Category: Championships

A Championship Run: Geri Huser Claims Forever 39 Crown at Ridge Stone

June 10, 20260 commentsChampionships, Forever 39 Match Play

The 63rd playing of the Iowa Women’s Forever 39 was contested at Ridge Stone Golf Club in Sheffield. Over two days, competitors battled pristine fairways and greens, along with thick, penalizing rough. In the end, one name rose to the top: Geri Huser (right) of Altoona.

Huser’s run to the title got off to a rocky start. She narrowly earned a spot in the Championship Flight, claiming the seventh seed with a score of 41. Julie Buerman and Fiona Watson shared co-medalist honors, shooting 36 (E). From that point on, however, Huser never looked back.

In her opening match, Huser defeated second-seeded and 2023 champion Fiona Watson, 3 & 2. Huser noted that her putter was hot throughout match play but emphasized its importance in her victory over Watson. She then edged third seed Nicki Miller, 1 up, in a back-and-forth semifinal match. The win over Miller earned Huser just her second appearance in the championship match, and this time she finished the job. Facing fifth seed Christi Imsland in the final, Huser relied on sharp putting and scrambling to secure the victory. The two competitors battled through 10 holes before Huser emerged as the champion.

In the First Flight, top seed Laura Leszczynski lived up to her seeding, defeating every opponent she faced. In the opening round, Leszczynski defeated eight seed Darcy Duey, 4 & 2. She was tested in the semifinals but prevailed over fourth seed Leighann LaRocca after 11 holes. In the championship match, Leszczynski defeated sixth seed Kelly Grimes, 2 & 1, to claim the flight title.

The Second Flight saw another top seed fulfill expectations, as Julie Hartman captured the title. Hartman received a first-round bye and then defeated fourth seed Nancy Olberding, 3 & 2, in the semifinals. In the final, Hartman battled third seed Ila Gilbert in a tightly contested match before securing a 1-up victory.

Thank you to Ridge Stone Golf Club for being wonderful hosts! Your facility is top-notch and the course was a great challenge for the players.

Complete Results

Anderson Repeats, Ward Wins Marathon Playoff at Iowa Senior Amateur

June 2, 20260 commentsIowa Senior Amateur

2026 Iowa Senior Amateur champion J.D. Anderson

Patience, resilience, and consistency were key for Johnston’s J.D. Anderson this weekend. After completely annihilating the field with a final 209 (-7) total, Anderson ran away with the Iowa Senior Amateur Championship crown at Oneota Golf and Country Club and successfully defended his title after winning in his senior debut last year.

Anderson fired a 70 (-2) in his final round en route to his victory. After cruising with two birdies on the front nine, Anderson found trouble on the par-five 10th hole where he scored a double-bogey. This blunder didn’t last for long, though, as Anderson made three more birdies coming down the stretch.

“The double (bogey) on 10 was a bit of a mental error,” Anderson shared with a laugh. “I knew I could bounce back from that if I just kept stringing together a bunch of pars and a few birdies, and that’s exactly what I did.”

Anderson’s defiant victory can be attributed to his focused and competitive mindset all throughout the week. Despite holding a lofty lead heading into the final round, Anderson still felt like there was more work to be done.

“Even with my big lead heading into the final round, I still woke up this morning with the mindset that I needed to win by 10. I felt like I would play more normal if I kept being aggressive out there,” expressed Anderson.

Anderson’s back-to-back feat marks the first since Gene Elliot’s run in 2019 and 2020. With a win already under his belt for the season, it’s safe to say that Anderson is going to be a force to be reckoned with this year.

Making a strong push to the finish and securing runner-up honors was Chris Kramer of West Des Moines. Kramer scored an impressive 70 (-2) to post a final total score of 215 (-1). Rounding out the podium at 220 (+4) was Jon Brown of Adel. Brown fired a steady 72 (E) in the final round to secure third place.

2026 Iowa Senior Amateur – Super Senior Division Champion Joe Ward

The fight for the super senior title was a complete battlefield between Joe Ward of Polk City and Dave Gaer of Des Moines. After narrowly missing a five-footer on the 18th to win the championship, Gaer found himself in a playoff with Ward who made a crafty up-and-down to secure his spot in the duel.

