The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) congratulates the 2023 recipients of the Ann Griffel (above right) Scholarship Award: Alexa Poppen, Emma Stock, Laura Klaessy, Maura Peters and Addison Berg. Each recipient will be awarded a one-year scholarship of $2,000. Since 1963, the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award has been helping students further their education. A total of 258 students have earned the honor of receiving this prestigious scholarship.

Alexa Poppen, of West Branch, is the daughter of Kami and Dave Poppen and plans to attend the University of Iowa to major in Management and Finance.

“I am grateful to have received this scholarship. I believe golf is a great way to connect with others and I look forward to playing the game for many years,” she said.

Emma Smock, of Oelwein, is the daughter of Todd and Deena Smock and will attend Wartburg College on the Pre-Physical Therapy track.

“I am very thankful and honored to receive this scholarship. The game of golf has taught me to be patient and relax in more than just golf but my everyday life in general. Having a few setbacks but finishing strong is another thing that golf has brought me. I have gained much knowledge and mental toughness for anything brought my way,” she said.

Laura Klaessy, of Grimes, is the daughter of John and Sara Klaessy and will study Elementary Education at Simpson College.

“Ann Griffel was an inspiration to many young women golfers, and it is a great honor for me to be a recipient of the Ann Griffel Scholarship. Golf has taught me to become mentally tough and become a student of the game and was an important part of my high school career. I look forward to continuing to play the game at Simpson College next fall,” she said.

Maura Peters, of Bettendorf, is the daughter of Benjamin and Jennifer Peters. She will be attending the University of Iowa to play on the women’s golf team and study biomedical engineering.

“I am so grateful to have been chosen as one of the 2023 Ann Griffel Scholarship recipients. The game of golf has helped mold me into the person I am today, teaching me all sorts of valuable lessons. I learned to problem solve, manage my emotions, be patient and most importantly, positive. I am so happy to have chosen a sport and hobby that has allowed me to form so many new relationships and friendships, and I cannot wait to immerse myself in this incredible game for the rest of my life,” she said.

Addison Berg, of Swisher, is the daughter of Aaron and Deana Berg. She will be attending the University of Northern Iowa with an undecided major at this time. She will also be a member of the golf team.

“Golf has been important to me from an early age. It has taught me so many important lessons such a as mental toughness. Golf is so unique because your always competing with yourself. You have to be able to put bad shots behind you, and you can’t play defense. You just have to go out and play the best you can every time,” she said.

The Ann Griffel Scholarship Award was established in 1963 as just one $350 scholarship awarded by the Iowa Women’s Golf Association (IWGA). The award 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 it be 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 Award annually. This scholarship was named after the long-time IWGA President, Ann Griffel, who started the Girls’ State Junior, Forever 39 Match Play, State Wife-Husband and the Senior Women’s Championships in her 23-year term.

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

The recipients of the 2023 Herman Sani Scholarships, presented by the Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) have been announced. Brody Gilkison, of Cedar Rapids, Colby Carlson, of Des Moines, Isabella Boyle, of Sioux City, and Jackson Overton, of Indianola, will receive a four-year scholarship of $2,000 per year ($8,000 total).

Those individuals will be recognized at the Herman Sani Golf Tournament and Dinner held at Hyperion Field Club, Johnston, in August.

Brody Gilkison, son of Charles and Kyra Gilkison, is a graduate of John F. Kennedy Senior High School and will be attending Yale University in the fall as an Ethics, Politics, and Economics major.

“I am honored to receive the Herman Sani Scholarship,” he said.  “Giving back to the game that has given us so much is very important to me, so to be chosen as a scholarship recipient is very humbling and motivates me to continue to share my passion for golf as well as carrying on Mr. Sani’s legacy.”

Colby Carlson, son of Jamie and Kevin Carlson, is a graduate of Waukee Northwest High School and plans to double major in Professional Golf Management and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected for the Herman Sani Scholarship,” he said. “From a young age, golf has always been a big part of my life. There have been many highs and many hard lessons learned. To be selected as a Herman Sani scholar is another incredible high that this game of golf has provided me. I am very grateful for the people that make these opportunities possible. This scholarship aid will allow me to focus more on my schoolwork with the goal to work in the golf industry, I hope to be able to repay and give back what the game of golf has given me.”

Isabella Boyle, daughter of Keri and Dustin Boyle, is a graduate of East High School and will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the PGA Golf Management program.

