Category: News

Six from Iowa qualify for 53rd PGA Professional Championship

July 24, 20190 commentsNews

Judd Gibb (pictured above left) of Lakeside Municipal GC, winner of the Iowa PGA Professional Championship, July 23, 2019, at Amana Colonies Golf Club will lead a total of six Iowa Section PGA Professionals to compete in the 53rd PGA Professional Championship, April 26-29, at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas.

Gibb turned in a winning total of 2-under-par 214 to capture the Iowa PGA Professional Champion title. Jeff Schmid was runner-up, finishing at 2-under-par 214 but fell in the playoff. They are joined by Sean McCarty, Jay Giannetto, Chad Proehl, and Ryan McClintock. Jeff Schmid qualified to the PGA Professional Championship due to his performance 2019 PGA Professional Championship.

The PGA Professional Championship and 41 PGA Section Championships feature a total purse of more than $1.5 million. The PGA Professional Championship purse is $550,000, distributed among those who make the cut in the 312-player field. Golf Channel will televise all four rounds of the national Championship. If eligibility is met and maintained, the low 20 scorers in 2019 will earn berths into the 102nd PGA Championship, May 14-17, at Harding Park Golf Club, San Francisco, California.

Hogenson wins IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series event at Edmundson GC

July 1, 20190 commentsChampionships, News

The second event of the IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series was contested at Edmundson Golf Course in Oskaloosa, Iowa this past Saturday, June 29.

Katelynn Hogenson (pictured right in white hat), of Ames, earned her first victory in a dramatic sudden death playoff over Julie Buerman, of Cedar Rapids. Buerman, who had won the first event of the series in Waterloo earlier this summer, matched Hogenson’s score of 75 (+5). Hogenson made par on the first playoff hole to earn the win and the coveted pink sash.

When asked if she had expectations prior to the event, Hogenson said “I just wanted to have a good time and get my feet wet again.”

Hogenson, who serves as Director of Member Services & Women’s Golf for the Iowa Golf Association, is usually watching golf verses playing it.

“I was more nervous than expected,” Hogenson said. “I kind of forgot about the feelings you get when you actually have to hit a ball under pressure.”

When it was learned there would be a playoff, players who were waiting in the comfortable air-conditioned clubhouse immediately grabbed a cart and found a shaded area to watch. It gave the players a fun atmosphere to compete in and also interested many of the public playing as well.

Nicki Clayton (pictured above in orange) captured the Net Division title with a score of 68 (-2) to outdistance Michelle Klein by two shots. Complete results can be found by clicking here.

The third and final event of the Women’s Mid-Am series will be contested at Bear Creek Golf Course in Forest City, on Saturday September 7th. The event format will be a four-ball championship. For more information on the this event click here, or to sign up, enter here.

Click here to view a video recap of the playoff

Inside the Ropes at the U.S. Senior Open – From a Caddie’s Perspective

June 27, 20190 commentsNews, USGA

Staff Note: Mark Gambaiana, a member of the Iowa Golf Association Foundation Board, will be sending periodic reports this week from his experience as a caddie at the 40th U.S. Senior Open set for June 27-30, at the University of Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course.

Friday, June 28
Iowans Mike McCoy and Jay Gregory battled valiantly but fell just short in a quest to play the weekend at the 40th U.S. Senior Open at the University of Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course Friday. McCoy fired his second consecutive 71 to post a two-over par 142. Exactly 60 players shot 141 or better to make the cut as the USGA trimmed the 156-player field to the low 60 and ties.

McCoy birdied the 404 yard par-4 ninth hole…his 18th of the day but fell short by the narrowest of margins. He was the low amateur for the tournament. McCoy’s round of 71 Thursday was spiced by a hole-out for eagle on the par-4 13th hole. Gregory shot a pair of 72’s to post a 144 and finish in a tie for 81st. He was tied for the second lowest amateur score.

A star-studded leaderboard will produce an exciting weekend finish. Steve Stricker backed up an opening round 62 with a 64 Friday for an unheard of U.S. Open two-day total of 14-under par 126. Right behind are Jerry Kelly, David Toms and Retief Goosen.

A rough start for my player, Roger Rowland of Jacksonville, FL proved too much to overcome as he shot a second day 75 for two-day total of 146. Being inside the ropes was a magnificent experience for yours truly. I’ve followed these players throughout their careers and having a front row seat only deepened my appreciation for their playing ability. There’s such a fine line that separates the pack.

