2017 Iowa Women’s Amateur Champion Britta Snyder is one of five amateurs competing in the international field of professionals at the Hurricane Creek Open in Anna, Texas, an event on the WAPT (Women’s All Pro Tour). Snyder, 18 year old Ames Resident, is a recent graduate of Gilbert High School and Baylor University commit.

The event features 81 professionals including 2016 U.S. Women’s Open Champion Brittany Lang, 2-time U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion Kristen Gillman, 2019 NCAA Individual National Champion Maria Fassi, and other highly decorated professionals.  Snyder has done more than hold her own in the world class field, as she made the cut and sits T-7 heading into today’s final round after rounds of 75, 73, and 71.

Snyder  is set to tee off Friday morning at 9:10 a.m. (CST). Click here to follow the leaderboard during Friday’s final round.

Below is a list of how IGA Member Courses and others are handling the current events with Coronavirus (COVID-19). Opening / closing of facilities is subject to change. Please call the course before heading out. A directory of IGA Member Clubs can be found by clicking here.

Click here for a list of best practices that other facilities are doing around the country (courtesy of the Iowa PGA)

Airport National Public Golf Course (Cedar Rapids) – At this time the golf course and driving range will remain open. The mini golf course will be closed, it will be too hard to maintain the six feet of separation on the mini golf course. Food & Beverage concession will be open, although not the full menu. Seating area closed in the clubhouse.

Amana Colonies Golf Club – Open for play. Practicing the following: Social Distancing. No more than two foursomes in Clubhouse at one time. Do not congregate with more than your foursome. All Food and Beverage will be on a ‘To Go’ basis. Beverage Cart will be available based on business levels. Golf Cart steering wheels will be sanitized before and after each round. No Putting Green Flagsticks Practice Balls will be in pyramids on the Driving Range. No Ballwashers, Bunker Rakes, or Water Coolers on the course. Players are to leave Flagsticks in at all times. Recommended ‘Gimmes’ inside 6 feet. Credit and Debit Card only. No Cash transactions.

Ankeny Golf & Country Club – Club House is closed. Course is open to walkers and private carts. No food or beverage to go. Asking our members to follow safe social distancing. No more then 5 to a group one to a cart . We are using foam noodle in holes and no touching of flagstick.

Bear Creek Golf Course (Forest City) – Open to walking on the front nine and carts on paths only on the back nine. Course is following the protocols for COVID-19.

Beaver Creek Golf Course (Grimes) – The golf course will be open starting Monday, March 23rd. Food options will be limited with no dining in the clubhouse. Encouraging credit card transactions only.

Beaver Hills County Club (Cedar Falls) – Open as of April 1.

Blue Top Ridge At Riverside – Opening April 1, with restrictions and guidelines.

Briarwood Golf Club (Ankeny) – Golf course open and will be using best practices.

Brown Deer Golf Club (Coralville) – Are still open for play. Additional cleaning and sanitizing being done to reduce chances of transmission. Steering wheels, seats etc being sanitized as well. All rakes removed from course and starting to use raised cups to eliminate need for flags to be touched and no reaching into hole for balls.

Buena Vista University Golf Course at Lake Creek (Storm Lake) – Golf Course is set to open April 1, weather pending. Clubhouse hours and facilities are limited and asking all golfers to respect the guidelines given to us from the IGA.

Bunker Hill Golf Course (Dubuque) – Facility shut down through April 13 and will evaluate then.

Bunker Links Golf Course (Galesburg) – The Governor of Illinois has imposed a “Shelter in Place” order for the entire state through April 30th. Also, he has declared that all Golf Courses in Illinois are considered “Non-Essential” businesses and they are all closed through April 30th.

Cedar Ridge Golf Club (Charles City) – Opening Saturday, March 28th with the following recommended practices (click here).

Crow Valley Golf Club (Davenport) – Golf Course is suppose to open on Wednesday (3/25). F&B open for pick up only. Pulling rakes, flipping cups, no ball washers, etc. Carts and push carts will be available at this point. Range will be open. Golf Shop open on limited basis. Golf Shop member services very limited

Davenport Country Club – Golf shop is closed. Doing 15 minutes interval tee times. 1 per cart.

Des Moines Golf & Country Club – All food service will be discontinued at this time until at least March 31. To go beverages for the golf course will be available from the Casual Bar. For now, all club events and outside events are cancelled through Monday, March 30.
The golf courses are open for normal hours. If taking a golf cart, we ask that all of you take your own cart; think social distancing. We will have the bag room staffed, but for the safety of the staff, we ask that once you pick up your clubs, we ask you keep them with you for the short term. Ball washers, bunker rakes and sand bottles will be removed for the time being. When playing we recommend that you do not touch the flagsticks. Golf Pro Shop is closed, phones answered from 10-4 Friday thru Sunday. The locker rooms will be open however we ask that you do not gather in groups in these areas. The reception desk will be staffed for your calls from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Dubuque Country Club – Course is open and is abiding by best practices and Governor Proclamation, clubhouse closed but serving to go orders.

