Despite being the smallest school in Class 2A, Estherville captured the 1974 state golf championship contested at Gates Park in Waterloo. Team members gathered for a photo shortly after securing the title. (Photo courtesy of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier).

State Golf Champions Gather, Reminisce, 50 Years after Surprise Title

A half-century ago, David once again defeated Goliath, this time on the battlefield of Gates Park Golf Course in Waterloo at the Class 2A Iowa High School Boys state golf championships.

In 1974, a talented but unheralded Estherville Midgets golf team, the smallest school enrollment-wise in Class 2A, the largest of just a two-class system, took on the giants of metropolitan schools across the state of Iowa and brought home the school’s first-ever state championship in any sport.

Estherville’s boys golf team raced through the regular 1974 season undefeated in duals, captured the Lakes Conference tournament and won both Sectional and District titles en route to a state tournament berth. The Midgets shocked teams from metropolitan areas by capturing the state championship.

Estherville attracted so little pre-tournament attention that the town name was misspelled on the championship scoreboard. Led by state medalist Bob Short’s even-par round of 72, The Midgets fired a team score of 302 to defeat runner-up Waterloo Columbus, the tournament favorite, by three strokes and capture the elusive state title.

Dean Summa was close behind in the scoring with a 73, followed by brothers Keith Duitsman (77) and Kurt Duitsman (80). Kelly Bosworth also competed for Estherville at the state meet.

“As I was about to tee off on my final hole, Coach (George) Hess came up to me and said finish up with a par, let’s win the state championship and teach them that there is an ‘h’ in Estherville,” recalled Short.

The Midgets’ march to a state title went through Spencer, Storm Lake and the Lakes Conference, an undefeated dual season, then the Sectionals and District tournaments. Kelly Bosworth, known for a trademark short game, recalls that depth was a key factor.

“I don’t remember any of us really having a bad day,” he said. “We had a great combination of competitiveness and team spirit. We wanted to kick each other’s butts in a good way and you never knew who was going to be the medalist. We played together, had fun together and won together. But it was sure fun to beat Bob.”

Keith Duitsman remembers competing with his future high school teammates in junior tournaments and various outings at the Estherville Golf and Country Club and nearby Riverview Golf Course. He and his brother, Kurt, also competed in the State Pee Wee tournament in Grinnell. As a freshman, Keith served notice of things to come as he beat all the varsity players by five strokes in the opening meet. The runner-up medalist in the 1974 Sectional Tournament, Duitsman recalls the innocence of an era long since vanished. “In those days, we’d take two station wagons to the meets, Coach Hess would drive one and a senior would drive the other. We’d load up the clubs and shoes in the backseat that faced the other direction. I can’t imagine anyone letting that happen today.”

Fifty years later, the teammates reunited in Northwest Iowa for the first time since that magical spring of 1974. Up and Down the Iowa Golf Scene joined the gathering to compile reflections of that great achievement and learn the different paths that life has taken the champions over the past five decades.

Members of the Estherville Midgets state golf championship held a recent reunion on the 50th anniversary of their title. Team members, left to right are Kelly Bosworth, Dean Summa, Keith Duitsman and Kurt Duitsman. Bob Short was unable to attend.

Grey hair, physical ailments, grandkids and life experiences have replaced the plaid pants and bell bottoms, white belts, muscle cars and carefree attitudes of the early 1970’s. What remains constant is their love for the game, their competitive instinct and satisfaction about their place in history at Estherville High School.

“The game of golf has taught me so much about the game of life,” said Bob Short, who emerged from a three-hole playoff with Kendall Anderson of Atlantic and Tim O’Connor of Sioux City Heelan to earn state medalist honors. “Golf has taught me patience, respect, humility and introduced me to people who became lifelong friends. One day you can shoot the best round of your life and the next day you can’t find the first tee.”

After high school, Short enrolled at Northern Iowa and played golf for one season before transferring to the University of Arkansas. He finished fourth in qualifying for the team but had to sit for a season due to transfer rules. He took a year off and moved to Austin, TX., where he took lessons from legendary instructor Harvey Penick. It was then Short saw first-hand how difficult it would be to play the game for a living.

“I’d shoot one or two under for a tournament and be ten shots back,” he said. “I decided to concentrate on school and a career.”

