definitely got a good read off his putt (on 13), and I guess he got a good read on mine,” Kinney said.

Ullestad missed the 18thgreen long and to the right, but got up-and-down. Kinney two-putted for par and the Iowa Amateur was headed to a playoff for the first time since 2015, when Mike McCoy beat Gene Elliott on the first hole of sudden death.

The shot that ultimately won the championship for Kinney is that 7-iron into the third playoff hole.

“That’s a shot I wouldn’t have been able to hit last year,” Kinney said. “Into the wind I struggled mightly. I couldn’t control the spin, or where it was going. I worked with my coaches at Iowa State so much. I ended up hitting that shot three times, once in regulation and twice in the playoff. Luckily, my game continues to progress.”

This is the fourth Iowa Golf Association-sponsored tournament title for Kinney. He won the Iowa Junior Amateur in 2013 and 2014 and the IGA Match Play title in 2017. On Wednesday, he added his name to a tournament that has been around since 1900.

“An unbelievable feeling,” Kinney said.

Kinney hopes to ride the momentum from Wednesday’s win into his junior season with the Cyclones.

“Winning is always fun,” Kinney said. “It’s something that hasn’t come very often since I got to college. It’s something I want to continue learning how to do, learning how to compete. If I can do that, hopefully my game continues to grow and I continue to get better.”

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