Edmundson Golf Course (Oskaloosa) – Course is open and will be using best practices.

Elmcrest Country Club (Cedar Rapids) – Facility open and is using best practices.

Emeis Golf Course (Davenport) – Open but following best practices – Iowa residents only.

Emerald Hills Golf Club (Arnolds Park) – Currently open.

Flint Hills Municipal Golf Course (Burlington) – Opening Wednesday, March 25 with the following guidelines in place (click here).

Finkbine Golf Course (Iowa City) – Closed due to weather and not having an internal clubhouse workspace due to finishing up construction of new clubhouse. Temps are also factoring into not opening. However athletics at the University of Iowa has closed off facilities for at least two weeks.

Gates Park, Irv Warren, and South Hills (Waterloo) – Still open for business. Not holding any sanctioned events and will be removing our tables and chairs from the pro shops. No sit down food service or beverages per the Governors mandate.  Have implemented extra sanitization of fixtures such as door handles etc. and will encourage patrons to utilize the “best practices” you have listed.

Gardner Golf Course (Cedar Rapids) – Limited service – golfers check-in, go play. Can stop for packaged food and restroom at turn. No gatherings in clubhouse. No ballwashers/sand trap rakes/ water coolers on course. Cleaning down touch points regularly.
NOTE: Ellis-Jones closed (haven’t opened for season yet) / Twin Pines open (possibly walking 0nly – call for updates)

Glynns Creek Golf Course (Long Grove) – Beginning April 6, course and driving range will be open to Iowa residents only. Clubhouse is open for takeout food and beverage, no eating or drinking in Clubhouse. May not gather around the Clubhouse either, must go or go onto the golf course.

Grinnell College Golf Course – Closed as of 3/13.

Harvest Point Golf Course (Oskaloosa) – Course is open and recommending best practices to golfers as they visit.

Harry Mussatto Golf Course At Western Illinois University – The Governor of Illinois has imposed a “Shelter in Place” order for the entire state through April 30th. Also, he has declared that all Golf Courses in Illinois are considered “Non-Essential” businesses and they are all closed through April 30th.

Hickory Grove Golf Course (Oelwein) – Open with 1 cart per person.

Hunters Ridge Golf Course (Marion) – Course is open for play as of March 13th. Made it a priority to meet all of the new restrictions made earlier by our Governor. All customers do is check in, get any F&B items needed, play golf, and head home.

Indian Bluff Golf Course (Milan) – The Governor of Illinois has imposed a “Shelter in Place” order for the entire state through April 30th. Also, he has declared that all Golf Courses in Illinois are considered “Non-Essential” businesses and they are all closed through April 30th.

Indian Creek Country Club (Marion) – Will open next Monday, March 23rd. Lower bar is open to get beer/ pop, candy and chips, then you must take it outside. No flag sticks, cups are in upside down, which leaves the cup up an inch or so, if your putt hits the cup, your shot is holed. No water jugs filled by staff, one person per cart. Restrooms are open, but lockers rooms are limited to max of 10 people.

Indian Creek Country Club (Nevada) – Opening Monday, March 23rd. Will be open for our members all day, every day and for non-members 10a-4p daily. Do not have carts available to rent at this time. Asking people to call ahead for tee times. Are only allowing 1-2 people in clubhouse at one time and ask that all patrons follow the guidelines given to them by the staff working.

Indianola Country Club – Course is open and food is available to order to go.

Lake Bracken Country Club (Galesburg) – The Governor of Illinois has imposed a “Shelter in Place” order for the entire state through April 30th. Also, he has declared that all Golf Courses in Illinois are considered “Non-Essential” businesses and they are all closed through April 30th.

Lake Panorama National Resort (Golf Course) – Open for golf, recommending best practices for our golfers.

Lakeside Municipal Golf Course (Ft. Dodge) – Opening 3/30 with many procedures in place.

Majestic Hills Golf Course (Denison) – Course is open, but is following your recommendations as far as “best practices”. Will also have food and beer for carry out only during normal restaurant hours which are 11-1:30 and 5:00-8:00. This is subject to change in the future.

