Category: News

McCoy wins by 9 at Carroll Am, Panek captures Senior Division

June 10, 20190 commentsNews

Nate McCoy (above), of Ankeny, left little doubt when the dust had settled at the 2019 Carroll Amateur. McCoy, who regained his amateur status last fall, pulled away late in the third round from runner-up Scot Cook, of Van Meter, and the field to win by nine at Carroll Country Club.

“The course was in great shape,” McCoy commented. “The rough was thick, greens were fast and the course was firm. I enjoyed the personal challenge of trying to play each hole. The biggest factor to navigate was the wind. As the day went on (on Sunday) the greens got firmer and firmer which made it very difficult to get it close to the hole.”

McCoy, who posted rounds of 68-70-72 (-3), led from start to finish with the help of 11 birdies and an eagle. Cook, who mounted a valiant effort in pursuit of McCoy, finished with rounds of 70-72-77 (+6) to earn runner-up honors three shots clear of Carroll’s Kyler Ludwig.

“Scot drove it well,” McCoy said “He put a lot of pressure on me coming in. It was a joy to play and I hope to come back next year.”

Johnston’s Jeff Panek captured the Senior Division by one shot over Ron Peterson, of Urbandale. Panek, a newly minted senior player, fired rounds of 70-75 (+3) that included a total of seven birdies.

Click here for a full recap of scoring

Industry Around the Globe Unites in Support of Women’s Golf Day

June 4, 20190 commentsNews

Today, June 4th 2019, will be the largest ever single-day celebration of women’s golf with venues from every corner of the globe joining forces to promote the sport. With a growing profile and impressive roll call of supporters, it’s hard to imagine that a little over four years ago Women’s Golf Day was simply a pipe dream for founder Elisa Gaudet. Her commitment has galvanised the industry, bringing together a phenomenal number of industry influencers from around the world.

Over the past three years, WGD events have been held at over 900 venues in 52 countries and have delivered golf experiences to more than 50,000 women and girls.

This year what is remarkable is the growth of the campaign in countries who have been involved since year one. In Nigeria thanks to development work with the Nigerian Golf Federation a record 14 venues are already signed up to run their 4 hour experiences and in the Czech Republic there is an incredible 35 participating venues all preparing to welcome women and girls through their doors.

As the campaign has grown from strength to strength, its impact has become apparent beyond Women’s Golf Day itself as Elisa explains, “What we are beginning to see is a deep rooted change from the golf club level through to national organisations. I set out on this journey because I wanted more women to try the sport that has brought so much joy to my life. I am really proud to have inspired others to run their own campaigns because we have a singular aim, which is of paramount importance to the future of golf.”

8 new countries signed up in 2018, including Hong Kong which makes an impressive return in 2018 with more venues signing up. Vietnam and Lithuania are amongst the newcomers for 2019, demonstrating the global reach of the campaign. Mike Hendrix, Vice President GolfNow Business Solutions, who have been ardent supporters of WGD year on year isn’t surprised by the continued growth as he explains, “Our Business Services team has been speaking with hundreds of golf courses in North America about hosting their own event on June 4th and the response has been great. We’ve seen golfers through social media asking if their local course will be hosting an event and we’ve seen golf instructors step up and create and support events. Our golf course partners love this initiative and we salute Elisa’s passion and drive”

This year’s WGD campaign is extremely personal for Elisa who has partnered with Play for P.I.N.K.®, a nonprofit organization that donates 100% of its proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. She concludes, “This is a fantastic charity which is very close to my heart. We hope that this new partnership will help raise awareness and much needed funds for breast cancer research through the power of golf.”

To learn more about Women’s Golf Day click here

Danke wins 2019 Tri-State Masters

May 20, 20190 commentsChampionships, News

Stocking caps and jackets were the order of the day on a cold and windy Sunday at Green Valley Golf Club.