He honed his interpersonal skills and became successful in sales for the Gillette Razor company.

Bob Short led the Midgets to the school’s first-ever state championship by firing an even par 72 and winning medalist honors at the 1974 state championships.

Dean Summa recalls growing up together and competing against his future teammates in junior tournaments. Some of the foes from nearby communities included Milford’s Curt Schnell, who went on to win the Iowa Open three times and Graettinger’s Chuck Moran, a long-time PGA golf professional. Summa attended Northeast Missouri State for two seasons (now Truman State) and also moved on to Arkansas to finish his education. After a brief stint as an assistant golf professional in Florida, he retired from a career in the food brokerage business.

“Golf has been one of the most beneficial business tools I’ve experienced,” Summa noted. “You get to know a person’s character very quickly – is it going to be a great time socially, competitive or a long day on the course?”

Kurt Duitsman, the youngest player on the squad as a sophomore, parlayed his golf experience into a successful business career. He earned a golf scholarship to Iowa Lakes Community College and played two seasons for the Lakers and even compiled a book about golf as a youngster. Duitsman entered the flooring business, spent 25 years in the Quad Cities before moving to Houston and starting his own company, Floors for Living, which rapidly grew to 23 retail locations before selling the business to 31st Street Capital.

“Growing up, I was a very competitive kid, wanting to be the best at golf, ping pong, bowling, games in the backyard, you name it,” Kurt said said. “I later learned you can’t excel at everything, and to be successful you have to prioritize and focus on things that really matter.”

Kelly Bosworth’s golf ambitions were peaking after graduating from high school in 1974. Competing in one of Iowa’s famous one-day, 27-hole tournaments, he fired a nine-under par 99 at Okoboji View but found himself tied with Ivan Miller of Eldora and Curt Schnell of Milford, where Miller, the well-renowned “King of the Minnows” finally prevailed in a playoff. A serious motorcycle accident later that summer ended his hopes of pursuing golf in college. He earned an undergraduate degree from Augustana University, a dentistry degree from the University of Iowa and has operated a dental practice in the Twin Cities for the past 42 years.

Keith Duitsman, who operated a plumbing, heating and air conditioning business in Estherville for 47 years, summed up the golden anniversary reunion of the school’s first state championship team.

“It was so great to see the guys again, being together for the first time in 50 years,” Keith said. “We had fun remembering those days on the golf team, and of course winning the state championship. I also really enjoyed sharing about life experiences, our careers, kids and grandkids, and the significant role that golf eventually played in our lives.”

“Up and Down” the Iowa Golf Scene

A regular feature column written by IGA Foundation board member Mark Gambaiana, Up and Down the Iowa Golf Scene is designed to take the reader beyond the headlines and scoreboards to share stories of those who help make Iowa golf so rich and rewarding. Profiles will spotlight those who advance the game through volunteerism, service, extraordinary achievement, competition, human interest and the many other dimensions of golf in Iowa.

Click the links below to read previous Up and Down features
– IGA Rules Official Sean Flanders
– R&A, USGA Champion Gene Elliott
– Nervig Reflects on Decades of Service to The Iowa Masters
– Arseneault Finds Fulfillment in Life’s Next Chapter After Competitive Golf
– Ivan Miller remembers the days of the Minnows
– Kinney adjusts to life on tour
– Standard Golf’s roots run deep
– Pettersen sets sights high
– McCoy, Norton Put Iowa Stamp on Florida Senior Golf
– Moreland Reflects on his Extraordinary Club Pro, Playing Career
– From Sibley to the LPGA Tour – Barb Thomas Whitehead Fulfills Her Dream
– At 88 Years Young, Cleo Brown Remains a Fixture at the Principal Charity Classic, IGA Events
– Love of the Game, Service to Others Propel Charlie Taylor to IGA’s 2023 George Turner Award
– The Calling Card for Ottumwa’s Matthew Walker in Quest to Reach Golf’s Highest Level
– Following the Rules Leads Katelynn Hogenson Down a Path Through Magnolia Lane

From left – Max Nauman, Paige Hoffman, Charlie Gaer and Molly Baker.