After six intense playoff holes, it was ultimately Ward who sealed the deal with a final total of 221 (76-71-74) to win his first career super senior amateur championship title.

“I just hung in there all day,” Ward shared. “There were lots of ups and downs throughout the round, but I was glad to get it done in the playoff.”

Ward’s final round was certainly a rollercoaster. After opening with a strong 37 (+1) on the front nine (back nine start), Ward found trouble on the par-five 6th where he scored a double-bogey. Fortunately, he went to work on the par-four 8th and made birdie to put him in contention for a playoff.

“This golf course really fit my eye,” Ward mentioned. “I liked the shape of the holes, and the greens were fantastic. I was just having so much fun out here.”

Gaer secured runner-up honors and posted a final round of 76 (+4), while Riverside’s Tracy McArtor took third with a total score of 226 (77-73-76).

Special thank you to head PGA professional and general manager Morgan McMillan, golf course superintendent Lee Anderson, and all of the staff and members of Oneota Golf and Country Club for your kindness and hospitality throughout the week.

Complete Results

Weathering the Storm: Anderson, Gaer Remain on Top Entering Final Round

May 31, 20260 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Amateur

The second round of the Iowa Senior Amateur Championship tested players’ grit and resilience as they faced weather conditions contrary to the predicted forecast. Blue skies and sunshine were hard to come by amidst the rainy and cold elements today, but a few players prevailed to surge to the top of the leaderboard.

Navigating the elements and maintaining his lead in the senior division was J.D. Anderson (above) of Johnston. Anderson fired a solid 71 (-1) and was the only senior player under-par today.

“It was tough out there today,” expressed Anderson. “You had to be prepared to hit bad shots and accept what you get and just grind it out. It was really just about surviving.”

After collecting four birdies throughout the round, Anderson stretched his lead to a lofty six strokes and sits at -5 overall. Even with his comfortable position on the leaderboard, his game plan for tomorrow remains the same, “I really just plan to play my game and not look at the leaderboard,” Anderson shared. “The goal is to make pars and take the birdies as they come.”

Following Anderson at +1 overall was Chris Kramer of West Des Moines. Kramer posted a 75 (+3) today after stringing together a collection of pars paired with a lone birdie. Nate Dunn of Cedar Rapids also put himself in contention after firing a 72 (E) today to put him at +3 for the tournament.

A trio of players sit at +4 including Ben Peters of Bettendorf, Brian Rodman of Waukon, and Jon Brown of Adel. Peters rallied with two birdies in his last four holes to put himself in contention, while Brown countered his early bogeys with a few nice birdies on the back nine.

“I made a lot of clutch five, six-footers just to hang in there,” Brown noted. “The rough was really wet and thick so staying out of that was key today.”

In the super senior division, Dave Gaer (right) of Des Moines held onto his lead at +1 after shooting a steady 72 (E) today. Gaer made two bogeys on the day which were quickly canceled out by two clutch birdies.

“I hit a lot of greens today and kept it in the fairway, paired with a lot of close putts. I was really pleased with how I played today,” expressed Gaer. “Heading into tomorrow, the plan is to just play steady golf and hopefully throw a few more birdies up there.”

Joe Ward of Polk City made a nice comeback after shooting 71 (-1) to put him at +3 overall, two behind Gaer. After starting with an early double-bogey, Ward bounced back with four birdies to finish under-par.

“It was fun out there today,” Ward shared with a smile. “I had about an 18-footer on the last (hole) to shoot my age, but unfortunately I missed it. I’m still very pleased with how I played.”

Only 18 holes remain before our senior and super senior champions are crowned. Championship day is sure to be a fun one as players duke it out for the prestigious titles.

Complete Round Two Results

Anderson Sets the Pace, Gaer Leads Super Seniors After Day One

May 30, 20260 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Amateur

The Iowa Senior Amateur Championship held at Oneota Golf and Country Club in Decorah is officially underway. Amidst gusty winds and treacherous greens, a few players prevailed to find themselves atop the leaderboard after round one of the championship.

Defending champion J.D. Anderson of Johnston (above) navigated the course with ease after firing an impressive 68 (-4) to lead the field. After shooting a steady 35 (-1) on the front nine, Anderson put his foot on the gas going 3-under in his next five holes on the back. Even a lone bogey on hole 16 was remedied by a clutch birdie on the last.