 

Wednesday, June 26
Final practice preparations are wrapping up as the 40th U.S. Senior Open begins Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday’s practice round provided an wonderful illustration of the melting pot of players assembled to compete for this championship. Our foursome included a pair of golf celebrities and a pair of journeymen who have toiled for years on the mini and satellite tours.

Two-time U.S. Open champ Retief Goosen joined our group and put on an impressive display of shotmaking. Fresh off a playoff loss to Jerry Kelly in last week’s American Family Insurance Championship, Goosen has to be considered one of the favorites this week. His length, accuracy and distance control were spectacular. Another newly minted 50-year old, Gary Nicklaus, showed good form with his 18-year old son, G.T., on the bag. Son of the golf legend, Gary played three years on the PGA Tour and has competed in a handful of 2019 Champions Tour events via sponsor exemptions, including the Principal Charity Classic. Bowling Green, KY resident David Plumb rounded out the group. Like my player, Roger Rowland, David spent a handful of years on the Nike Tour but the majority of his career on mini tours.

I connected with Mike McCoy (pictured right) Wednesday morning as he was warming up on the range. Mike plays at 9:31 a.m. Thursday morning with Tom Werkmeister of Grandville, MI and Kevin King of Bluffton, SC.

I have a new appreciation for the work of caddies. It seems glamorous from the perimeter (and it is) but it’s also hard work and you have to hustle, especially between shots. Thank goodness the Warren Golf Course is relatively flat and not much distance between greens and tees. It’s also great to see how the status of caddies has elevated over the years. There’s an air conditioned tent for caddies, meals and refreshments provided and a wellness center right next door. The caddies of yesteryear didn’t enjoy such creature comforts.

 

Tuesday, June 25
Activity at the U.S. Senior Open moved into high gear Tuesday as the 156-player field took advantage of beautiful weather for a full day of practice rounds. Players found the 6,943 yard, Par 70 Warren Golf Course a stern test. The layout features small, contoured and well protected greens which should produce an exciting championship. The 450 yard par 4 third hole, the 492 yard par 4 fourth hole and the 239 yard par 3 fifth hole provide an early round challenge.

There are so many distinguishing aspects of this tournament – you can see the game’s legends of yesteryear…Watson, Langer, Jimenez, Singh…hitting balls on the range next to amateurs and journeyman professionals who earned their spot through open qualifying.

Lineville, Iowa’s Jay Gregory (pictured right) had a great thrill today, playing a practice round with Tom Watson and Stephen Ames. A Hamilton, MO native (hometown of JC Penney) Gregory played college golf at William Jewell and is the pride of Lineville, population 217, which sits on the Missouri border.

Watson, still spry at age 69, is joined in the super senior category by veteran Dick Mast, who also belies his age at 68.

Tomorrow I hope to check in with Iowa’s other representative, Mike McCoy.

 

Monday, June 24
Twenty-eight years ago this summer, I caddied for a budding young golf professional from Florida at the 1991 Ben Hogan Dakota Dunes Open in Sioux City. History will repeat itself this week as I will again caddie for Roger Rowland, this time at the 2019 U.S. Senior Open.

Roger is the ultimate golf journeyman, having persevered on multiple golf tours over three decades as a golf professional to get to this point – qualifying for his first major championship. His career began with moderate success on the Ben Hogan and Nike Tours in the 1990’s, including 117 events played, 61 cuts made, a pair of runner-up finishes and a high finish of 33rd on the money list. Later he played on the Tommy Armour Tour, NGA Hooters Tour, Florida Golf Association Tour and now competes on the Sunbelt Senior Tour, a place where senior professionals keep their games sharp while making the difficult attempt to gain status on the Champions Tour. In all, Roger has won more than 80 mini-tour events.

Last year, Roger made a strong showing at the PGA Champions Tour Qualifying School by finishing in a tie for 13th. Only the top five players earn exempt status however, and the rest are relegated to Monday qualifying where fields of anywhere from 30 to 70 players vie for four spots. He has played the sum total of one Champions Tour event, that being the 2018 SAS Championship where he emerged from the Monday qualifier and finished in a tie for 43rd.

This week, Roger is hoping his determination and persistence will parlay into more status on the Champions Tour. We play at 3:06 p.m. Thursday and 9:31 a.m. Friday.

