Category: USGA

Three P.J. Boatwright Interns begin summer at IGA, reflect on trip to USGA in New Jersey

June 1, 20230 commentsNews, USGA

From left – 2023 P.J. Boatwright Interns for the Iowa Golf Association Gavin Matthias, Derek Peng and Paige Hoffman.

The P.J. Boatwright internship has been an instrumental part of the Iowa Golf Association. All five staff members were once P.J. Boatwright interns, and interns are vital to the IGA’s services and championships. The IGA offers three internship positions: Marketing and Communication, Handicapping and Course Rating, and Championship Administration. In addition to their specific duties, interns gain experience in all aspects of golf administration, from answering the phone to starting pairings in tournaments.

Derek Peng is this year’s Marketing and Communication Intern. Studying Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Derek played golf and tennis at Ames High School. He’s an avid learner who enjoys photography and playing sports.
“I love golf, I love being creative, and I love being around people,” he explained, “At the IGA I can do what I love.”
Clint Brown, Director of Communications & Marketing at the IGA, commented he’s looking forward to the summer and working with the young Peng.
“I am excited to get started with the summer and hope to provide Derek with a well-rounded experience,” Brown said. “I was an intern with the IGA a long time ago (2003), so I know what it’s like to be in that situation. You want to learn but also put your skills to work. I look forward to not only mentoring Derek, but also learning from him on things he is great at. The key is having fun with the internship and I want Derek to look back on his experience favorably.”
Paige Hoffman, of West Des Moines, joins the team this summer as the Handicapping and Course Rating Intern. Well-known as a talented golfer, Paige plays collegiate golf at Northwest Missouri State University where she studies Data Science.

“I’m interested in pursuing a career in golf, and interning with the IGA is a first step in seeing what a career in golf may look like,” Paige said.

Nate McCoy, Director of Handicapping & Course Rating, is excited to have Paige on board.
“I’m looking forward to having another Course Rating partner and an extra hand to help with everything that we do day to day. On top of that, Paige is an extremely nice person and will be sure to brighten up our days.”
Our Championship Administration Intern, Gavin Matthias, recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Sport and Recreation Management. This is his third year as an intern with the IGA, and he wants to fulfill a stronger leadership position among the interns with his additional experience. He hopes to begin a career in golf administration and looks to make more professional connections through his final stint as an intern.
“I’m excited to see Gavin take on more of a leadership role in his last year as an intern and fine tune his skills before entering his job search as he looks for a full-time position,” Karli Kerrigan, the Director of Competitions, said regarding Matthias

Interns participate in PJB Intern Summit

The P.J. Boatwright Intern Summit returned  to the USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 earlier in May. A 6:00 a.m. flight delivered our interns bright and early to the great Garden State.

After dinner with over ninety interns from Allied Golf Associations around the country, Gavin and Derek hit the hotel gym for a quick lift, and then the interns’ first evening wrapped up with some cards.

The following morning, USGA CEO Mike Whan shared his wisdom and experience. Over the next two days, interns attended seminars on subjects such as GHIN, handicapping and course rating, championship administration, rules, the Green Section, player relations, a new national development initiative,  and USGA history. Additionally, former P.J. Boatwright interns currently working with the USGA provided insight into careers in sports administration and business.

“It was cool learning the process of how rules are made and updated,” Gavin said, “I enjoyed seeing how the USGA works with the R&A along with representatives from all the other major golf bodies around the world.”

An etiquette lunch proved surprisingly amusing. Gavin demonstrated how to properly shake hands. Meanwhile, Derek and Paige dined beside Mike Whan, who was there for lunch and not the lesson.

Above all, interns had the opportunity to meet other interns. An evening at Topgolf, a friendly putting competition, and shared meals produced new connections every day.

“I enjoyed networking with other interns from around the country, especially finding a Midwestern community,” Paige recounted.

Gavin and Derek echoed her thoughts.

“Chatting with other interns, we learned of differences and similarities between our golf associations,” Derek said.

Gavin added that it was a unique opportunity to meet other interns, and much more enjoyable than the previous virtual summits.

Four advance from U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Glen Oaks CC

May 2, 20230 commentsChampionships, USGA, USGA Qualifiers

(From left) Josh Bousman (73), Brandon Bauman (73), Lucas Scherf (74) & Jack Dumas (74) advance from U.S. Open Championship Local Qualifying hosted by Glen Oaks Country Club on May 1.

Brutal.

To put it lightly Glen Oaks Country Club played tough for the field on Monday, during U.S. Open Local Qualifying. Strong, gusting winds (30-40+ mph), cooler temperatures and championship course conditions left many scratching their head after their round and several just glad to have ‘weathered’ the day.

Professionals Josh Bousman (Clinton) and Brandon Bauman (Las Vegas) fared the best, posting 73 (+2) to share medalist honors and advance to Final Qualifying. Both players were successful in keeping the big number off the scorecard, as each had only one score higher than double bogey and added five birdies to the mix, on a day that sent scores sailing.