“My wedge game was really solid today,” shared Anderson. “I stuck a few of them to one foot and that helped me a lot out there.”

Following closely behind with a pair of 70’s (-2) was Josh Janeczko and Chris Kramer of West Des Moines. Both players finished strong in the final stretch with Janeczko holing out for eagle on 18 and Kramer birdying three out of his four last holes.

“I was about 230 out and had a hybrid in. I luckily got all of it and had a hot one that chased up the front of the green and went in,” expressed Janeczko with a smile.

“I just kind of hung in there most of the day, and then the last four holes I was able to stick a few close ones in there to make something happen,” shared Kramer.

Chad Bosch of Swisher closed out the under-par crew with a 71 (-1) highlighted by a string of birdies in his final three holes.

Defending super senior champion Dave Gaer (right) of Des Moines returned with a dominating presence after posting a 73 (+1) to lead the division. After a slow start with three bogeys on the front nine, Gaer found his footing and made two birdies on the back nine to secure his spot atop the leaderboard.

“I really just tried to hit a lot of greens and keep it in the fairway,” shared Gaer. “The rough is really thick out there and I was certainly in my fair share of it, but I navigated it well and made some putts.”

Following Gaer’s heels was Steve Kahler of Marion who posted a 74 (+2) after a rollercoaster back nine. With four bogeys, a birdie, and an eagle just on the second nine alone, Kahler proved that his grit was enough to keep him in the mix.

“I was driving it pretty steady today which was crucial for these tight fairways,” mentioned Kahler. “I chipped in for eagle on 15 which really helped with the bogeys.”

With two days left of competition, the championship is still anybody’s game. Blue skies and soft winds over the next few days are sure to be kind to the field as they eye the coveted championship titles.

Complete Round One Results

Pair of 66s take Nate McCoy to first Lake Creek Amateur title

May 26, 20260 commentsChampionships

Birdie on final hole allows McCoy to edge state high school champion Andrew Johannsen

Four-time Iowa Amateur of the Year Nate McCoy (right) read a 4-foot putt on the last hole on Sunday afternoon at the Lake Creek Amateur and told himself to simply, “Have fun with this.”

McCoy rolled the putt into the back of the cup for a birdie that gave him a 1-shot victory over Andrew Johannsen in the 2026 edition of the Lake Creek Amateur at BVU Lake Creek in Storm Lake. For the 35-year-old McCoy, the final birdie on his 12-under-par effort marked a redemption of sorts as he has fished runner-up at Lake Creek on a number of occasions.

“I remember missing what was probably a 7-foot putt a few years ago and lost by one stroke,” said McCoy, an Ankeny resident who serves as Director of Handicapping and Course Rating for the Iowa Golf Association. “After missing that putt, on the drive home I began to ask myself, ‘Will I ever be able to win the Lake Creek Amateur?’”

The tournament is a favorite on his schedule as he began traveling to Storm Lake to caddy for his father, 4-time Lake Creek Amateur champion Mike McCoy, many years ago. 

“I caddied for my dad back in something like 2005, and then I played in the tournament as a teen,” said McCoy. “I love coming back here because the course is such a great test and the people who put on the tournament at BVU Lake Creek do everything so well.”

Ninety golfers from as far as away as Keokuk, Muscatine, Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Australia ventured to Storm Lake for the Memorial Day weekend tournament, a points event for the Iowa Golf Association’s Iowa Amateur of the Year sweepstakes. Henry Sobaski, of Fairfax, won the Junior Division; Tom Schill, of Gowrie, captured the Super Seniors title; Bill Matzdorff, of Cumming, won the Seniors event; and Alta’s Sally Krause, who played collegiately at Southwest Minnesota State University, shot 79-75 to claim the crown in the inaugural BVU Lake Creek Women’s Amateur.

Four past Lake Creek Amateur champions in Jake Weissenburger, Aaron Clausen, J.D. Anderson, and Ron Peterson were included in the field.

