Category: News

Fields makes comeback, wins 2018 Tri-State Masters

May 21, 20180 commentsNews
Courtesy of Barry Poe, Sioux City Journal

It took a monumental collapse for it to happen, but Adam Fields (right) achieved a rare and coveted feat Sunday at Green Valley Golf Club.

The 30-year-old Sioux City native and Pottawattamie County sheriff’s deputy came from behind to win the Tri-State Masters by one shot and complete a career grand slam of “major” golf titles.

Fields, who bested Corey Matthey by a stroke, added the Tri-State crown to his Men’s City (2009) ,three River-Cade Amateur (2013-14-15) and Interstate Amateur (2016) victories.

That alone is noteworthy enough, but Fields prevailed after starting the day eight shots behind Des Moines resident Sam Pieczyznki, who completely unraveled after two superb rounds.

Read more from Barry Poe, Sioux City Journal

Click here for a full recap of scoring

Family affair at 2018 Southeast Iowa Amateur

May 21, 20180 commentsNews

It was a family affair at this year’s Southeast Iowa Amateur. While Willis Gaer (right) ran away with the Open Division title by 10 shots, his dad, Dave charged to the win in the Senior Division after trailing by two going into the final round at The Preserve on Rathbun Lake.

Willis, who opened with a pair of 68s, finished with a tournament record 170 (-10) after the 45 hole event. He made 10 birdies and a pair of eagles to outdistance Patrick Hall and Pedro Velasco, who finished second and third respectively.

In the Senior Division, Dave Gaer posted a pair of 69s, including a sizzling 31 on the back nine in the second round to edge opening round leader Joe Bates by two strokes. The elder Gaer finished with a total of 9 birdies over 36 holes to take take the victory.

In the Super Senior Division, Jim Campbell posted rounds of 70-78, good for a four shot victory over Del Harken and Tim Taylor.

Click here for a recap of scoring

Cook, Brown take home titles at The Classic

April 30, 20180 commentsNews

Clive’s Scot Cook (Open Division) and Jon Brown (Senior Division) took home the titles from the inaugural ‘The Classic’ held at Elmwood Country Club, in Marshalltown. The Classic, is the first Iowa Golf Association point event played under a modified stableford format, in which players earn points per hole based on their score as follows:
Double Eagle: 12 points
Eagle: 8 points
Birdie: 4 points
Par: 2 points
Bogey: 1 point
Double Bogey or worse: 0 points

Cook (above left), posted rounds of 42 and 41 points respectively to outdistance a trio that included Dustin Atkinson, Ethan Mechling and Jeff Collett, who all finished seven points behind Cook. Over the two-day event, Cook made 10 birdies.

Jon Brown (78 points), playing in his first Senior Division event after turning 50 last fall, edged Ron Peterson by a single point to capture the title. Brown (above right) also collected 10 birdies on the weekend, including three in a row to finish his first round. Rob Christensen (see video Christensen’s birdie on #18), an Elmwood member, finished in third place, seven points back of Brown’s total.

 

Scott Cook receives the ceremonial white jacket as champion of The Classic.

Jon Brown slips into this white jacket after winning the Senior Division of The Classic.

Significant updates to IGA Player of the Year point systems

April 27, 20180 commentsChampionships, News

The IGA Rules and Competitions Committee spent a good deal of the offseason studying the IGA Player of the Year points systems.  Following that study, the following recommendations were approved by the Board of Directors in late March and will go into effect this season.

Added new point events

We recently announced the addition of three new Sanctioned Point Events – The Classic, a new stableford format event at Elmwood CC in Marshalltown, the Joe August Match Play, the long-standing Four-Ball Match Play format tournament held at Ames Golf & CC and the Mason City Amateur, a 36-hole stroke play tournament held over Labor Day weekend at the Mason City Country Club.

Now counting four

Players will now count up to four additional non-IGA or non-USGA events.  That means a player can now count their top four point totals from of Additional Sanctioned Point Events and non-USGA national events.

“Tiered” structure for Additional Sanctioned Point Events

Additional Sanctioned Point Events in Iowa (non-IGA conducted) will be assigned separate point scales based on how many people participate in each event.  Depending on the number of players, an event will be either “A”, “B”, “C” or “D” with 300, 250, 200 or 150 points being awarded to the winners, respectively.  The “A” level events will award points to the top 30, “B” level will award to the top 25, “C” level will award to the top 20 and “D” level will award to the top 15. This adds a bit more point value to those who finish higher in fields with more players.

