Category: Championships

Fourth career Iowa Wife-Husband title for the Burkholders

September 18, 20230 commentsChampionships, Wife-Husband

For the fourth time Julianna and Reed Burkholder found themselves at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the Iowa Wife-Husband Championship. They had previously won the title in 2015, 2017 and 2018.

This time it took a final found 68 (-4) to pull into the lead and win by five with a 143 total (-1), to outdistance Christi and Luke Imsland. Burkholder’s final round was a clean one – four birdies and no bogeys.

“We made our putts,” Reed Burkholder said with a grin. “That’s what you have to do at this tournament.”

In the Senior Division (110 years combined) Sondra and Curtis Holck (right) were consistent – a pair of 77s around Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo was good for a six shot win over a trio of teams, which included Nancy and Dave Olberding, Laura and Tom Christensen and Stacey and Bob Ketcham. The Olberdings closed with a round of 74 (+2) to climb close to the lead, but in the end the Holcks were just too steady.

In the Super Senior Division (130 combined years) Vicki and Brian Rodenburg rose to the top with rounds of 78-75 (+9), good enough for a three shot victory over Carroll and John Dethrow.

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Thompson takes The Classic after six hole playoff, Peterson & Gaer notch wins

September 18, 20230 commentsChampionships

North Liberty’s Coby Thompson (right) claimed victory at the The Classic, held at Elmwood Country Club following six hole playoff with Cedar Fall’s Luke Meyer. The 36-hole tournament was played with Modified Stableford scoring. Both Thompson and Meyer were challenged through the opening round with totals of 33 and 35 points. Meyer finished the first round ten points behind the leader, Gilman’s Cody Weaver (43), with Thompson only slightly better at eight points back.

But terrific final rounds with totals of 48 and 46, respectively, for Meyer and Thompson, more than closed the gap. Meyer and Thompson both finished with 81 points, four points ahead of Dustin Atkinson, of Marion, in third place.

In the Senior Division, Ron Peterson, of Urbandale, eked out a one point win over Adele’s Jon Brown with 72 points. A six-point lead after a first round 41 gave Peterson a comfortable cushion for his final round. Des Moines’ Tony Newkirk finished third with 69 points.

Dave Gaer, of Des Moines, held on to prevent Marshalltown’s Rob Christensen from defending his title in the Super Senior Division. Gaer’s 69 point finish was largely thanks to a strong opening round 41, enough to compensate for a lackluster final day 28. Gaer won totaled 69 points with Christensen on his heels with 68 points and Marshalltown’s Pat Ryan and Cedar Fall’s Sam Aoessy tied for third with 63 points.

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Follow the 2023 Directors Cup

September 18, 20230 commentsChampionships
Team Iowa
JD Anderson, Johnston
Trent Lindenman, New Sharon
Nate McCoy, Ankeny
Ethan Mechling, Des Moines
Jon Olson, Ankeny
Connor Peck, Ankeny
The 12th Director’s Cup Matches will take place September 18-19 at Firekeeper Golf Course in Mayetta, KS. This goodwill competition is staged every other year and consists of round-robin Four-Ball, Foursomes and Singles matches between teams from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

The Director’s Cup Matches are a team match play competition between the top amateur golfers from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Prior to the event, each team assigns their players to a 1-6 position. They then compete in each match play session based on that numeric assignment with each golfer having the opportunity to play against each of the other teams and never with the same partner. The team match play sessions on day one consist of Four-Ball and Foursomes. Singles conclude the event on the final day. Each match uses Nassau scoring with one point awarded for each the front nine, back nine and 18-hole match. If a match is tied each team receives a 1/2 point. The team that wins the most points wins the trophy.

FOUR-BALL MATCH PLAY
In Four-Ball Match Play, sides of two partners compete, with each player playing their own ball. A side’s score for a hole is the lower score of the two partners on that hole. A side wins a hole in the match by completing the hole in fewer strokes (including strokes made and penalty strokes). A match is won when a side leads the opponent by more holes than remain to be played.

FOURSOMES MATCH PLAY
In Foursomes Match Play, two partners compete as a side by playing one ball in alternating order on each hole. A side wins a hole in the match by completing the hole in fewer strokes (including strokes made and penalty strokes). A match is won when a side leads the opponent by more holes than remain to be played.

SINGLES MATCH PLAY
In Singles Match Play, a player plays directly against an opponent in a head-to-head match. A player wins a hole in the match by completing the hole in fewer strokes (including strokes made and penalty strokes). A match is won when a player leads the opponent by more holes than remain to be played.