“We were thrilled to feature a competitive field in each division as we work to keep growing the Lake Creek Amateur,” said Evan Krause, a former Buena Vista University golfer who directed the event. “It’s fun to see a number of our members competing against and alongside several of the state’s top golfers on our championship layout.”

Two-plus inches of rain in the week leading up to the tournament had the course playing a little longer, but greens remained receptive and true. Those trademark winds at Lake Creek weren’t a factor until midday Sunday.

Southerly gusts of up to 25 miles per hour played a role on the final hole as McCoy, who was tied with the longer-hitting Johannsen, a state champion last fall for Johnston High School, picked driver and teed it low, allowing the ball to carry 300 yards to 108 yards from the pin in the middle of the No. 18 fairway.

“I told myself that with the wind it would be playing 87 yards,” McCoy said.

McCoy hit the middle of the green and his ball came to rest four to five feet from the pin, giving him a birdie putt that moved slightly right.

“I worked on Friday night on a lighter grip pressure in my putting stroke,” McCoy said. “That plus a little longer stroke was working for me. I told myself to trust those mechanics and just have fun with the putt.”

Johannsen, who will compete for the University of Iowa in the fall, said he had fun the entire way on Sunday, playing in the last foursome in his first BVU Lake Creek Amateur appearance. The left-hander took a two-stroke lead after chipping in for eagle on No. 13, rolling in his chip from 15 yards in front of the green. Unfortunately, bogeys on Nos. 14 and 15 placed him back in a tie with McCoy.

Johannsen caught flier out of the rough on No. 14 and missed the green long. He failed to get up-and-down and settled for a five. He then made a bad putt on the par 3 No. 15, ending up taking a four.

“It was just a bad stroke on my part on that putt,” he said.

Johannsen would rebound with a great up-and-down for birdie on No. 16, sinking an eight-footer to keep pace with McCoy who was eyeing an almost sure bet in a two-footer. 

“Andrew made a great birdie on No. 16,” McCoy said.

Alta’s Sally Krause, who played collegiately at Southwest Minnesota State University, shot 79-75 to claim the crown in the inaugural BVU Lake Creek Women’s Amateur.

After both men parred No. 17, it came down to the final hole. After McCoy’s drive found the middle of the fairway, Johannsen hit a 4-iron off the tee. His lift foot slipped a bit on his downswing, and he caught the ball on the toe of the clubface. From the right rough, his approach came to rest 20 to 25 feet from the pin. His birdie putt narrowly missed, which set up McCoy’s putt for the victory.

“I came here to play because I wanted to be able to play against some of the best players in the state, guys like Grant Smith (2025 Iowa Amateur of the Year), Jake Weissenburger (two-time BVU Lake Creek Amateur champ), and Nate McCoy,” Johannsen said. “And that’s just what happened. I was able to play in the final group with those guys, and we had a lot of fun. They’re all great guys.”

Johannsen was pleased his May schedule allowed him the opportunity to return to the Buena Vista University Golf Course at Lake Creek (BVU Lake Creek), where he last played in 2024 during the Iowa Amateur Qualifier. He shot even par on that day to qualify. His 11-under-par two-day total during the 48th edition of the Lake Creek Amateur showed his game and name should be among the top amateurs in Iowa for years to come.

“I like Lake Creek because you can’t just overpower it,” said Johannsen, who plans to study finance at Iowa. “You have to use every club in the bag. Plus, the greens roll very true.”

Evan Krause joined McCoy, Johannsen and other golfers in lauding the efforts of BVU Lake Creek Superintendent Josh McCormick and his staff in readying the links after a cool spring that was largely devoid of rain until this week. Following the completion of “The Am,” BVU Lake Creek now sets its sights on the IGA’s Iowa Amateur Qualifier (West) slated for July 9.