“I am honored to be a recipient of the Herman Sani Scholarship,” she said. “With the aid of this scholarship I will be able to cover additional tuition costs for my program, and focus solely on golf. I am excited to see where UNL and the PGA Golf Management Program will take me. It is a great opportunity to be selected for this prestigious scholarship and I look forward to seeing where I end up in the golf industry.”

Jackson Overton, son of Derek and Jennifer Overton, is a graduate of Indianola High School and will be attending Loyola University Chicago in the fall.

“It’s an honor to receive the Herman Sani Scholarship Award,” he said. “This scholarship will benefit my academic and athletic career at Loyola University Chicago. For as long as I can remember golf has been a huge part of my life, this wonderful game has taught me many life lessons and built countless relationships. As a Sani Scholar, I look forward to a future closely tied to the game of golf, where I can positively impact people around me in the same ways the game has done for me.”

The Herman Sani Scholarship Program was established in 1958. Herman Sani had a passion 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 in his memory with the purpose to assist Iowa students to further their education. As of 2023, 199 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 contributed $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. 

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving back. Today, November 29, you’ll have the chance to join people around the world and support a cause close to your heart. This Giving Tuesday, help the Iowa Golf Association Foundation give the gift of golf and education to a junior golfer in the State of Iowa by supporting the Iowa Golf Association Foundation’s Youth on Course and/or Scholarship Programs.

At its most basic level, Youth on Course is a program that subsidizes rounds of golf for juniors at participating courses. In 2018 Iowa became the 21st state to offer Youth on Course.  It has now extended to all 50 states.

The concept is this: A junior boy or girl age 6 to 18 can join Youth on Course for a $15 yearly fee.  That gets them access to any participating Youth on Course facility (there are over 1,400 nationally) to play a round of golf for $5 or less.  Then the participating course receives an additional subsidy ($) for that round. To donate towards Youth on Course in Iowa visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E334279&id=14

The Iowa Golf Association Foundation also serves as host for two college scholarship programs – The Herman Sani Scholarship & the Ann Griffel Scholarship.

The Ann Griffel Scholarship was named after the long time IWGA President, Ann Griffel. Ann was inducted into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame in 2006 to honor her contributions to the game. Since 1963, 263 students have received this scholarship. The IGAF awards $2,000 Ann Griffel Scholarships to Iowa 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 Herman Sani Scholarship was established in 1958 in memory of Herman Sani who had a passion for golf and for young people. As of 2021, 199 college-bound students have been awarded this four-year scholarship. Each recipient receives $8,000 ($2,000 per year) over a consecutive four-year period.

To donate and read more about each scholarship program visit https://iowagolf.org/scholarships/

Golf is a game of a lifetime. It takes us to beautiful places, provides us with exercise, helps instill values such as honesty, integrity, respect and sportsmanship – things that have served us all well in the game of life. As you think about making a donation, I ask that you reflect on what golf has done for you, where it has taken you, who you have met through the game, and how much you would like for a young boy or girl to have that same experience and opportunity.

The creation of Golf House Iowa will provide a permanent home to preserve, promote, and protect the game of golf in our great state. We plan to include the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, a space for educating golfers, areas to promote and teach the game, and office space for the Iowa Golf Association, IGA Foundation, Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Association and First Tee – Central Iowa.

For more information and to donate towards Golf House Iowa visit https://iowagolf.org/golfhouseiowa/

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

The recipients of the 2022 Herman Sani Scholarships, presented by the Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) have been announced. Nora Carlson, of Humboldt, John Cahalan, of West Des Moines, Derek Peng, of Ames and Ashton Martens, of Grundy Center, will receive a four-year scholarship of $2,000 per year ($8,000 total). Those individuals will be recognized at the Herman Sani Golf Tournament and Dinner held at Echo Valley Country Club, Norwalk, in August.

Nora Carlson, the daughter of Tom and Sara Carlson, is a graduate of Humboldt High School and will be attending Iowa State University in the fall to study Kinesiology on an Occupational Therapy track.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the Herman Sani Scholarship. I am grateful to everyone who makes this scholarship possible. This scholarship aids financially helping me focus more on my coursework. I am thankful for the opportunities given to me through the game of golf and for the lessons which I have learned through the game. I hope to always be a representative of characteristics which embody the game of golf and the core values of the Herman Sani Scholarship; honesty, humility, and perseverance.”