SCHEDULE OF MATCHES
Four-Ball Session
1 Iowa 1,2 vs. Kansas 1,2
2 Missouri 1,2 vs. Nebraska 1,2
3 Iowa 3,4 vs. Missouri 3,4
4 Kansas 3,4 vs. Nebraska 3,4
5 Iowa 5,6 vs. Nebraska 5,6
6 Kansas 5,6 vs. Missouri 5,6

Foursomes Session
1 Iowa 2,3 vs. Nebraska 2,3
2 Kansas 2,3 vs. Missouri 2,3
3 Iowa 4,5 vs. Kansas 4,5
4 Missouri 4,5 vs. Nebraska 4,5
5 Iowa 1,6 vs. Missouri 1,6
6 Kansas 1,6 vs. Nebraska 1,6

Singles Session
1 Iowa 3 vs. Kansas 3
2 Iowa 6 vs. Kansas 6
3 Missouri 3 vs. Nebraska 3
4 Missouri 6 vs. Nebraska 6
5 Iowa 2 vs. Missouri 2
6 Iowa 5 vs. Missouri 5
7 Kansas 2 vs. Nebraska 2
8 Kansas 5 vs. Nebraska 5
9 Iowa 1 vs. Nebraska 1
10 Iowa 4 vs. Nebraska 4
11 Kansas 1 vs. Missouri 1
12 Kansas 4 vs. Missouri 4

Huseman, Eddie take home Briarwood Am titles, Brooks leaves no doubt

August 30, 20230 commentsChampionships

Andrew Huseman (right) dug deep in the final round of the 2023 Briarwood Amateur at Briarwood Country Club, Ankeny to snatch his third career title at the event. The Ankeny native previously won in 2013 and in 2021.

His 69-66 (-9) 135 total earned him a four stroke win over Des Moines’ Ethan Mechling at (-5) 139. Ankeny’s Jon Olson, defending champion, finished third at (-3) 141.

In the Senior Division, Storm Lake’s Steve Eddie won in a playoff over Urbandale’s Ron Peterson after both players shot (-2) 142. A difficult final nine holes for Eddie, which he played 3-over par, including a bogey-bogey finish, resulted in the tie. At the same time, Peterson battled back with a -2 final nine to catch up with Eddie.

West Des Moines’ Bob Brooks absolutely obliterated the Super Senior Division. A 63-63 (-18) 126 secured his title by thirteen strokes over Des Moines’ Dave Gaer in second place. A bogey-free final round complete with seven birdies and an eagle comprises his unbelievable scorecard.

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Steve Eddie

Bob Brooks

Peters joins father as Iowa Senior Amateur Champion, Norton plays steady in SS Division

August 26, 20230 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Amateur

Ben Peters (left) joins his father, John, as an Iowa Senior Amateur champion. John won titles in 1998, 2004 and 2007.

Ben Peters survived.

Both the hot conditions as well as the difficult challenge Dubuque Golf & CC offered during the 45th Iowa Senior Amateur. Closing with a pair of 68s, Peters admitted it was the birdies coming home in the opening round after a rocky start that was the key to the week for him.

“It was a rough start for me on the first day,” Peters said. “I settled down with the putter a little bit and ball striking got better each day. It was a fun, hot week. I didn’t expect my second round score (68) to leapfrog me up the leaderboard as much as it did. It was such a difficult day. Those birdies coming in on the first day made the difference.”

Peters, who knew he had to stay patient at Dubuque G&CC, played his final 41 holes of the championship at -7, good for a three shot victory.

“Sometimes good shots here don’t turn out as well as you might think they should,” Peters said. “You have to stay below the hole. It’s a fun, old golf course.”

The heat, reaching into the triple digits at times, was also a hurdle for the field.

“The first day was more of a shock to the system,” Peters said “I was a little more prepared the second day. You knew what you were going to face (with the weather).”

With a two-shot lead heading into the final round over Ron Peterson, Peters knew he wasn’t going to have the luxury of coasting to the finish line.

“It was a back and forth most of the day with Ron,” Peters said. “I was able to make a couple nice putts out there. I knew I was going to need to make a birdie to make sure it went my well and I was able to on 17.”

Peters now joins his father, John, as an Iowa Senior Amateur champion. John won the event a total of three times – in 1998, 2004 and 2007. Peters also becomes the first person not names Elliott, McCoy or Palmer to win the event going back to 2013.

“This is a special for both of us to have out name on the trophy,” Ben said when asked about adding his name to the trophy along this his father.

Ben’s daughter, Maura, added a victory early in the summer at the Iowa Junior Girls’ Amateur, so Ben might of been feeling a little pressure to have a spot for his own trophy at home.

“You never know what is around the corner,” Peters said.

In the Super Senior Division, Tom Norton (right) played steady – posting 71 all three days of the event, with was good for a four shot win over Dave Baer.

“With the heat and these greens are severe enough I was happy with my score,” Norton said.

The coursed was something that looked good to Norton’s eye and he took advantage.