New IGA interns ready for a summer of experience and fun  

Here at the new Golf House Iowa both Iowa Golf Association staff members and P.J. Boatwright interns are busy preparing for another busy schedule of tournaments. With the help of the P.J. Boatwright Interns the IGA is able to grow, improve, and excel each year. Each one of the IGA staff members know how vital these interns are to the success of the program because they were once P.J. Boatwright interns themselves. The IGA offers three internship positions: Communication and Marketing, Handicapping and Course Rating, and Championship Administration. In addition to the interns specific duties, these individuals will get first hand experience into the golf administration – such as day-to-day office duties, tournament prep, and a sense of responsibility.

Charlie Gaer, a Des Moines native is this year’s Communication and Marketing Intern. Charlie recently graduated from Central College with a degree in Communications and a minor in Business Management. He was also on Central’s Men’s Golf Team.

“Growing up in a family of golfers I have always loved the sport and wanted to pursue a career within the golf industry,” Gaer said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to learn and grow during my time at the IGA.”

Clint Brown, Director of Communication and Marketing commented he’s excited to get to work with Charlie this summer.

“I am looking forward to working with Charlie this summer,” Brown said. “We’ll be busy, but I want to make sure he has a great experience. I was an intern in his shoes once and it’s definitely an invaluable learning experience. Golf is still a game, but I know he’ll take a lot of pride in each task we give him.”

Max Nauman is from Peosta, and is this year’s Handicapping and Course Rating Intern. Max just finished up his junior year at Iowa State University, where he is majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Leadership Studies. Max played two years of golf at Hawkeye Community College before transferring to Iowa State University.

“Growing up my dad was the one who introduced me to the game of golf,” Nauman. “I have always loved competing against my others in my junior days and at the collegiate level. I am beyond excited for this opportunity with the IGA and am ready for the challenge ahead.” 

Nate McCoy, Director of Handicapping & Course Rating commented on having Max and the other interns a part of the IGA staff.

“I am really excited to work with Max and the other interns this season,” McCoy said. “I was an intern myself so I know what they are going through. I think Max will get a good dose of Course Rating, but will also get to experience a number of other things as well. As a staff we wear a lot of different hats, so having an extra hand is very helpful. I am looking forward to the summer season.”

Molly Baker, of Huntley, Illinois, joins the IGA staff this summer as the Championship Administration Intern. Molly just finished her junior year at Coe College, where she is majoring in Elementary Education and continues to play golf for Coe.

“I am wanting to pursue a career in the golf industry,” Baker said. “I am enthusiastic about the opportunities and connections I will have while interning for the Iowa Golf Association”. 

Karli Kerrigan, the Director of Competitions is excited to have Molly Interning at the IGA.

“I am looking forward to working with Molly and watching her grow in her golf administration career,” Kerrigan said. “She brings a lot of great experience to the IGA and I know she will be a great fit for us this summer.”

Paige Hoffman, of West Des Moines, returns to the IGA for her second year to continue working as the Golf House Intern. A well-known and talented golfer, Paige just finished up her junior year and collegiate golf career at Northwest Missouri State University. Paige is majoring in Data Science.

“I am excited to come back for my second year interning,” Hoffman said. “I am especially looking forward to working in the new Golf House Iowa and playing in the 100th Iowa Women’s Amateur.”

Katelynn Hogenson, Chief Operating Officer looks forward to having Paige return as an intern.

“We’re thrilled to have Paige back for another summer,” Hogenson said. “Her experience and enthusiasm are truly invaluable as she steps into a new internship role focusing on the use and development of Golf House Iowa. Not to mention, she aced the Rules of Golf exam, earning Expert Level certificate. We’re excited to have her skills showcased at our upcoming championships.”

Two Interns Participate in P.J. Boatwright Intern Summit

The P.J. Boatwright Intern Summit was held at the USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, in May. A packed couple days was ahead for Molly and Max as the two of them would network, listen to informational skill presentations, and have fun competitions.

After arrival, Max and Molly had dinner with other Allied Golf Associations around the country and heard from a couple speakers before heading back to the hotel.

Throughout the next couple of days Max and Molly attended seminars such as championship administration, rules, handicapping and course ratings, and history regarding the USGA. Former P.J. Boatwright interns spoke to provide wisdom and insight into their current role within the USGA.