Players who play “up” in competition

Players age 50 and over who play in an Open Division rather than a Senior Division will be eligible to earn points.  The amount of points they earn toward the Open Player of the Year race will transfer equally to the Senior Player of the Year race.

For example: A player age 52 plays in the Open Division of the Iowa Masters and finishes 4thoverall, earning 80 points toward the Open POTY race.  That player would also earn 80 points toward the Senior POTY race.  This same philosophy will apply to Super Senior Players who choose to play in an Open Division or Senior Division rather than Super Senior Division.

National non-USGA events

Performance in non-USGA national events will continue to be counted toward the Open POTY race and will be added to the Senior POTY race.  They will be counted toward a player’s four extra events they can accumulate (in addition to the Sanctioned Point Events).  A big change will be that the IGA will simply rely on the World Amateur Golf Ranking to determine which national events are worthy of points. WAGR was created by the USGA and R&A to rank the top amateurs around the world so we will use that as our basis. Their events are ranked from “Elite” to “F” level events.  We have created our own scale of points depending on those rankings.

Herman Sani and Iowa Mid-Amateur points elevated

The amount of points and number of players who will earn points have increased in both the Herman Sani Tournament and the Iowa Mid-Amateur.  In the Sani, the winner (low amateur) will now receive 300 points with the top 30 earning points.  In the Senior divisin of the Sani, it will be 250 for the winner and the top 25 will earn points.  At the Mid-Am, the champion will receive 250 points and the top 25 will earn points in both the Open and Senior Division.

Super Senior Points System

Following the first year of the Super-Senior Player of the Year, many additions and tweaks were made.  See this link for the entire system.  Some highlights include:

  • Addition of Super Senior Division to Iowa Mid-Amateur
  • Addition of Super Senior Division to Herman Sani Tournament
  • Addition of Super Senior bracket to the Senior Match Play
  • Increased point values of Super Senior Division at Iowa Senior Amateur and IGA Senior Match Play

View the complete rules and regulations for all the Player of the Year point systems here.

The Classic launches this weekend

April 27, 20180 commentsChampionships, News, Uncategorized

The Classic, the new modified stableford competition taking place at Elmwood Country Club in Marshalltown, gets underway this weekend.  67 golfers are scheduled to compete in the inaugural tournament.

This will be the first Iowa Golf Association point event played under the stableford format, in which players earn points per hole based on their score.  In this case, the administrators at Elmwood CC have modified the traditional stableford point system as follows:

  • Double Eagle: 12 points
  • Eagle: 8 points
  • Birdie: 4 points
  • Par: 2 points
  • Bogey: 1 point
  • Double Bogey or worse: 0 points

This modified scoring system will put a premium on making birdies and eagles and should make for some exciting “go for broke” golf.

Play will begin on Saturday with the first 18 holes and conclude on Sunday with the final round.  There is an Open and Senior Division. In addition to a trophy and gift certificate, the champion will receive the “White Jacket” with The Classic logo embroidered on the chest.

Follow all the action by clicking here.

Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship established

April 4, 20180 commentsNews

Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced today the establishment of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship, which will be held annually the week prior to the Masters and will culminate with the final round taking place at Augusta National (pictured above).

“Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts left behind a legacy of always trying to contribute meaningfully to the game of golf,” Ridley said. “The Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship embodies that principle, and we believe this event will have a significant and lasting impact on the future of the women’s game. Our hope and expectation is that this event will further energize those who already love the sport and inspire others through the dream of competing at Augusta National.”

The 54-hole, stroke play tournament will feature an international field of 72 players. Invitees will be determined by awarding winners of other recognized championships and using the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking.

In 2019, the first two rounds will take place at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta. After a cut to the low 30 scores, the final competitive round will take place at Augusta National on Saturday, April 6, when an amateur champion will be crowned for the first time ever at the home of the Masters.

Read the full release by clicking here

DMG, Amana Colonies GC, Glen Oaks CC to host IGA Member Play Days

March 16, 20180 commentsNews

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!

Des Moines Golf & Country Club (pictured above), Amana Colonies Golf Club and Glen Oaks Country Club will host IGA Member Play Days in 2018. The IGA is pleased again this year to organize the opportunity for our members to play these courses which are either not normally available to the public, or available for a reduced rate. The fee varies for each day but each time is less than the normal guest fee. These play days are not formal competitions and are open exclusively to IGA Members.