John Cahalan, the son of Steve and Gabrielle Cahalan, is a graduate of Dowling Catholic High School and has been accepted to the University of Iowa, SMU, Luther and St. Olaf College and plans to double major in Business Administration and Music Performance.  

“To be selected as a Herman Sani Scholar is an incredible honor. It was impactful to see how many successful people have been chosen, whether it be a success in golf or a career. I am pretty blessed to be included in this remarkable history. Being a Sani Scholar will always tie me back to the great game of golf, a game that has led to lifelong friendships and memories are just as important as any accomplishments or successes. I am very thankful to be selected and am looking forward to hopefully adding to the incredible legacy of Herman Sani.”

Derek Peng, the son of Edward and Natalia Peng, is a graduate of Ames High School and has been accepted to Georgetown University, UNC Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, NC State University, Iowa State University and the University of Iowa and plans to study economics or mechanical engineering. 

“Golf has been a huge part of my life since a very young age. Besides the challenge and the fun, I’ve learned that golf is a wonderful opportunity to have a positive impact in my community. I’m honored to receive the Herman Sani Scholarship and look forward to continuing to share my passions with the people around me.”

Ashton Martens, the son of Steven and Patti Martens, is a graduate of Grundy Center and will be attending Upper Iowa University in the fall to play golf and study business or marketing. 

“To be selected as a Herman Sani Scholar is truly a dream come true. Golf has always played a very important role in my life and will continue to play a role in my future. The game itself has taught me many life lessons, on and off the course. This scholarship will help me pursue my Marketing degree while playing golf at Upper Iowa University over the next four years. I am truly honored and blessed to be selected as a recipient of such a prestigious scholarship.”

The Herman Sani Scholarship Program was established in 1958. Herman Sani had a passion 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 in his memory with the purpose to assist Iowa students to further their education. As of 2022, 195 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 contributed $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. 

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is excited to announce the 2022 recipients of the Ann Griffel (pictured above right with Jacque Fladoos) Scholarship Award. Nora Carlson, Madison Craig, Alexa Garvin, Amber Henson and Emma Davidson are receiving a one-year scholarship of $2,000.

Since 1963, the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award has been helping students further their education. A total of 253 students have earned the honor of receiving this prestigious scholarship.

Nora Carlson, of Humboldt, is the daughter of Tom and Sara Carlson and will be attending Iowa State University in the fall to study Kinesiology on an Occupational Therapy track.

“To me, the game of golf has meant demonstrating solid time management, strong work ethic and commitment; strengthening my mental toughness; and forming relationships and memories,” Carlson shared. “The game of golf has helped me build strong good habits or virtues. Becoming a better golfer doesn’t happen overnight. For the past eight years, I have worked to use my time wisely and effectively so that I give myself the best opportunity for success.”

Madison Craig, of Solon, is the daughter of Ray and Beth Craig and will be attending Central College in the fall to study Biology on the Pre-Med Track.

“The game of golf has enabled me to further refine my ability to focus and ability to remain calm even in difficult situations on the golf course. These are all important skills that I will be able to use in my future as a college student or working as a doctor,” said Craig. “Golf has been a very enjoyable and rewarding sport for me. I am certain golf will play a vital role in my future, especially as a medical professional. I’m sure there will be many opportunities to make acquaintances or even collaborate with colleagues over a game of golf.”

Amber Henson, of Marshalltown, is the daughter of Mark and Andrea Henson and will be attending Drake University in the fall to study Finance and Data Analytics.

“Golf has been part of my life very early on and over the years has taught me many things,” Henson said. “My dad has always said that ‘the biggest distance in golf is between my ears’. Golf has taught me to control my emotions, think logically, to practice diligently, to move on past adverse situations and most importantly, to acknowledge when others have done well.”

Alexa Garvin, of Wilton, is the daughter of Gregg and Kelly Garvin and will be attending St. Ambrose University in the fall for Nursing. Garvin earned her CNA verification this summer.

“Golf has taught me the importance of patience, critical thinking, determination and controlling my emotions. It allows me to compete as an individual and as part of a team,” Garvin shared. “Golf unifies by bringing people together from all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. I find a sense of peace from external distractions in my life while on the course.”

Emma Davidson, of Northwood, is the daughter of Ron and Michelle Davidson and will be attending Iowa State University in the fall to double major in Agronomy and Seed Science.