“It was an amazing experience to learn more about the USGA from a different perspective,” Nauman said. “I really enjoyed getting to meet other interns and staff. I will take the information I learned at the summit and apply it to interning with the IGA this summer.”

Molly said the experience was nothing short of amazing.

“It was great to learn about the USGA and what the organization does to further the game of golf. It will be exciting to what we learned play out in the field,” Baker said.

Max’s favorite part was connecting with the GHIN staff. 

“It was an enriching experience talking with staff from the USGA,” he said.

Molly’s highlights from the week included the overall experience at the USGA and all the food. 

“Stepping into the USGA was fascinating and all the food was delicious,” she said with a grin.

Jake Weissenburger putts for birdie on No. 16 during final-round play on Sunday at the Lake Creek Amateur at BVU Lake Creek in Storm Lake. Weissenburger defended his title by shooting 69-72.

An opening day 69 provided just enough cushion for Jake Weissenburger to hold off challenger Nate McCoy while defending his title in the Lake Creek Amateur played over the Memorial Day weekend at Buena Vista University Golf Course at Lake Creek Country Club in Storm Lake.

Weissenburger, of Clive, battled windy conditions on Saturday in opening with a 3-under par 69, good for a two-shot lead over McCoy, of Ankeny, and West Des Moines resident Grant Smith. Storm Laker Aaron Clausen, who won the 2022 Lake Creek Amateur, sat in fourth place at 1-over par after the opening round.

“I kept the ball in play and my putter got hot on Saturday,” said Weissenburger, 20. The sophomore to-be at Drake University opened play on Sunday with a birdie on the par-5 No. 1. Following a bogey on No. 3, he sank a 20-foot eagle putt to go to 5-under par. A bogey on the ninth hole was offset with a birdie on No. 12. He would three-put a pair of par threes, Nos. 15 and 17, but retained a one-stroke advantage heading into the final hole.

“I had a pretty good idea where I was at, and I just kept trying to make good swings,” he said.

McCoy birdied 16, then got up-and-down on a short-side miss on the par 3 17th hole. With Weissenburger’s three-putt, he knew he had a chance.

But when Weissenburger’s approach came to rest 15 feet left of the pin on the final hole, McCoy knew he faced a must-make putt from the edge of the green. His attempt came up a couple of inches away.

“It started dying at the hole, but came up just a few inches short,” said McCoy, the 2023 Lake Creek Amateur runner-up and 3-time IGA Men’s Player of the Year. “I knew Jake wasn’t going to three-putt from where he was on the green.”

Smith and Clausen each carded 73s on the final day to capture third and fourth place, respectively. All told, 89 players from around the Midwest descended upon the layout deemed the Iowa Golf Association’s 18-Hole Course of the Year in 2021. The windy conditions gave way to sunshine and light breezes on Sunday. 

“It was great to play with those guys on Sunday, all of them great guys and competitors,” said Weissenburger. “The course was in great condition, although the wind made it challenging. The greens kept rolling very well.”

“As player, it’s hard to believe Lake Creek had any flooding this spring,” McCoy added. “The greens still rolled great.”

“It’s a tip of the cap to Grounds Crew Manager Keith Carter and his staff in readying the course while battling wet-weather conditions the last several weeks,” said David Boles, BVU Lake Creek General Manager and Golf Professional. “Players throughout the weekend commented on the great condition of the course. We are grateful that nearly 90 players in three divisions either visited the Lake Creek Am for the first time or returned to compete in this IGA points event. We’re also thankful for Chad Pitts, and the rest of the IGA staff for the work and support they offered in helping us host ‘The Am,’ a Lake Creek tradition dating back to 1973.”

In Senior Division play, Ankeny’s Bill Matzdorff edged Kirk Macumber, of Winterset, on the opening playoff hole for the title. Both men shot 72-71 on the weekend, good for a 1-under par total. Defending champion Bret Taylor, of Booneville, and Ron Peterson, of Urbandale, were one shot back at even par.

Joel Yunek, of Mason City, bettered defending champion Bob Brooks, of West Des Moines, in the Super Senior Division for those age 65 and up. Yunek and Brooks, the reigning IGA Super Senior Men’s Player of the Year, finished the two-day event at five-over, bettering Tom Schill, of Gowrie, and Jeff Opheim, of Austin, Texas, who took third and fourth place, respectively.

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