The weather, however, didn’t seem to affect Tyler Danke (pictured right), who stormed from behind to win the 15th Tri-State Masters by one shot.

With temperatures in the 40s and a strong wind that made it feel even colder than it was, Danke turned in the only sub-par round of the day with a 2-under 70. That was good enough for a one-stroke win over defending champion Adam Fields.

Read more here from Justin Rust, Sioux City Journal

Click here for full results

World Handicap System Set for Debut in 2020

April 30, 20190 commentsNews

Golf’s new World Handicap System, which is designed to bring the game of golf under a single set of Rules for handicapping and provide a more consistent measure of players’ ability between different regions of the world, remains on track for implementation starting in 2020.

Education has begun with events being held in Singapore, South Africa, Great Britain and Ireland, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Continental Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and the USA.

A secure resource portal, accessible via whs.com, has also been launched to provide national associations with a library of materials that they can use to help support their own education efforts.

Coinciding with this release, the USGA and The R&A are launching a social media video campaign today to remind golfers of the eight key features of the new Rules of Handicapping and to reveal more details. These features include:

  • Minimum number of scores to establish a Handicap Index and maximum Handicap Index of 54.0
  • Basis of calculation of Handicap Index
  • Acceptability of scores for handicap purposes
  • Course Rating and Slope Rating
  • Calculation of a Playing Handicap
  • Maximum hole score for handicap purposes
  • Adjustments for abnormal playing conditions
  • Frequency of updating a Handicap Index

Significant progress has been made in preparation for the rollout of the new system, which includes building a library of education materials, finalizing the new Rules of Handicapping, release of the technical specifications and the continuation of testing. Many national associations around the world are busy ensuring that their golf courses are rated in accordance with the Course Rating System and working to update local software platforms so that they are ready to apply the new Rules of Handicapping.

While many countries will be ready to transition to the WHS early in 2020, given both the magnitude of the change for some jurisdictions and varying seasonality throughout the world, it is anticipated that some will need more time.

“The World Handicap System is the latest example of our work to make the game more welcoming,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “Golfers throughout the world will be able to play equitably, measure their success and more fully enjoy and engage with the game. After working with national associations across the world on Course Rating throughout the past 30 years and now the World Handicap System, this monumental collaborative effort will benefit everyone in golf.”

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said, “There are many ways in which it is important for golf to modernize and become more appealing for people thinking of taking up the sport and handicapping is clearly one of them. The World Handicap System is a major new initiative for the sport which will establish a clearer and more consistent handicapping process for golfers throughout the world.

“We are working closely with national associations, as we do across all our core activities, to ensure they are fully prepared for the introduction of the new system as soon as possible after it becomes available for implementation.”

Since its conception, the development of the WHS has focused on three key goals: to encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index; to enable golfers of differing abilities, genders and nationalities to transport their Handicap Index to any course around the world and compete on a fair basis; and to indicate with sufficient accuracy the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving on any course around the world, playing under normal conditions.

The system has been devised following extensive consultation with the six existing handicapping authorities: Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the USGA. The Japan Golf Association and Golf Canada have also been closely involved in developing the new system.

Widespread support for the WHS was expressed in an international survey of 52,000 golfers with 76% in favor of the new system and a further 22% saying they were willing to consider its benefits. Focus groups were also held in different regions of the world to elicit detailed feedback on the features of the new system, which have contributed to the finalized Rules of Handicapping.

The World Handicap System will unite the golf world under one single set of handicapping rules and will be governed by the USGA and The R&A, with support from the existing six handicap authorities.

As an extension of their support of the Rules of Golf worldwide, Rolex has made a commitment to support The R&A’s and the USGA’s efforts to implement the World Handicap System.

IGA adds Putt-Putt Tournament to Father/Son, Parent/Child Championship

April 29, 20190 commentsChampionships, Father-Son / Parent-Child, News

NEW in 2019 – PUTT-PUTT TOURNAMENT

In 2019, the IGA and our hosts at Jester Park GC will be holding an optional Putt-Putt Tournament on Sunday, June 16th during the IGA Father/Son-Parent/Child Championship.