Iowa Representation
Iowa golf will have a distinct flavor at the U.S. Senior Open as Mike McCoy of Norwalk and Jay Gregory of Lineville are among 20 amateurs in the 156-player field at the U.S. Senior Open. McCoy, a veteran of USGA Championships, punched his ticket into the field by his participation in the 2015 Walker Cup competition while Gregory may have been the last player into the field when he emerged from a playoff for the final spot at the last qualifier held on June 11 at the Golf Club at Creekmoor in Raytown, MO.

McCoy plays at 9:31 a.m. (all times Eastern) on Thursday and 3:06 p.m. Friday while Gregory steps on the tee at 1:11 p.m. Thursday afternoon and 7:46 a.m. Friday morning. All players will play 18 holes of stroke play June 27-28 after which the field will be reduced to the low 60 scores and ties for weekend competition.

Huseman wins Fort Dodge Amateur, Bates & Campbell capture titles

June 24, 20190 commentsNews

In what could very well be his final Fort Dodge Amateur appearance, the 24-year-old Andrew Huseman (above right) left nothing to chance and grinded his way to a resounding five-stroke victory in the open division at the Fort Dodge Country Club’s 71st annual tourney.

Albia’s Joe Bates (above left) and Jim Campbell (above center) went wire-to-wire in the senior and super senior divisions, respectively, to secure titles as well. Bates posted a three-stroke victory over Bret Taylor; Campbell edged Joel Yunek in a playoff.

Motivated to fulfill a promise he made to himself — and his grandpa Dutch — years ago, Huseman closed with a steady two-under par 69 on Sunday. The home stretch of the final round is often tense and unrewarding, as Huseman himself can attest, but the Ankeny Centennial graduate posted plenty of birdies and avoided enough mistakes over the first two-and-a-half days to turn the back nine into a virtual victory lap.

Read more from Fort Dodge Messenger Sport Editor Eric Pratt by clicking here.

Click here for a full recap of scores.

2019 Ann Griffel Scholarship Award recipients named

June 14, 20190 commentsNews, Scholarships

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is pleased to announce the 2019 recipients of the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award (Griffel is pictured above in sport coat). Whitney Anderson, Jenna Krogulski, Annika Patton, Kennedy Sorenson and Delaney Underwood will receive a one year scholarship of $2,000. These girls will join the group of 232 other students to have received this award since 1963.

Whitney Anderson is the daughter of Doyle and Melanie Anderson. She is a graduate of Sioux Center High School, and will be attending Central College in the fall to study Biology and play golf.

“I can’t thank the Ann Griffel Scholarship Committee enough for selecting me for this award,” Anderson said “It not only accentuates my love for golf, but it also allows me the opportunity to continue my education and golf career at Central College in Pella. Golf has been a highlight of my high school years and will continue to play a big role in my life at college and beyond.”

 

Jenna Krogulski is the daughter of Eric and Michelle Krogulski. She is a graduate of Valley High School and will be attending Wartburg College to study Exercise Science and Psychology. She will be a member of the Knights Women’s Golf team.

“I want to thank the committee for selecting me for the Ann Griffel Scholarship,” Krogulski said. “It is such an honor to be chosen as a recipient of this award. Golf is a huge part of my life and I couldn’t be more excited to have the opportunity to continue playing golf at the next level while pursuing an education at Wartburg College. I’m very excited to represent this scholarship and the Iowa Golf Association”

 


Annika Patton is the daughter of David and LeAnn Patton. She is a graduate of Alta-Aurelia High School and will be attending the University of Northern Iowa in the fall. She will be studying Business Management (Sports Marketing) while also competing on the Women’s Golf team.

“I am beyond thankful and appreciative to to be selected as a 2019 recipient of the Ann Griffel Scholarship,” Patton said. “The game of golf has provided unlimited opportunities to my life, and I hope to continue preserving and growing the game to the best of my ability. It is such an honor to receive a scholarship that will personally contribute to my future academic and golf careers at the University of Northern Iowa.”

 

Delaney Underwood is the daughter of Mike and Shannon Underwood. She is a graduate of Colfax-Mingo High School and will be attending Central College in the fall to study Mathematics and Chemistry. She will play on the Central College Women’s Golf team.

“It is truly an honor to be chosen as one of this year’s Ann Griffel scholarship recipients,” Underwood said. “I would like to thank the scholarship committee for selecting me and helping support my college education goals. While I plan to continue my golf career at Central College, I also plan to continue promoting golf by trying to get more young girls involved in the sport.”