“This course suites me well, it’s tight and not long,” Norton said. “I just tried to keep it in the fairway. I didn’t three putt a bunch. I had the good fortune of making a few birdies the first two days. None today, but I had 17 pars. I never felt stressed today, it got within shot, but I was comfortable making pars.”

Figuring out the tough greens at Dubuque G&CC was also a key for Norton.

“You have to read greens well to have success here. This is my first stroke play victory. I have been second to Gene (Elliott) a few times, which is nothing to hang your head about, but I was happy to get it done.”

Norton admitted he took special precaution with the heat during he week and didn’t show up unprepared for the conditions.

“About 10 years I had a heat stroke, so I have to be careful. I kept an ice cooler with me and stay hydrated enough. The body felt better during the last round (with the weather not being as hot).”

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Peters takes lead into final round at 45th Iowa Senior Amateur, Norton looks to close

August 25, 20230 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Amateur

One more day.

It’s a packed leaderboard at Dubuque Golf & CC after two days of play at the 45th Iowa Senior Amateur. Players battled steamy, unpleasant at times conditions again during the second round of play, but Bettendorf’s Ben Peters found a recipe for success – good enough for a 68 (-2) to vault him into the lead by one heading in the final round.

Opening round co-leader Chris Kramer sits just a shot back of Peters’ lead, as does Ron Peterson. Peterson turned in a fine second round score himself – 70 (E). Another five players find themselves all within no more than five shots off the pace, including opening round co-leader Bill Matzdorff, who will start the final round +5.

A pair of 71s from Tom Norton put him into the lead in the Super Senior Division. Norton leads by a pair of strokes over Dave Baer and Bob Brooks. Rob Pomerantz, who fired a spectacular 67 (-3) in the second round, is just four shots back of the lead and will look to make a move up the leaderboard in the final round.

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Kramer, Matzdorff lead at 45th Iowa Senior Amateur, Gaer paces Super Seniors

August 24, 20230 commentsChampionships, Iowa Senior Amateur

Bill Tank surveys his next shot during the opening round of the 45th Iowa Senior Amateur hosted by Dubuque Golf & CC.

Battling the hot, at times unbearable conditions most of the day was the true test during the opening round of the 45th Iowa Senior Amateur hosted by Dubuque Golf & CC.

West Des Moines’ Chris Kramer and Ankeny’s Bill Matzdorff found the most success posting rounds of 71 (+1). Kramer’s round included a pair of birdies to offset a trio of bogeys. Meanwhile, Matzdorff made three birdies aginst four bogeys on the day. Two players, Gary Ellis (Norwalk) and Dustin Hall (Monticello) sit just a shot back at +2. Three players give chase as well at +3.

In the Super Senior Division, Dave Gaer, of Des Moines, turned in the round of the day with 69 (-1). Gaer was able to make three birdies and only make a pair of bogeys during his round. Gaer commented he was pleased with his round and was glad to be inside and out of the heat after turning in his scorecard.

Muscatine’s Tom Norton fired 71 (+1) and is just a shot back of Gaer’s lead. Sam Aossey (Cedar Rapids) shot 72 (+2), while Bob Brooks (West Des Moines) and Mark Wessels (Dyersville) both finished with 73 (+3) and are well within reach of the lead.

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Champions crowned at 62nd IGA Women’s Club Team championship

August 15, 20230 commentsChampionships, IGA Women's Club Team

Hyperion Field Club beat out defending champion Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course in the 62nd IGA Women’s Club Team championship at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids.

Hyperion’s gross four-under finish in the tournament was led by Jennie Jackson at (+1) 71 and Jen Jemmers at (+2) 72. Erin Schaffer carded a (+4) 74 and Michaela Smith  pitched in with a (+8) 78, scoring the most birdies of the team.

While Hyperion also won the net division at seven-under, their victory in the gross division gave the net title to runner-up Des Moines Golf and Country Club at five-under.

The Des Moines Golf net scores featured Kelly Dettbarn at (E) 70, Barb Burley at (+2) 72, Leighann Larocca at (+7) 77, and Amy Fox at (+11) 81.

Glen Oaks’ Paige Hoffman ran away with a six-shot win in the individual gross tournament. Six birdies and a single bogey led to her (-5) 65 round. The short course played to her advantage as she was able to approach greens with short pitches and chips.

Irv Warren’s Lindsay Burry and Kelly Nelson tied for second at (+1) 71 along with Hyperion’s Jennie Jackson.

Noreen Christians, of LPGA Amateurs – Des Moines, won the individual net tournament with a (-2) 68. Des Moines Golf’s Kelly Dettbarn was close behind at (-1) 69, followed by Burlington Golf Club’s Lisa Griswold at (E) 70.