The first IGA Member Play Day will be held on Monday, May 7th, at DMGCC ($135 per person).  Amana Colonies GC ($45 per person) will host the second IGA Member Play day on Monday, Aug. 27th and Glen Oaks CC ($105 per person) will host on Monday, Oct. 15. All play days include golf, cart, range and a box lunch.

As in the past, golfers are encouraged to bring their own foursome as pairing requests will be honored (as nearly as possible). We have reserved a block of morning tee times at these great facilities so all play will begin from the 1st tee. Just come, have fun and whatever “games” you want to play within your group or groups is totally up to you. Each event includes golf, range balls, & cart. Sign up early because once the tee time block is gone we will not allow any more entries.

As stated previously, the opportunity to play these prestigious clubs is an exclusive benefit only to IGA members. An IGA Member is anyone who has a membership number through their enrollment in the GHIN Handicap Service at an IGA Member club. If you are not already a member, simply sign up for the GHIN Handicap Service at an IGA Member Club or you can sign up online by clicking here. A complete list of member clubs is available under the “Member Clubs” tab at the top of the page.

Registration for the IGA Member Play Days is now open – Click here to register

Watch 8 USGA Championships without commercial interruption in 2018

March 15, 20180 commentsNews, Uncategorized, USGA

During FOX Sports’ presentation of the U.S. Open from Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (pictured above) in June, Rolex will present the final hour of coverage in this uninterrupted format and support a rich, interactive media history experience that will launch in April on usopen.com.

Innovative Broadcast Experience with Uninterrupted Coverage for Golf Fans Highlights Extended USGA-Rolex Partnership

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. – Continuing a relationship that began in 1980, the USGA and Rolex have extended their partnership, assuring that together they will continue to steward some of golf’s greatest moments for the long term. 

Through activation across broadcast, digital, social and emerging media, the USGA and Rolex will deliver new ways to promote and celebrate the game and its rich history.  

“Rolex’s support through nearly four decades has been instrumental in helping us drive the game forward,” said Mike Davis, CEO/executive director of the USGA. “We are excited that the continuation of our partnership will expand our impact on golf around the world and elevate and celebrate our championships’ iconic venues, legendary champions and signature moments in innovative ways.”

This will be most clearly seen through the uninterrupted broadcast of multiple USGA championships. Beginning in 2018, Rolex will be the exclusive presenting partner of coverage for eight USGA championships on FOX Sports and FS1, including the U.S. Women’s Open, the U.S. Senior Open and the U.S. Amateur. Rolex’s commitment will ensure an uninterrupted broadcast of these events, providing golf fans hours of continuous live golf action as history unfolds.

“We are excited to further FOX Sports’ commitment to innovative and immersive viewing experiences for our audiences, as well as targeted messaging for our partners,” said Bruce Lefkowitz, executive VP of ad sales at Fox Networks Group. “These uninterrupted broadcasts give us the opportunity to innovate and differentiate our telecast, while capitalizing on the unique nature of the USGA championships to provide viewers with more live action and new perspectives on the golfers and championships.”

The innovative format will allow FOX Sports and the USGA to deliver more golf content to fans around the world, while providing Rolex the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the amateur and professional game. Features and video vignettes highlighting signature moments, legendary champions, and the iconic venues that make up these championships will be seamlessly integrated to further entertain, engage and educate the audience. 

With involvement at all levels of competition, Rolex has a longstanding and enduring relationship with the game of golf. 

“Our deep commitment for over 50 years to championing the great game of golf and fostering individual excellence have hallmarked our USGA partnership, which stands as one of the longest and widest reaching,” said Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex SA Director of Communication and Image. “We are proud to showcase the greatest moments in golf together and to foster our commitment to developing this great game for years to come.” 

During FOX Sports’ presentation of the U.S. Open from Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (pictured above) in June, Rolex will present the final hour of coverage in this uninterrupted format and support a rich, interactive media history experience that will launch in April on usopen.com. The innovative digital destination will honor the history and legends of the game and further the celebration of all U.S. Open champions and the grand stages that identified them as the world’s best players.  

Rolex will also continue to serve as the lead partner for Rules of Golf content and remains committed to supporting the work being done to modernize the Rules of Golf globally. 

The full USGA on FOX broadcast schedule, which will be released this spring, begins with coverage of the U.S. Women’s Open Championship May 31-June 3. 