 

Kennedy Sorenson is the daughter of Willy and Amy Sorenson. Kennedy is a graduate of Carlisle High School and plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall.

“My aspiration in life is to become a physician,” Sorenson said. “To begin this journey I will be attending Iowa State University this fall for my undergraduate degree. Golf has not just taught me things about itself, but it has taught me a lot about myself. It changed me to be the confident, industrious, and independent woman I am today, and for that, I will forever be in debt for golf’s kindness.”

 

The Ann Griffel Scholarship was established in 1963. It originated as just one $350 scholarship awarded by the Iowa Women’s Golf Association (IWGA) and has evolved into a $2,000 scholarship awarded to multiple high school senior girls who intend to further their education at an Iowa institution of higher learning, whether a college, university or trade school.

The Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) was established to preserve the game and develop more programs to promote the future of golf in Iowa. The IGAF awards the Ann Griffel scholarship each year. This scholarship was named after the long time IWGA President, Ann Griffel, who during her 23 year term started the Girls’ State Junior, Forever 39, State Wife-Husband and Senior Women’s Championships.

2019 Herman Sani Scholarship Award winners announced

June 14, 20190 commentsNews, Scholarships

Herman Sani (right) is seen talking with Gene Sarazen in August, 1950.  Sani served as IGA President in 1929.

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) would like to announce the 2019 recipients of the Herman Sani Scholarship Awards. Jacob Heit, of Newhall, Annika Patton, of Aurelia, Nick Pittman, of Urbandale and Delaney Underwood, of Mitchellville, will receive a four year scholarship of $2,000 per year. Those individuals will be recognized at the Herman Sani Golf Tournament held at Echo Valley Country Club, Norwalk, Fri-Sun, Aug 9-11.

Jacob Heit is the son of Steve and Ramona Heit. He is a graduate of Benton Community High School and will be attending Mount Mercy University to study biochemistry and play golf.

“The Herman Sani Scholarship will allow me to not only develop as a learner but will also help me grow as a golfer and person. I plan to attend Mount Mercy University to study biochemistry and play golf. I am humbled to be recognized with one of the most prestigious awards for young golfers in Iowa. I can’t wait to see how the Herman Sani Scholarship will allow me to impact others as I become a Mustang.”

 

Annika Patton is the daughter of David and LeAnn Patton. She is a graduate of Alta-Aurelia High School and will be attending the University of Northern Iowa in the fall to study Business Management (Sports Marketing) while also competing on the golf team.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to have been selected as a 2019 Herman Sani Scholarship recipient. There are few words capable of describing all that the game of golf has done for my life, and I look forward to the opportunity to represent what it means to be a Sani Scholar as I continue my academic and golf career at the University of Northern Iowa.”

 

Nick Pittman is the son of John and Amy Pittman. He is a graduate of Johnston High School and will be attending Drake University in the fall to study Finance, while also playing for the Bulldogs.

“The Sani Scholarship is something I have always respected throughout my entire life. To be chosen as a recipient this year is very humbling, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of my friends, parents, and coaches. I will do everything in my power to uphold the traits that the scholarship represents and continue to be a good sportsman and teammate. I am blessed to now be a part of the Sani community and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

 

Delaney Underwood is the daughter of Mike and Shannon Underwood. She is a graduate of Colfax-Mingo High School and will be attending Central College in the fall to study Mathematics and Chemistry. She will play on the Central College Women’s Golf team.

“I feel very honored to be selected as one of this year’s recipients of the Herman Sani Scholarship. I am grateful that my passion for golf led me to this scholarship, as well as the opportunity to continue my education while playing golf at Central College. Thank you to the committee for selecting me, I am very appreciative of this honor.”

 

The Herman Sani Scholarship Program was established in 1958. Herman Sani had a passion for golf for golf and young people. Sani was the first director of the Iowa Golf Association and served the organization for over 30 years. This scholarship was created his memory with the purpose to assist Iowa students to further their education. As of 2017, 175 college-bound students have been awarded this four-year scholarship.

Most of the scholarship money comes from the generous donations by individuals and corporate sponsors. Since 2013 the Coppola family of Norwalk has contributor $250,000 to the Herman Sani Scholarship Fund. The Iowa Golf Association and point events from around the state also make significant contributions to the fund. For more information about the scholarship visit our website at www.iowagolf.org/scholarships.

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

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