Past Open Division Champions, Lake Creek Amateur

2026 – Nate McCoy, Ankeny (132)
2025 – Mason Weeks, Spirit Lake (138)
2024 – Jake Weissenburger, Clive (141)
2023 – Jake Weissenburger, Clive (137)
2022 – Aaron Clausen, Storm Lake (141)
2021 – Brenden Bassing, Sioux Falls (143…36 holes)
2020 – Jack Evans, Brainerd, Minn. (144…36 holes)
2013 – Matt Weeks, Spirit Lake (213)
2012 – Gene Elliott, West Des Moines (207)
2011 – Kirby Pettitt, Carroll (206)
2010 – Justin Schulte, West Des Moines (207)
2009 – J.D. Anderson, West Des Moines (209)
2008 – Jon Brown, Urbandale (205)
2007 – Kyle Ritchie, Corning (211)
2006 – J.D. Anderson, West Des Moines (204)
2005 – Mike McCoy, West Des Moines (209)
2004 – Scott Quandt, Mt. Carmel (204)
2003 – Ron Peterson, Urbandale (141)
2002 – Ron Peterson, Urbandale (210)
2001 – Kevin Johnson, Urbandale (215)
2000 – Steve Smith, Johnston (207)
1999 – Jim Curell, Boone (205)
1998 – Jason Knutzon, Ames (207)
1997 – Nate Dunn, Manchester (67)
1996 – Ben Pettitt, Carroll (206)
1995 – Mike McCoy, Des Moines (172)
1994 – Mike McCoy, Des Moines (206)
1993 – Jon Brown, Urbandale (209)
1992 – Mike McCoy, Des Moines (206)
1991 – Jay Horton, Ames (207)
1990 – Al Pottebaum, Le Mars (208)
1989 – Mike Dunphy, Perry (207)
1988 – Todd Sapp, Lincoln (220)
1987 – Bill Manske, Algona (218)
1986 – Steve Winkel, Algona (215)
1985 – Ned Zachar, Ames (210)
1984 – Greg Tebbutt, Bettendorf (213)
1983 – Dean Kain, Algona (283)
1982 – Gary Claypool, Marion (278)
1981 – Jim Curell, Boone (242)
1980 – Dean Kain, Algona (288)
1979 – Jim Curell, Boone (287)
1978 – Bill Manske, Algona (277)
1977 – Chuck Null, Cedar Rapids
1976 – Julius Boros, Iowa City (139)
1975 – Lon Nielsen, Belle Plaine
1974 – Roger Null, Cedar Rapids
1973 – Larry Castagnoli, Fort Dodge

Inaugural Jim Hasley Amateur set for June 19-21 at Emeis GC

May 6, 20260 commentsChampionships

The Iowa Golf Association is proud to announce the launch of the 1st Annual Jim Hasley Amateur, a new tournament created to celebrate the life, legacy, and lasting impact of one of Eastern Iowa’s most influential golf professionals, James W. “Jim” Hasley.

Jim Hasley devoted his life to the game of golf and to the people who play it. Born on January 7, 1934, in What Cheer, Iowa, and raised in Williamsburg, Jim relocated to Davenport in 1947. His journey in golf began with a simple but powerful act of service—offering free lessons at Emeis Golf Course in 1965. That commitment to growing the game quickly became a lifelong mission.

In 1971, Jim was named Head Golf Professional for the City of Davenport’s municipal golf courses—Emeis, Duck Creek, and Credit Island—a position he held for more than three decades. Over the course of his career, Jim’s leadership, mentorship, and passion helped shape the local golf community in profound ways. His excellence was recognized with Iowa PGA Section Golf Professional of the Year honors in 1985 and 2001, and his enduring contributions were further cemented with his induction into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame in 2010.

Even in retirement, Jim continued to give back. As Program Director for First Tee of the Quad Cities, he spent nearly 20 years helping introduce young players to the game, instilling values, and inspiring the next generation of golfers. The creation of this tournament ensures his legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.

Event Details

1st Annual Jim Hasley Amateur

  • Dates: June 19–21, 2026
  • Location: Emeis Golf Course – Davenport
  • Format: 54-Hole Stroke Play
  • Field Size: Limited to 128 players
  • Entry Fee: $180.00
    • $90.00 for players aged 23 & younger (as of June 19, 2026)
  • Divisions: Men, Women, Seniors (50–64), Super Seniors (65+)
  • Sanctioning: Iowa Golf Association (IGA) Point Event

Schedule:

  • Friday: Round 1
  • Saturday: Round 2
  • Sunday: Final Round & Awards Ceremony

The Jim Hasley Amateur is more than a competition—it is a celebration of a life dedicated to the game of golf and the community it brings together. Players and fans alike are invited to be part of this inaugural event and help carry forward Jim’s enduring spirit and passion.