Muscatine Municipal Golf Course – Staying open, and will remain open barring any unforeseen circumstances with current world events. All food is cash and carry, most menu items are still available. Will also include in standard practices to disinfect and sanitize steering wheels, seats, support bars, sand bottles, and rental equipment after each use. One person per cart

Oakwood Country Club (Coal Valley, IL) – The Governor of Illinois has imposed a “Shelter in Place” order for the entire state through April 30th. Also, he has declared that all Golf Courses in Illinois are considered “Non-Essential” businesses and they are all closed through April 30th.

Okoboji View Golf Course – Will open April 1st. Clubhouse is closed for in-house dining, but golfers may pickup packaged food (chips, candy, pop, beer) at counter to go. Will also have a full kitchen staff and golfers can order from our menu, but need to take it to go. Carts will be sanitized between use and social distancing will be encouraged as in one person per cart.

Palmer Hills Golf Course (Bettendorf) – Open except F&B carry-out only, carts allowed.

Pheasant Ridge Golf Course (Cedar Falls) – Open except for F & B carry-out only, carts allowed.

Prairie Links Golf Course (Waverly) – Will not be closing the clubhouse, but would like to minimize the amount of traffic inside the clubhouse as much as possible. Current operation hours will be as follows: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Those hours will update as we get warmer temperatures and more daylight.  We will continue to keep you updated as time goes on. Carts will be sanitized after each use with disinfecting wipes or a bleach based product.  On the course we also want to minimize golfers touching the same surfaces. We recommend leaving the pin in at all times, and playing with gimmies (3ft, 6ft, 10ft). While walking is the safest way of playing, one rider per cart will be recommended for the foreseeable future.  Rakes, ball washers, and garbages will be removed from the course.

Rice Lake Golf & Country Club – Open as of March 27. Are currently now allowing carts and recommend one cart per person (unless family). Will be following these measures (click here to read).

Spirit Hollow Golf Course (Burlington) – Course open, f/b carry out only.

Tara Hills Country Club (Van Horne) – Open to members and public. Driving range is currently open and are washing balls as they are being picked up along with washing/sanitizing range bags. Clubhouse is open by window service only. Food and Beverages are being served to go from this area with a limited menu. Club carts are available to rent, and are being sanitized thoroughly after each use. Port O Johns are placed on course along with one outside of clubhouse. Hand sanitizer is present. Golf course is following all guidelines stated by the IGA.

The Legacy Golf Club (Norwalk) – Due to the poor weather and forecast are currently closed through Sunday, March 22nd. Certainly hope to be open next week with better weather and if the Governor allows us to do so and recommending best practices to golfers as they visit the facility.

The Preserve on Rathbun Lake (Moravia) – Closed from Sunday, March 22 through Wednesday, May 13. Will reopen Thursday, May 14. Walking will be allowed at no charge, please be respectful of our course and of others. No facilities will be available. Please do not remove flags, bring sanitizer for while you play, bring a snack.

Thunder Hills Country Club (Peosta) – Facility is open and is using best practices.

Tournament Club of Iowa (Polk City) – Planning to open Monday, March 23rd. No more than two foursomes in Clubhouse at one time. All F&B will be on a ‘To Go’ basis. Bev Cart will be available based on business levels. Golf Cart steering wheels will be sanitized before and after each round. No Putting Green Flagsticks. Practice Balls will be in pyramids on Driving Range. No Ballwashers, Bunker Rakes, or Water Coolers on course. Players are to leave Flagsticks in at all times.

The Meadows Golf Club (Asbury) – Currently are closed to all non-residents of Dubuque County as they were experiencing a tremendous amount of play from both Wisconsin and Illinois and felt it best to do their part to “flatten the curve” by only allowing local play. Facility is using the following procedures for those who are playing (click here).

The Preserve on Rathbun Lake (Moravia) – Facility currently closed today.

Timberline Golf Course (Peosta) – Will be opening Wednesday March 25. 10 AM to 5 PM daily. Will be observing Best Practices for golfers including single cart usage if desired will be used. Flagsticks remain in the hole, do not touch. With cups having inserts in them to keep ball from dropping to bottom of hole. Tee times will be spread out to 15 minute intervals to encourage social distancing. A total of 4 players in clubhouse at a time.

Tournament Club of Iowa (Polk City) – Open for play with long list of guidelines/requirements.

Valley Oaks Golf Course (Clinton) – Open for play. Are following all the regulations set by the state. Only 5 people allowed inside at a time to check in and get food and prepackaged beverages to go and exit promptly. No congregating on clubhouse premises.

Veenker Memorial Golf Course (Ames) – Open for play. Restrictions are weather based only. If the forecasted temp is 50 degrees or higher, will be open. Currently limiting F&B to prepackaged “grab & go” only, limiting numbers of people in clubhouse at one time, sanitizing all surfaces regularly.