The tournament costs $10 per team to play and all players will receive free ice cream.  Players of all ages are encouraged and welcomed.  The only requirement is that the team must be a parent and a child, in any combination (Father-Son, Mother-Son, Mother-Daughter or Father-Daughter).

Jester Park GC installed an 18-hole miniature golf course at the practice range facility in 2018.  Teams can play anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday (June 16th) and are NOT required to play in the regular Father/Son-Parent/Child Championship.  So if you have a young one who isn’t quite ready for the big course, this is a way you can bring them into the fold!

You can sign up in one of three ways:

NOTE: when signing up online, both players must have a Player Profile created with the IGA’s online signup program – click here for more info on creating those profiles

  1. When signing up online, you will have the option of adding the $10 entry fee for the Putt-Putt Tournament to your transaction.  Signup online
  2. If not playing in the regular championship, you can sign up only for the Putt-Putt tournament during the registration process.  You will see an option to pay for the “Putt Putt Tournament Only”. Signup online
  3. You can sign up at the IGA registration table that will be set up at  the clubhouse at Jester Park on Sunday, June 16.

The format will be alternate shot.  One player tees off first on the even numbered holes and the other player tees off first on the odd numbered holes, then you alternate strokes during the hole.  Teams will choose which person tees off on the even and odd holes before starting their round.

Once all play is finished, we will divide the field into flights based on their score.  The overall winners will receive trophies and flight winners will receive various prizes.  

If you have any questions about the Putt-Putt Tournament, or have any troubles signing up, please give us a call at (515) 207-1062.

Looking to play this week? Check here to see who’s open

March 18, 20190 commentsNews

In an effort to let golfers know what courses are open in 2019 (as always – weather dependent) this page will include and be updated with facilities that are open. Feel free to check back often!

Be sure to contact the course before heading out to play as the IGA doesn’t always know the conditions at every facility from day to day.

Amana Colonies Golf Club
Will open Thursday, March 28th. They will be Cart Path Only and the Practice Facility will be closed through this weekend.

Blue Top Ridge at Riverside Casino and Golf Resort
Weather permitting we will open April 5th with the below shoulder season rates till April 25th
-18 holes $55
-9 holes $35
-Replay rate $35
Juniors (17 & Under, excluding group events) $25

Bos Landen Golf Course
Hoping for Thursday, March 21st – Tentative as this point

Brown Deer Golf Club
Currently open and will remain as long as weather permits

Burlington Golf Club
Opening Saturday, March 23rd

Emerald Hills Golf Club
Opening with carts April 5th.

Harvest Point Golf Course
Will be open for walking play on Wednesday (3/20) and hopefully carts running on Thursday (3/31). The driving range is currently open.

Highland Park Golf Course
Hopefully opening April 6th – weather depending

Mason City Country Club
Will open at noon on Thursday, April 4th.

Pleasant Valley Golf Course
Fully open – Pre-Season rates will be in effect until around mid-April.

Rustic Ridge Golf Course
Currently Open

Sheaffer Memorial Golf Club
Currently Open (as of 3/22)

The Legacy Golf Club
Opening for play on Wednesday, March 20th. Shoulder Season rates are in effect through April 11th.
-18 holes with cart on Monday – Thursday = $40.00 + tax
-18 holes with cart on Friday – Sunday = $45.00 + tax
Carts will be restricted to the paths only for an extended period of time and the driving range is not yet open.

The Preserve on Rathbun Lake
Currently Open
$35 – 18 holes w/cart weekdays (M – Th) until March 31.
$42.50 – 18 Holes w/cart weekends (Fr – Su) until March 31
$20 18 hole replay rates

Veenker Memorial Golf Course
Driving Range opening Saturday, March 23, (Mats only and Max yardage of 200 yards due to wet conditions). Golf Course is currently now open. Carts available but will be restricted to path depending on weather conditions.