Freshmen Firepower: Bohmer and Bonaobra Capture 30th IGA Four-Ball

May 4, 2026Comments Off on Freshmen Firepower: Bohmer and Bonaobra Capture 30th IGA Four-BallChampionships, IGA Four-Ball, Uncategorized

(L to R) Samuel Bonaobra and Luke Bohmer

SPENCER, Iowa — Sometimes, chemistry takes years to build. Other times, it clicks on day one.

For Drake University freshmen teammates, Luke Bohmer and Samuel Bonaobra, that instant connection translated into a championship performance at the 30th IGA Four-Ball Championship, held May 1–2 at Spencer Golf & Country Club. Competing in their first-ever four-ball event, the duo leaned on aggressive play, trust in one another, and a healthy dose of confidence to come out on top—against a field that included their own college teammates.

“It was pretty fun,” they said. “We’ve never played in a four-ball before, so it was a different type of golf than we’re used to. But we had a really good time—especially talking a little trash to our teammates.”

The turning point came early in the final round. After a modest opening day, Bohmer and Bonaobra caught fire right out of the gate, birdieing their first three holes.

“That’s when it felt like we had a real shot,” they explained. “We didn’t start as well the first day, so getting off to that kind of start showed us what we could do.”

Their aggressive mindset was simple: hit driver often, attack pins, and make birdies. No overthinking—just instinct and execution.

“We kind of just went for it,” they said. “Hit driver, get it as close as possible, and keep the momentum going.”

While the hot start gave them confidence, the championship wasn’t secured until key moments late in the round.

One of the biggest came on the 15th hole. Facing birdie chances, Bohmer drained a lengthy 30-foot putt, edging out his partner’s closer look and igniting a surge of momentum.

“That was huge for us,” they said. “It really gave us a boost at the right time.”

Matt Schlueter

By the time they reached the 18th, the pressure was fully on—and while there was a chance to close it out in regulation, the duo ultimately sealed the victory in a playoff.

Several strong teams pushed the champions all the way. Matt Schlueter and Ben Peters of the Quad Cities climbed four spots on the leaderboard with a fiery final-round 62 that included 11 birdies. After opening with a first-round 66 (6-under), they played their way into the playoff, where a birdie by Bohmer and Bonaobra on the first playoff hole (#18)—matched against a par from Schlueter and Peters—left them in solo second place.

Andrew Johannsen and Blake Cronin also applied pressure. The pair began the final round tied for the lead at 8-under and traded the top spot throughout the day. Johannsen holed out for an eagle on the par-4 7th, a huge

 momentum swing, but late-round bogeys and missed birdie chances left them two strokes back at the close.

Conditions at Spencer tested the field throughout the week. Firm greens and shifting winds required constant adjustments.

Ben Peters

 

“The wind completely switched from the first day,” they noted. “And the greens were firm—it was tough to get wedges and chips to stop.”

Still, they embraced the challenge, relying on recent competitive experience at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship to stay sharp.

“Playing in a tournament like that right before this definitely helped,” they said. “We felt ready.”

Remarkably, Bohmer and Bonaobra only met when they arrived on campus as freshmen. Despite not being roommates yet—though that will change next year—they’ve quickly developed strong on- and off-course chemistry.

“We met the first day of school,” they said. “Now we play all the time. I’m basically an honorary roommate at this point.”

That familiarity translated into seamless teamwork during the championship—and likely more to come.

“We’re definitely running it back,” they said. “One for one so far.”

Their victory celebration started simply—with Taco Bell in Spencer—but will continue back on campus, where they plan to enjoy the moment with teammates… and remind them who came out on top.

“There was a lot of talk going into the week,” they said with a smile. “So we’ll make sure they know.”

Both players will spend the summer competing in amateur events— Bonaobra in Oklahoma and Texas, Bohmer in California—before returning to Iowa for the next chapter of their collegiate careers.

And after this breakthrough win, one thing is clear:

Spencer will always hold a special place for them.

“Yeah,” they said. “This course means something to us now.”