“In sports the toughest competitor anyone faces is themselves,” stated Davidson. “It is hard to stay positive when things are not going the way they should. Through golf I have been able to learn how to stay mentally tough and positive to finish a round to the best of my ability. I am a person who wants results right away, but I have learned it takes time. It took several hours a day to improve my game. I could not give up on myself, I had to keep pushing through. It takes time and hard work to achieve success, so stay patient and stay diligent.”

The Ann Griffel Scholarship Award was established in 1963 as just one $350 scholarship awarded by the Iowa Women’s Golf Association (IWGA). The award 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 it be 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 Award annually. This scholarship was named after the long-time IWGA President, Ann Griffel, who started the Girls’ State Junior, Forever 39 Match Play, State Wife-Husband and the Senior Women’s Championships in her 23-year term.

Long-time Herman Sani Scholarship committee member and supporter James (Jim) Ian Mackay passed away on December 22, 2021. Jim was heavily involved in the Herman Sani Scholarship as a member of Hyperion Field Club, acting as MC at the scholarship banquet for many years.

Jim was born to Robert Archibald Milne Mackay and Rozella Carolyn (Cooney) Mackay on September 29, 1944 in Richmond, IN and died on December 22, 2021 in Des Moines, IA. He graduated in 1967 from Indiana University with a degree in business administration. After graduation, he started his banking career at Merchants Bank in Indianapolis, IN. Throughout the first few years of his career he held several positions at Merchants Bank.

A celebration of life for Jim will be held on March 5, at 5 p.m., at the Des Moines Embassy West located at 520 Market St., West Des Moines.

Read Jim’s full obituary by clicking here.

John Mark Lemon, age 66, passed away on December 15, 2021 in Lenexa, Kansas. To his friends he was known as Mark. Mark was born on February 12, 1955 in Sparta, Illinois to John and Bonita Lemon.

Mark received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. He participated on the Men’s Golf Team while at Iowa. Mark turned professional and had stints as an Assistant Professional at the Des Moines Golf & Country Club. Then he was Head PGA Professional at Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny, Iowa and Irv Warren Golf Course (Byrnes Park GC) in Waterloo, Iowa before becoming a Co-Owner and building Airport National Public Golf Complex in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He sold that facility and retired to Lenexa, Kansas in 2019. Mark was a PGA Member for nearly 39 years, having gained his Class A status on June 1, 1983.

Mark was a 1973 Sani Scholar given by the Iowa Golf Association. He continued to serve on the Sani Scholarship Committee for multiple decades.

In 1999, Mark and good friend Jim McPartland helped start the Greater Cedar Rapids Open held at Hunter’s Ridge in Marion, Iowa. This tournament was modeled after the Waterloo Open that Mark helped to administer during his time at Irv Warren Golf Course.

Mark was named the Captain for the PGA Professional Team at the 2019 Iowa Cup Matches held at Crow Valley Golf Club. The Professionals maintained the Cup over the Amateurs as the Team’s tied in a rain shortened event.

Mark loved golf and was the Iowa PGA Section Senior Player of the Year in 2005 and was Super Senior Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016. His other passions included fishing and hunting.

Mark is survived by his mother Bonita, sister Pam and brother Scott. He was preceded in death by his father John.

There will be no service of any type held – that was Mark’s final request.  Donations may be made to the Greater Cedar Rapid Open, P.O. Box 10034, Cedar Rapids, IA  52410.

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving back. Today, November 30, you’ll have the chance to join people around the world and support a cause close to your heart. This Giving Tuesday, help the Iowa Golf Association Foundation give the gift of golf and education to a junior golfer in the State of Iowa by supporting the Iowa Golf Association Foundation’s Youth on Course and/or Scholarship Programs.

At its most basic level, Youth on Course is a program that subsidizes rounds of golf for juniors at participating courses. In 2018 Iowa became the 21st state to offer Youth on Course.  It has now extended to all 50 states.

The concept is this: A junior boy or girl age 6 to 18 can join Youth on Course for a $15 yearly fee.  That gets them access to any participating Youth on Course facility (there are over 1,400 nationally) to play a round of golf for $5 or less.  Then the participating course receives an additional subsidy ($) for that round. To donate towards Youth on Course in Iowa visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E334279&id=14

The Iowa Golf Association Foundation also serves as host for two college scholarship programs – The Herman Sani Scholarship & the Ann Griffel Scholarship.