Warrior Run Golf Course
Hoping for Friday, March 22nd – Tentative as this point

Westwood Golf Course
Will open Friday, March 22nd, at 10 a.m. Carts will be ready to go (may have a hole or 2 that will be cart path only) but other than that the course should be ready for play.
Will be open all weekend probably not before 9:30 a.m., on both Saturday and Sunday.
Will take tee times and walk ins – 641-792-3087.

Whispering Creek Golf Club
Opening Thursday, March 21th

Waveland Golf Course
AH Blank Golf Course
Bright-Grandview Golf Course
Jester Park Golf Course
All opening Thursday, March 21st.

Waverly Municipal Golf Course
Is opening for the season Wednesday, March 27, at 10 a.m., for all play including carts. Weekday special is in effect now and all season long; 18 holes & cart only $26 M-F, before 2 p.m.

 

Registration Now Open For Drive, Chip And Putt Qualifiers

March 5, 20190 commentsNews

Parents Can Register Their Junior Golfers,
Get More Information at DriveChipandPutt.com

The USGA, PGA of America and the Masters Tournament announced that qualifying registration for Drive, Chip, and Putt is now officially open on DriveChipandPutt.com.

This fun, free and nationwide youth golf development initiative invites boys and girls, ages 7-15, to participate in local qualifying opportunities in all 50 states throughout the months of May, June, July and August. Entrants will play in girls’ and boys’ divisions in four age categories, with scoring centered around golf’s three fundamental skills – driving, chipping and putting. Top performers at the local level will advance through subregional and regional qualifiers in July/August and September/October, respectively, at several of the nation’s most acclaimed venues and championship sites. From these qualifiers, 80 finalists – 40 boys and 40 girls – will earn an invitation to compete in the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 5, the eve of the 2020 Masters Tournament.

“We are proud to be a founding partner of Drive, Chip and Putt, and are excited to bring young golfers to several USGA championship sites through our active participation in this program,” said Mark Newell, president of the USGA. “One of our most important tasks in this partnership is to work with every family through the registration process – which provides an important pathway into the game for so many across our country.”

“We are delighted that Drive, Chip and Putt continues to achieve our goal of engaging junior golfers of all ages and skill levels,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. “As a result of our shared partnership with the PGA of America and USGA, Drive, Chip and Putt gets better every year, helping new and returning young players across the country experience all the benefits our great game has to offer in a unique and fun way.”

“We’re proud that Drive, Chip and Putt serves as a welcoming environment for girls and boys to showcase their golf skills and passion for the game,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “The PGA of America is excited to host qualifying events across each of our 41 PGA Sections nationwide, as we inspire the next generation to pursue a lifetime of fun and enjoyment through the game of golf.” 

Local qualifying begins Saturday, May 4, 2019, at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla. The full breakdown and schedule of 2020 Drive, Chip and Putt qualifying is as follows:

Local (May/June/July/August):      
• 311 host sites throughout all 50 states
• 3 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue

Subregional (July/August): 
• 61 host sites in more than 20 states
• 2 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue

Regional (September/October):   
• 10 host sites in 10 regions
• 1 junior advances in each age/gender category from every venue

National Finals (April 5, 2020): 
• 80 total participants at Augusta National Golf Club

The regional qualifying events in September and October of this year are set to take place at 10 host sites on the following dates:

September 7 | Oakland Hills Country Club
(Site of 6 U.S. Open Championships, 3 PGA Championships and the 2004 Ryder Cup)

September 8 | Oakmont Country Club
(Site of 16 USGA Championships and 3 PGA Championships)

September 8 | Chambers Bay
(Site of 3 USGA Championships)

September 8 | Colorado Golf Club
(Site of the 2010 Senior PGA Championship and the 2019 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship)