Full Results

Iowa Golf Association Adds New Doubles Championship to 2026 Schedule

April 7, 20260 commentsChampionships

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) has announced the addition of a new event to its 2026 championship calendar with the debut of the IGA Doubles Golf Championship, scheduled for Monday, August 31, 2026, at Lake Panorama National Golf Course.

The newly established championship will feature a two-player scramble format—rebranded as “Doubles Golf”—designed to create an enjoyable and competitive experience for golfers of all skill levels. Teams will compete in one of four divisions: Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, or Senior. The Senior division is open to players age 60 and older, and teams may consist of two men, two women, or a mixed pairing.

Each division winner will earn an invitation to the U.S. Doubles Golf National Championship (gross competition, dates to be determined), adding a national pathway to the event’s competitive appeal. Registration will place players in both the gross and net categories for the event on August 31.

The $200 team entry fee includes golf, cart, and range balls. Registration opens Wednesday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m., with entries closing on August 20 at 10:00 a.m.

With limited spots available and strong interest expected, golfers are encouraged to secure a partner and register early.

Click here for more information and to register once entries are open

2025 IGA Annual Awards Banquet Recap

December 10, 2025Comments Off on 2025 IGA Annual Awards Banquet RecapChampionships, News

The 2025 IGA Awards Dinner took place Friday, December 5, at Terrace Hills Golf Course in Altoona. It was an enjoyable night with several deserving honorees and award winners in various categories being celebrated for their efforts.

The following individuals and courses were honored –

PGA Pro of the Year – Morgan McMillan, Oneota Golf & CC

Club Manager of the Year – Matt Matthias, Echo Valley CC

9-Hole Superintendent – Mike Ray, Ida Grove Golf & CC

18-Hole Superintendent – Stephen Roseberry, The Ridge Golf Club

9-Hole Course of the Year – Hickory Grove Golf Club, Oelwein

18-Hole Course of the Year – Red Oak Country Club, Red Oak

George Turner Distinguished Service Award – Tom Christensen, Waterloo 

Sean Flanders Volunteer of the Year Award – John Webb, Des Moines

Special Recognition – Dave Olson, Eagle View Golf

Player of the Year – Grant Smith, West Des Moines (View video)

Senior Player of the Year – Jon Brown, Adel (View video)

Super Senior Player of the Year – Tony Malizia, Humboldt (View video)

Read more about the Men’s Players of the Year

 

Women’s Player of the Year – Pimkwan Chookaew, Ames (View video)

Senior Women’s Player of the Year – Julie Buerman, Cedar Rapids (View video)

Read more about the Women’s Players of the Year

 

Junior Girls’ Player of the Year – Morgan Rupp, Marion (View video)

Junior Boys’ Player of the Year – Braeden Nelson, West Des Moines (View video)

Read more about the Junior Players of the Year

 

Mike McCoy – Special acknowledgment of 2025 achievements (View video)

2025 Bob Leahy Medal recipients

Front row (from left) – Pimkwan Chookaew, Karli Kerrigan, Kelly Nelson, Tish Boothe, Erika Holmberg, Nate McCoy, Tony Malizia. Back row (from left) – Lindsay Burry, Bill Matzdorff, Julie Buerman, Jon Brown, Ron Peterson, Owen Sawyer, Grant Smith and Dave Gaer. Not pictured – Gene Elliott, Laura Leszczynski, Mike McCoy, Tony Newkirk and Joe Palmer.

Complete list of 2025 Bob Leahy Medal recipients can be found by clicking here.

2026 IGA, USGA Qualifying Schedule announced

November 25, 20250 commentsChampionships, USGA, USGA Qualifiers

 

Featuring Historic Returns to Hyperion Field Club and Beaver Hills Country Club

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is pleased to announce its complete 2026 championship and USGA qualifying schedule, led by the return of three of the state’s premier championships to historically significant venues. The Iowa Women’s Amateur and Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur will be contested concurrently July 20–22 at Hyperion Field Club, while the Iowa Amateur Championship will follow July 27–29 at Beaver Hills Country Club. Additionally, the Iowa Mid-Amateur will move to the fall beginning in 2026 and transition to a single-division format.