Veterans Memorial Golf Club (Clear Lake) – Currently open for carts. Clubhouse is open to facilitate the use of the golf course. Will be following these guidelines (click here).

TPC at Deere Run (Silvis, IL) – The Governor of Illinois has imposed a “Shelter in Place” order for the entire state through April 30th. Also, he has declared that all Golf Courses in Illinois are considered “Non-Essential” businesses and they are all closed through April 30th.

Wakonda Club (Des Moines) – Open but to walking only, clubhouse doing only carry out for F & B.

Waverly Municipal Golf Course – Facility is open but pro shop closed, only checking in players via online or call in cc

Westwood Golf Course (Newton) – Open for play, limited hours, 12 minute tee times.

MARCH 13, 2020

• Encourage staff and golfers to wash their hands. If you can’t wash them on the course, please use a hand sanitizer.
• Limit touching of the face, including your mouth, nose, lips or eyes, as much as possible.
• Sanitize objects that a lot of people touch, or that you touch often (including your phone!). (Note: The Rules of Golf allow players to keep the flagstick in the hole)
• Practice social distancing. Stay 6 feet apart.
• Tell those that are sick or at risk to stay home.
• No handshakes & hugs– Golfers should suspend the practice of shaking hands and hugging. This includes on the 1st tee and on the 18th green where a friendly handshake or hug have been long-standing acts of proper sportsmanship. As an alternative, we recommend a friendly nod, a tip of your cap, or a simple wave as a form of greeting or sportsmanship.
• Remember that those who are at the highest risk are:

1. 1. Older adults
   2. Those with heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease

The Iowa Golf Council (Iowa Golf Association, Iowa GCSA and Iowa PGA) will host two golf summits in early March.  The Women’s Golf Summit will be held on Sunday afternoon, March 1 while the Iowa Golf Summit will be held the next day, Monday, March 2.  Both summits will be hosted by Otter Creek Golf Course and Conference Center in Ankeny and are presented by Miller and Sons Golf Cars (Britt).

This will be the fourth Iowa Golf Summit the group has co-conducted, taking place every other year.  It will be the first time for the Women’s Golf Summit.  The general theme for both events will be “Bringing People to the Game” both as players but also as potential career opportunities.

The Women’s Golf Summit (Sun, March 1) will consist of three different panel discussions, as well as networking, socializing and even the chance to get a lesson from a PGA professional.   There will be a focus on bringing more women to the game, both as players and also shedding light on entry into golf as a career.  In addition, we will discuss ways to utilize golf to help advance your business careers outside of golf.

You can view more information, including a complete schedule, and sign up for the Women’s Golf Summit here.

Henry DeLozier of Global Golf Advisors will be the keynote speaker at the Iowa Golf Summit (Mon, March 2) where he will give a talk on “Millennials and Golf”.

Honored by BoardRoom magazine with its 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award, Henry has been recognized each year as one the “Most Influential People in Golf” since 1999 by Crittenden publications for his worldwide recognition as a thought-leader. He is the current Board Chairman for Audubon International.  He serves as an expert source for Bloomberg News, Business Week, CNBC-Squawk Box, the Financial Times of London, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post.

He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University (BA – English) where he was an All-America golfer.

Also on hand to speak at the Iowa Golf Summit will be Rhett Evans, CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Hunki Yun, Director of Outreach, Education and Partnerships of the USGA, and Scott Kmiec, Senior Director, Career Services of the PGA of America.  All will give talks with focus on bringing more people to golf.

You can view more information, a complete schedule, and sign up for the Iowa Golf Summit here.

In addition to terrific education, these summits provide terrific networking opportunities for speakers and attendees.

Who should attend?

Anyone interested in golf is welcomed to attend.  If you are a decision-maker at your club, employee at a course, or involved in the golf industry in some way, or if you are just an avid golfer, you should seriously consider attending the Women’s Golf Summit, the Iowa Golf Summit, or both.  The Women’s Golf Summit is NOT restricted to female attendees, although females who play and work in golf are encouraged to attend. Board and committee members, Golf Professionals, Superintendents, Managers & department heads as well as Golf Sales Reps, Golf Coaches and anyone with ties to the golf industry will realize great value from either of these summits.

Cost?

The fee to attend is the Women’s Golf Summit is $40 per person.  The fee to attend the Iowa Golf Summit is $60 per person.  You can sign up for both for $80 (save $20).  Both summits include food & beverage throughout the day.

Place?

The Iowa Golf Summit will be held at the Otter Creek Golf Course and Conference Center in Ankeny, Iowa.  Otter Creek is located at 4100 NE Otter Creek Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023.

Click here to register for either Summit