“This was one of the hardest rounds of golf I have ever played,” Bauman said. “I tried to pick a spot on the driving range to get a feel for the wind. No matter what direction the wind was, you had to take it flat out one shot at a time. I practically had to start it out of bounds on #12, in order to hit the fairway. You had to make a few birdies to have a chance on Monday. There’s no way you could par all 18 holes, you were going to make a bogey here and there.”

Bousman closed out his day with three straight birdies (on holes #7-9), which he commented were holes he thought he could attack.

“It was a grind out there,” Bousman said. “There weren’t any holes you could just put it in neutral. I switched golf balls (on Monday) to keep my spin down into the greens. I knew #7, #8 and #9 were my best chances to make birdie, so I was just trying to get to that stretch with a chance. I wasn’t trying to think too far ahead. I actually left my eagle putt on my last hole just short. I had a lot of birdie opportunities and tried to stay below the hole as much as I could, so I could be aggressive on the greens. I didn’t have any three-putts on the day.”

Rounding out the final two of four qualifying spots included a pair of Drake University golfers, Lucas Scherf and Jack Dumas, who both posted 74 (+3). Scherf collected four birdies in his round, while Dumas found pars to be his friend – making 10 total on the day.

Earning 1st Alternate on Monday was Tracy Vest (Iowa City) by way of a four-hole playoff that began with five total players who posted 75 (+4). Sam Meuret (Waukee) earned 2nd Alternate. 

Click here for complete results

USGA Announces Amateur Championship Qualifying Modifications

March 22, 20230 commentsUSGA, USGA Qualifiers

Changes to U.S. Amateur, U.S. Women’s Amateur, U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Girls’ Junior qualifying will be introduced in 2024

In an effort to continuously enhance and evolve the competitor experience, the USGA is announcing significant modifications to its amateur championship qualifying model for the first time in more than 20 years. These changes, which will take effect for the organization’s four premier amateur championships beginning in 2024, will allow the events to retain their openness while ensuring that high-caliber players are provided ample opportunity to earn a spot in the field and that qualifying can be conducted at the highest level among growing entries and field sizes.

“The openness and aspirational nature of our championships is a defining characteristic of USGA championships,” said Brent Paladino, senior director, Championship Administration. “As the number of entries and qualifying sites have continued to increase on a yearly basis, we looked at ways to evolve our structure to ensure the long-term sustainability of qualifying without excessively burdening Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) and host clubs. These revisions will provide players with additional pathways to our championships through traditional qualifying, expanded exemption categories and performance in state, AGA, regional and national amateur championships.”

In 2022, the USGA accepted 44,737 total entries and collaborated with AGAs to conduct a combined 678 qualifiers across 15 championships.

The most significant revisions for 2024 are to the U.S. Amateur, which will move from a one-stage, 36-hole qualifying format to a two-stage qualifying format with 45 18-hole local qualifying sites and 19 18-hole final qualifying sites. Other adjustments include:

  • Exemptions for state, AGA, regional and national amateur champions based on established criteria and historical WAGR event power rankings;
  • Expansion of World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR) exemption category to top 100 ranked players (previously 50);
  • Establishment of local exemptions, which include top finishers in USGA championships, state/AGA amateur championships and top 600 WAGR players.

Changes to the other championships’ qualifying structures are outlined below:

U.S. Women’s Amateur 

  • Modest reduction in qualifying sites through the establishment of geographic rotations;
  • Exemptions for state, AGA, regional and national amateur champions based on established criteria and historical WAGR event power rankings;
  • Expansion of WAGR exemption category to top 50 players (previously 25).

 

U.S. Junior Amateur / U.S. Girls’ Junior 

  • Alignment of qualifying structure to encourage AGAs to conduct joint or concurrent qualifying;
  • Exemptions for state, AGA, regional and national junior amateur champions based on established criteria and historical WAGR event power rankings;
  • U.S. Junior Am expansion of WAGR age-filtered exemption category to top 100 (previously 85);
  • U.S. Girls’ Junior expansion of WAGR age-filtered exemption category to top 50 (previously 40).

There will also be a lowering of Handicap Index® limits across all four championships and modifications to the performance policy that will be announced later. Determinations on the individual state, AGA, regional and national championships that will be part of the 2024 exemption criteria will be published prior to the release of entries for the respective championship.

The modifications will result in a net reduction of 94 qualifying sites, while providing more opportunities for players to earn a spot in a USGA championship through expanded exemptions, state/AGA amateur championships and traditional qualifying.

Entries for 2024 USGA amateur championships will open next spring. The 2024 U.S. Amateur will be held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn.; the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur will be held at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla.; while the 2024 Junior Amateur will be held at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; and the 2024 Girls’ Junior will be played at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, Calif.