Hyperion Field Club, host of both the Women’s Amateur and Senior Women’s Amateur, stands among the most influential venues in Iowa women’s golf history. It hosted the first official Iowa Women’s Amateur in 1923—won by Ruth Harwood before a crowd of 500 spectators—and later served as the site of Sharon Fladoos’s first Women’s Amateur victory in 1960. Most recently, in 2017, Hyperion witnessed one of the most dominant modern-era performances when 15-year-old Britta Snyder won by 13 strokes at even-par 216. Returning in 2026, Hyperion again plays a central role in celebrating and advancing women’s amateur golf in Iowa as it will serve as the first host venue of both the Iowa Women’s Amateur and Senior Women’s Amateur concurrently.

One week later, the Iowa Amateur Championship heads to Beaver Hills Country Club, a course deeply woven into tournament history. Beaver Hills has hosted the Iowa Amateur multiple times, including in 1973, 1974, 1981, 1993, and 1998, producing champions such as Steve Kehrer, Bill Heldmar, Ken Schall, Bill Hoefle, and Mike McCoy. Competitors in 2026 will once again face its championship-caliber layout, known for strategic design and enduring significance. Iowa Amateur Qualifiers (3) will be held July 8 at Cedar Creek Golf Course in Ottumwa, July 9 at Buena Vista University Golf Course at Lake Creek Country Club in Storm Lake, and July 13 at Coldwater Golf Links in Ames.

The Iowa Mid-Amateur will take place October 7–9 at Veenker Memorial Golf Course, marking an appearance on the fall schedule next year. New in 2026, the championship will be conducted without separate Senior or Super Senior Divisions, shifting to one unified division for all eligible competitors. Senior and Super Senior–aged players remain fully eligible to participate. While this adjustment may appear to reduce senior-focused playing opportunities, the IGA emphasizes the addition of the IGA Senior Four-Ball Championship in the fall, along with numerous long-standing senior events that continue to offer competitive experiences across the season.

Full Season Schedule Overview

The 2026 season begins May 1–2 with the IGA Four-Ball at Spencer Golf & Country Club, followed by a U.S. Open Local Qualifier on May 4 at Cedar Rapids Country Club. The Iowa Senior Amateur will be played May 30–June 1 at Oneota Golf & Country Club.

June competition begins with the U.S. Amateur Local Qualifier on June 8 at Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo and the Iowa Forever 39 Match Play June 8–9 at Ridge Stone Golf Club. The Iowa Women’s Four-Ball will be held June 15–16 at Coldwater Golf Links, followed by the IGA Father-Son/Parent-Child June 19–20 at Jester Park Golf Course. Legacy at the 19 in Mason City will host both the Iowa Junior Amateur and Iowa Junior Girls’ Championship June 22–24, before the month concludes with the Junior Girls’ 4-State at Echo Valley Country Club June 28–30 and the IGA Match Play Championships (Men’s & Women’s) June 30–July 3 at Talons Golf.

In July, the Iowa Adaptive Open will be held July 10–12 at Terrace Hills Golf Course in Altoona, followed by a U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier July 15 at Wakonda Club.

August opens with the Herman Sani Tournament August 7–9 at Echo Valley Country Club and continues with the IGA Senior Match Play August 12–14 at Fort Dodge Country Club. On August 18, the Women’s Club Team event will be played at Ames Golf & Country Club alongside the U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines. The U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Qualifier follows August 26 at Briarwood Golf Club in Ankeny.

September features the IGA Senior Four-Ball September 11–12 at Council Bluffs Country Club, the Iowa Wife-Husband September 18–20 at Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo. The IGA Club Team Championship concludes the month September 28 at Waveland Golf Course in Des Moines.

Registration Dates Announced

Monday, February 2 at 10:00 a.m. — Preferred Entry Opens for the IGA Four-Ball, Herman Sani, Men’s & Women’s IGA Match Play, and Junior Amateur.
Monday, March 2 at 10:00 a.m. — Non-preferred entry events open.
Wednesday, April 1 at 10:00 a.m. — Preferred Entry events open to the general public.

Entries for USGA Championships will open at a later date, determined and announced by the USGA.

Due to uncertainty surrounding the administration of the event and the hosting facility, the Southeast Iowa Amateur will not be a point event in 2026. The IGA will share updates should the event become viable again in future seasons.

Scroll to top