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Hansen battles back, wins 74th Herman Sani Tournament

August 14, 20230 commentsChampionships, Herman Sani Tournament

Waverly’s Hogan Hansen (right) turned a three-stroke deficit into a three-stroke victory at the 74th Herman Sani Tournament presented by Coppola Enterprises, held at Hyperion Field Club. Trumping a field of amateurs and professionals, Hansen adds another title to the list of Hawkeye winners this summer. After strong performances throughout the season on the IGA circuit, Hansen finally broke through with a victory at his last tournament of the summer.

A (-10) 68-69-69, three-round total of 206 was sufficient to win with Hyperion playing more difficult than expected. Hansen was neck-to-neck with Solon’s Isaiah Zoske throughout most of the round. Although he never checked the leaderboard until he was signing his scorecard, he could tell that he was in the running.

A late bogey on Hole 17 threatened a possible playoff, but Hansen kept his cool with a par on Hole 18 and let things take their course. Zoske, who was tied for the lead heading into Hole 16, finished bogey, double, bogey and fell to T4.

Hansen, known as a long hitter, made the most of his power with Hyperion’s short Par 4s and reachable 5s. Several drivable Par 4s gave Hansen short chip shots into the green and helped to avoid the worst of the greens. Hitting second-shot irons into Par 5s and “not having to hit long clubs into the greens” obviously gave him an advantage.

Although Hansen (left) wasn’t satisfied with his putting performance, simply surviving Hyperion’s fast and tricky to read greens was enough of a challenge and essential to scoring.

“The greens are always a great test,” Hansen reflected. “I use Aim Point. Everybody says the greens break towards camp dodge, but I just stuck to feeling my feet.”

With solid putting, Hansen cracked a hot start during his final round with three birdies in his first five holes.

Zoske deserves credit for a terrific overall performance. Even after an early double on Hole 3, he found his footing and went -2 on his next twelve holes. The high school junior and long time competitor hit a growth spurt this past year and his distance reflects it, as he rivals his collegiate counterparts off the tee. While his consistency is still being refined, his performance at the Sani is auspicious despite his last-minute falter. Leading a field of collegiate, high-level amateur, and professional players deserves high praise.

Former Panther golfer Thomas Storbeck, of Ventura, tied with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) golfer Anthoney Ruthey, of Port Byron, for runner-up at (-7) 209. Professionals Andrew Petersen, of Bondurant, and Charles Jahn, of Sperry, tied for the low-professional score at (-6) 210. Overall, they joined Ankeny’s Connor Peck, Zoske, and Norwalk’s Patrick Hall at T4.

In the Senior Amateur Division, Adel’s Jon Brown triumphed over Lineville’s Jay Gregory (both pictured right) in a one-hole playoff. The pair finished at (-6) 210, seven strokes ahead of the field. Gregory, whose approach bounced over the green on Hole 17 in the playoff, drained a bomb of a putt to save par, but Brown outdid him with a birdie. Brown won the Herman Sani Tournament in the Open Overall Division back in 1993, with the exact same score.

Des Moines’ Rob Pomerantz took over the Super Senior Amateur Division with a (+2) 218 total, seven strokes ahead of runners-up West Des Moines’ Bob Brooks, Marshalltown’s Rob Christensen, and Polk City’s Joe Ward at (+9) 225. Pomerantz improved every round, carding 76-72-70.

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Zoske takes control at 74th Herman Sani Tournament

August 13, 20230 commentsChampionships, Herman Sani Tournament

The second round of the 74th Herman Sani Tournament presented by Coppola Enterprises at Hyperion Field Club (above) proved just as difficult as the first day, if not more so.

Solon’s Isaiah Zoske (right) fired yet another (-5) 67 to take the lead at 10-under heading into Sunday’s final round. Port Byron’s Anthoney Ruthey sits in second at -9 after also carding a (-5) 67. Norwalk’s Patrick Hall, Ventura’s Thomas Storbeck, and Waverly’s Hogan Hansen are tied for third at -7.

The Open Overall field was cut to 53 players at +7.

The Senior Amateur Division is led by Adel’s Jon Brown, who seized the lead with a (-1) 71. Lineville’s Jay Gregory falls to second with a (+2) 74, sitting at -1 after two rounds. Ottumwa’s Jeff Collett and Waukee’s Dave Cunningham are within striking distance at even-par.

Eighteen players remain in the Senior Amateur Division with the cut at +12.

Des Moines’ Robert Pomerantz leads the Super Senior Amateur Division at +4 after a strong (E) 72, the lowest round of the tournament in his division. Day one leader Rob Christensen, of Marshalltown, follows at +5 with Polk City’s Joe Ward next at +6.

The Super Senior Amateur Division cut at +16 trims the field down to twelve competitors.

The final round on Sunday will feature Zoske in the final pairing as he attempts to protect his lead from the four current or former collegiate golfers hot on his heels.

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