“The winner in this partnership, ultimately, is the fan,” said Davis. “Uninterrupted live golf coverage across eight of our championships is unprecedented. We are excited for the viewer to see the creativity of FOX Sports and be inspired by the stories that unfold across our championships.”

About the USGA
The USGA celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment and amateur status rules. Our operating jurisdiction for these governance functions is the United States, its territories and Mexico. The USGA Handicap System is utilized in more than 40 countries and our Course Rating System covers 95 percent of the world’s golf courses, enabling all golfers to play on an equitable basis. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.

About Rolex

Rolex, the Swiss watch brand headquartered in Geneva, enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise the world over. Its Oyster and Cellini watches, all certified as Superlative Chronometers for their precision, performance and reliability, are symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. Founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905, the brand pioneered the development of the wristwatch and is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism invented in 1931. Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports, exploration, the spirit of enterprise, and the environment through a broad palette of sponsoring activities, as well as philanthropic programmes.

Youth on Course Announces Partnership with Iowa Golf Association

March 5, 20180 commentsNews

Affordable Junior Golf Program Expands to 700 Courses in 23 States

Youth on Course — the non-profit providing young people with subsidized golf, college scholarships, caddie programs and paid internships – partners with the Iowa Golf Association (IGA) to bring affordable junior golf to the Hawkeye state.

Members ages 6-18 in this territory will be able to join the Youth on Course national network and access unlimited golf for $5 or less per round at 700 facilities across 23 states. Having more than 200 member golf courses that stretch across the state, the IGA plans to announce the selection of participating courses in coming weeks.

“Iowa’s junior golf population is rapidly growing, and we believe affordable access will help take it to the next level,” says Adam Heieck, Youth on Course Executive Director. “As we continue adding partner courses, local juniors will have their pick of reasonably priced golf options.”

Having already partnered with four other golf associations in 2018 (Colorado Golf Association, Greater Cincinnati Golf Association, Golf Association of Philadelphia, Maryland State Golf Association), Youth on Course continues to gain momentum. Operating in every U.S. region, Youth on Course has upwards of 30,000 active members. Since 2006, juniors have completed 650,000 rounds.

“We’ve been looking for ways to do more for our juniors and I have no doubt adding the Youth on Course program state-wide will be a home run,” says Chad Pitts, IGA Executive Director. “The benefits to the kids are first and foremost, but our member clubs will also experience increased traffic during non-peak hours.”

Support for Youth on Course drives the organization’s growth across America. Many view the initiative as a bridge between youth instruction and consistent play throughout adulthood, as well as an opportunity for junior golfers to interact outside of a competition setting.

In addition to promoting the game through affordable access to golf, nearly 200 individuals have benefited from Youth on Course scholarships totaling $1.2 million in financial support. The current college scholarship retention rate is 98 percent, with 46 students already graduated from a four-year university.

A list of participating IGA member courses will be announced in early April. Be sure to check back for more information.

 

About Youth on Course

The core purpose of Youth on Course is to provide juniors with access to life-changing opportunities through golf. Members play hundreds of courses for $5 or less, benefit from employment through the Caddie Academy and internship program, and receive college scholarships. Headquartered in Pebble Beach, Youth on Course is a 501(c)3 organization that began as the charitable arm of the Northern California Golf Association. Since 2006, nearly 650,000 rounds have been played by Youth on Course participants and more than $1.2 million has been raised for college scholarships. Currently, Youth on Course serves Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin with the goal of delivering affordable golf in all 50 states by 2020.

 

About the Iowa Golf Association (IGA)

The Iowa Golf Association serves as the governing body of golf for the state of Iowa. Run by amateur golfers the IGA provides a variety of programs and services that benefit everyone who plays the game. The IGA is an Allied Golf Association of the United States Golf Association.

The IGA’s most visible role is to conduct state championships for men, women and juniors, including the Iowa Amateur for more than 100 years. The IGA also conducts USGA qualifiers and offers a series of for-fun events called the “Member Play Days” which is open to IGA members of all skill levels.

The IGA provides services to nearly 200 member golf clubs and courses and over 20,000 individual members.  The Iowa Golf Hall of Fame, the IGA Scholarship programs and Youth on Course programs are administered under the IGA Foundation, a 501 c3 non-profit entity.

For complete information on the IGA please visit www.iowagolf.org.

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