September 8 | Atlanta Athletic Club
(Site of the 3 PGA Championships and the 2014 U.S. Amateur Championship)

September 21 | Torrey Pines
(Site of 2 U.S. Open Championships)

September 28 | Interlachen Country Club
(Site of 5 USGA Championships and the 2016 Junior Ryder Cup)

September 28 | TPC Sawgrass
(Site of The Players)

September 29 | TPC River Highlands
(Site of the Travelers Championship)

October 5 | Alotian Club
(Site of the 2013 Western Amateur Championship and 2019 Arnold Palmer Cup)

The current sixth season of Drive, Chip and Putt will conclude on the eve of the upcoming Masters Tournament, with 80 junior golfers competing in the National Finals at Augusta National on Sunday, April 7. Golf Channel will broadcast the event live across North America and South America.

For more information about Drive, Chip and Putt, including official rules and a full listing of qualifying sites, please visit DriveChipandPutt.com.
                                                                                               

About Drive, Chip and Putt

A joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and the PGA of America, Drive, Chip and Putt is a free, nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf. By tapping the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys ages 7-15, Drive, Chip and Putt provides aspiring junior golfers an opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers around the country. Participants who advance through local, subregional and regional qualifying in each age/gender category earn a place in the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament and is broadcast live by Golf Channel. For more information, visit DriveChipandPutt.com.

Dan Naughton – 1948-2019

February 27, 20190 commentsNews

Daniel (Dan) Naughton, of Marion, passed away on February 26, 2019. Naughton, who was a reinstated amateur, was a fierce competitor on the IGA scene capturing the IGA Senior Player of the Year title in 2002 and 2003. Naughton’s victories included the Iowa Senior Amateur (2001 & 2003), Iowa Mid-Amateur Senior Division (2002 & 2003) and the IGA Four-Ball Senior Division in 2006 with partner Sam Aossey.

Naughton also won the Cedar Rapids City Amateur, prior to becoming a golf professional, served as an assistant pro at the Kankakee Elks Country Club as well as locally at St. Andrews Golf Club (Cedar Rapids).

A Celebration of Life for Naughton will take place 1-5 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2019, at Hunter’s Ridge Golf Course, Marion. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Marion.

Click here to read Naughton’s obituary

McCoy honored with USGA’s Ike Grainger Award

February 26, 20190 commentsNews, USGA

Norwalk’s Mike McCoy (right) was honored last week by the USGA with one of its highest honors – the Ike Grainger Award. McCoy is in his 25th year as a volunteer committee member of the USGA, which qualified him for the award.

“My first role with the USGA was when Rod Bliss, a long time USGA volunteer, asked me to become involved as a member of the U.S. Mid-Am Committee,” McCoy said. “ Robb  Pomerantz had been the Mid-Am representative for several years and decided to retire from the committee. I fulfilled that role for several years and when Rod retired from the then Sectional Affairs Committee , I expanded my role to what is now known as the Regional Affairs Committee.

McCoy commented that his volunteer work with the USGA for the betterment of amateur golf in Iowa has been quite satisfying.

“My most satisfying work on the committees was focused on helping Iowa amateurs form their own independent association and hire their own staff,” McCoy said. “It was unpleasant because I had many friends who felt the status quo of a joint office was satisfactory. I knew that Iowa’s amateurs would never enjoy the unique benefits and quality of governance I observed in other states until the split was made. While emotional at the time, it has proven to be beneficial to Iowa’s amateur golfers, both men and women.”

Established in 1995 as part of the USGA’s Centennial Celebration, the Isaac B. Grainger Award recognizes volunteers who have provided 25 years of service to the Association. Grainger served as USGA president from 1954-1955 and led the USGA effort to develop the first unified code of the Rules of Golf with The R&A in 1951.

“Satisfaction from the volunteer work has primarily come in the wonderful friendships that I have made with USGA staff and fellow volunteers,” McCoy said.

 

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