The Preserve on Rathbun Lake, home of the Southeast Iowa Amateur crowned a winner this past weekend. In the Open Division, a familiar name stood on top of the leaderboard; Grant Smith of (West Des Moines) held the lead after Saturday’s round with shooting a 67 (-5).

Not too far behind was Roman Roth (Wayland) shooting a 68 (-4), Kelly Brown (Marshalltown) shooting 70 (-2), and Jake Weissenburger who just won the Lake Creek Am carded a 71 (-1). Will Simpson (Pella) and Jack Winkel (Ankeny) were tied for fifth shooting an even par of 72. Entering into Sunday’s round it was anybody’s tournament.

Winkel would play steady and 71 (-1) and Simpson would move up the leaderboard and card an impressive bogey free 65 (-7). Smith and Roth would shoot a pair of 66 (-6), but Smith would stay on top and was crowned Champion. Followed by Roth runner-up and Simpson in third.

In the Senior Division there was a close race. In this six-man field after round one, Tony Newkirk (Des Moines) and Matt Steddom (State Center) both opened up with even rounds of 72. Followed by a tie for second with a pair of 77s (+5) by Troy Underhill and Jon Weeks (Slater). In solo third was Eric Jensen (Hedrick) shooting a 78 (+6).

Round two proved to be a battle till the end. Jensen shot a 78 (+8) sitting in third, while Newkirk and Steddom were going back and forth. In the end Newkirk’s birdie on #18 sealed the win shooting a 71 (-1). Steddom would finish in second, shooting an even round of 72.

Only two Super Seniors were in the field, but both Mark Urbanek (Hudson) and Bill Corrick (Fairfield) were not willing to give up. Urbanek opened with an 81 (+9) and Corrick an 83 (+11). Round two both Urbanek and Corrick played solidly. Corrick was making up ground and shot a 78 (+6), but Urbanek would end up staying victorious shooting a 79 (+7).

We’ve wanted to do this for a while and now it is finally happening.

The Iowa Golf Association is excited to announce the inaugural Iowa Adaptive Open sponsored by Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, to be held July 12-13, 2025. The newest IGA championship will be played at Terrace Hills Golf Course in Altoona and will be open to golfers of various classifications of disabilities, such as individuals with arm and leg impairments, amputations, blind golfers, and those with neurological and intellectual impairments.

Adaptive championships have seen a rise over the past few years, most notably the addition of the U.S. Adaptive Open, administered by the USGA the last two years (2022, 2023). Since 2018 the PGA of America has partnered with the U.S. Disabled Golfers Association on the USDGA Championship. Other states have made this part of their championship schedule in recent years as well.

The IGA has been discussing creating this championship for the past few years and the creation of the U.S. Adaptive Open has helped create a model to work from. The Georgia State Golf Association has been running an adaptive championship since 2019, which precedes the USGA championship. Other states such as Indiana, Florida, and Ohio have recently added events.

“Our Rules & Competitions Committee has discussed creating an event like this since before the Covid pandemic,” Chad Pitts, IGA Executive Director said. “But the truth was we didn’t have the knowledge or expertise in how to create the various divisions that would be necessary. We have worked closely with the Iowa Amputee Golf Association to help us develop the event, but also having the USGA and organizations like the Georgia State Golf Association start their adaptive championships helped create a blueprint for us to work from.”

The support of Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino and Terrace Hills Golf Course can not be underestimated either Pitts commented.

“We are grateful for Prairie Meadows and their commitment to help give us the resources to make this a first-class event,” Pitts said. “Also, Terrace Hills will be a perfect venue. In addition to their immaculate clubhouse that will host some nice banquets for the players and their families, but because of recent improvements to the course that will benefit this unique group of players.”

Renovations made a few years ago included the removal of all sand bunkers. This is especially beneficial to seated golfers who rely on a cart to help move them into a position where they can make a swing.

“When I heard the Iowa Golf Association was getting behind this, I thought that was awesome,” Rocky Sposato, PGA Professional and General Manager of Terrace Hills Golf Course said. “When asked to be part of this, it was an easy yes from me. I am a true believer in creating access for everyone who wants to enjoy golf. I am excited for the community and the opportunity.”

The Iowa Adaptive Open will not be limited to only Iowa residents and IGA members. It will be open to anyone from around the country to participate. Many other details still need to be determined, but entries should open on or around March 1st of 2025, just like most other IGA Championships.

Stay tuned and check back to our website for more information regarding the 2025 event.