The Ann Griffel Scholarship was named after the long time IWGA President, Ann Griffel. Ann was inducted into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame in 2006 to honor her contributions to the game. Since 1963, 253 students have received this scholarship. The IGAF awards $2,000 Ann Griffel Scholarships to Iowa 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 Herman Sani Scholarship was established in 1958 in memory of Herman Sani who had a passion for golf and for young people. As of 2021, 195 college-bound students have been awarded this four-year scholarship. Each recipient receives $8,000 ($2,000 per year) over a consecutive four-year period.

To donate and read more about each scholarship program visit https://iowagolf.org/scholarships/

Jim Mitchell, who served the Iowa Golf Association in many capacities over the years, most notably for his many years as chairperson of the Herman Sani Scholarship Committee, passed away at the age of 88 on Saturday, August 14, 2021. Jim and his beloved wife of 63 years, Pat, had lived the last several years in Atlanta, Georgia, following a retirement stay in the Villages, Florida.

Mitchell, who also served on the Board of Directors of the IGA, was a prominent player on the course as well, capturing the 1968 Northwest Amateur, 1991 Iowa Senior Amateur and 2001 IGA Four-Ball (Senior Division) with partner Jim Bianco. Mitchell was the 1986, 1990 and 1991 IGA Senior Player of the Year and received the prestigious George Turner Distinguished Service Award in 2007 for his impact to the game of golf through years of volunteer service.

Mitchell’s true passion within his work with the IGA was his role as chairperson of the Herman Sani Scholarship Committee, a position he held for several years.

“Jim was an all-time great from my perspective,” Steve Jermier, 1996 Herman Sani Scholarship recipient and current IGA Vice President said. “Certain people stand out in your memories, and he was definitely one for me.”

Memorials in honor of Mitchell can be made to the Iowa Golf Association Foundation’s Herman Sani Scholarship Fund online by clicking here. Be sure to click the box that you are dedicating the donation in memory of Jim Mitchell.

Click here to read Jim Mitchell’s full obituary

Click here to make a donation to the IGA Foundation’s
Herman Scholarship Fund in memory of Jim Mitchell

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is delighted to announce the 2021 recipients of the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award (Griffel is pictured above in sport coat). Hannah Fangmann, Madeline Streicher, Amara Lytl, Isabelle Schneidermann and Anna Nacos will receive a one-year scholarship of $2,000. These girls will join the group of 242 other students to have received this award since 1963.

Hannah Fangmann, of Peosta, is the daughter of Jeremy and Brenda Fangmann and will be attending Wartburg College to study business administration in the fall.

“After college, I believe golf can help me establish connections in the business world that could potentially help me get a job, gain a customer, or make a sale,” Fangmann said. “I also hope to share what I have learned and eventually coach future youth golfers. Ultimately, I am grateful for all I’ve learned through golf and will apply it to my future life experiences to be the best person I can be.”

Madeline Streicher, of Edgewood, is the daughter of Darrel and Lisa Streicher. She plans to attend Simpson College this fall and study biochemistry.

“The game of golf has made an immeasurable impact on my life,” Streicher said. ” In the future, due to golf being such a positive and powerful experience in my life, I would love to be able to make an impact in other young people’s lives as well, maybe as a mentor or coach. One thing I am sure of is that I will teach my children to golf. I feel that it’s important for them to learn the sport that has impacted my life so tremendously.”

Amara Lytle, of Cedar Falls, is the daughter of Aaron and Shelli Lytle. Amara will be attending St. Ambrose University and will study industrial engineering in the fall.

“Learning and observing my dad, he helped me realize practicing and playing golf will not only improve my game and course management, but enhance life management skills,” Lytle said. “Skills that will improve my golf game and will boost my overall social awareness and ability to establish and maintain relationships.”

Isabelle Schneidermann, of Rock Rapids, is the daughter of Scott and Natalie Schneidermann. She plans to attend Northwestern College (Orange City) in the fall and study actuarial science.

“The sport (of golf) is very competitive, but also can be very conversational,” Schneidermann said. “This is one of the many things I love about the sport. Some of my best friends have been other people I have golfed with throughout the years. I enjoy finding someone who is better than me and pushing myself to beat them. The feeling you get when you finally do is unmatched. There are many reasons I love this game.”

Anna Nacos, of Washington, is the daughter of Dave and Lisa Nacos. In the fall she will attend the University of Northern Iowa to study biology.

“The game of golf has been so much more than just a sport in my life,” Nacos said. “Throughout my career I have made the best memories, made new friendships, and received the opportunity to play golf in college. I can truly say that golf has been a huge benefit in my life and I am grateful to play such a great sport.”

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.