USGA to offer free Rules of Golf webinars

March 2, 20230 commentsRules, USGA

Denny Samuelson

With golf season starting to open around the country, the USGA rules team would like to provide IGA members with two free rules of golf workshops. These workshops will cover two of the most widely used rules golfers come across every day, free relief and penalty relief. These beginner workshops will be taught by two senior members of the USGA Rules team in Ben Schade and Kathryn Belanger.

Free Webinar Schedule

Wednesday, March 15, at 4:30 PM CDT – Free Relief (taught by Kathryn Belanger)
Registration URL – https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/728091531068943447

Wednesday, March 22, at 2:00 PM CDT – Penalty Relief (taught by Ben Schade)
Registration URL – https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2889187133020834394

2023 Rules of Golf – Key Changes

January 23, 20230 commentsRules, Uncategorized, USGA

The USGA and The R&A have unveiled a regular update to the Rules of Golf as they continue to make the Rules easier to understand and apply. The new Rules will go into effect on January 1, 2023.

The 2023 edition continues the modernization process, with an emphasis on both inclusion and sustainability. For the first time, the modified Rules for players with disabilities have been fully incorporated into the playing rules without the need to adopt a local rule. The governing bodies, supported by longstanding partner Rolex, will also promote digital and mobile app access to the Rules while significantly reducing the production and distribution of more than 4 million printed books.

Read the entire release here

VISIT THE USGA RULES HOME

PRINCIPAL CHANGES INTRODUCED IN THE 2023 RULES OF GOLF

WATCH 25 SHORT VIDEOS DEMONSTRATING THE NEW RULES OF GOLF

2023 Boatwright Internship Opportunities with the IGA

January 12, 20230 commentsNews, Uncategorized, USGA

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is excited to offer two (2) P.J. Boatwright Internships in 2023 – Handicapping & Course Rating and Marketing & Communications. Each internship will be for four months. Working under the direction of the IGA Executive Director and senior staff, the interns will learn about all aspects of amateur golf administration.

Individuals are more than welcome to apply for both internship positions – If doing so, please make sure to fill out each application (available below). If you do apply for multiple internships, the IGA will reach to you for your preferred choice.

The IGA is an Allied Golf Association (AGA) of the USGA and is the governing body for golf in the state of Iowa.  It exists as a non-profit organization that works to preserve, protect and promote the best interests and spirit of the game.  As “caretakers” of the game the IGA works to preserve the rich history of golf in our state and to provide numerous services that benefit all that play the game in Iowa.

In 1991, the USGA established the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program. P.J. Boatwright (pictured above), the USGA’s third executive director, played a pivotal role in both the USGA and golf in the U.S. This program is designed to give experience to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in golf administration, while assisting state and regional golf associations in the promotion of amateur golf, on a short-term, entry-level basis. At the IGA, all current full-time staff members (Clint Brown, Katelynn Hogenson, Karli Kerrigan, Nate McCoy and Chad Pitts) are all former Boatwright interns.

The deadline to apply is Friday, February 24th or until position(s) are filled (whichever is later).

Click the links below to view the 2023 Intern job description and instructions for applying.

– Handicap & Course Rating Intern

– Marketing & Communications Intern

Four to represent Iowa at U.S. Mid-Amateur in Wisconsin

September 9, 20220 commentsUSGA

From left – David Combs, Mike McCoy and Nate McCoy. Not pictured – Michael Canfield will join the other three as the fourth Iowan at the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur. (photo courtesy of Vaughn Halyard)

Fields are set, courses are prepped and four Iowans are ready to take on the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. The competition will be held at Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin and Blue Mound Golf and Country Club in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. 

Iowa will send two first-timers in David Combs and Michael Canfield. who qualified out of Geneva Country Club in Muscatine. Canfield joined Combs as the medalist out of the qualifier after carding rounds of 68.

This season, Combs recorded a top-five finish at the IGA Mid-Amateur Championship and he made it to the round of 16 in the IGA Match Play Championship. 

Last year’s IGA Player of the Year and this year’s current leader for IGA Player of the Year, Nate McCoy, will chase after the title alongside his father and 2023 United States Walker Cup Captain, Mike McCoy. 

Nate McCoy has impressed many with his performances this season, totaling five wins, including the Iowa Amateur Championship, the IGA Match Play Championship and the Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship. McCoy also claimed victories at the Iowa Masters and The Classic. 

Currently, the younger McCoy ranks as the ninth best mid-amateur, according to World Amateur Golf Rankings. In the overall amateur rankings, McCoy sits inside the top 180 amateur in the world as the highest ranked Iowan.

The former U.S. Mid-Amateur champion, Mike McCoy, looks to make another run at it this year. McCoy’s season has been nothing short of remarkable. Highlights of his season include taking home the R&A British Senior Amateur Championship, along with qualifying and making it to the round of 16 at the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship. 

Our four Iowans will be tested this week at two of the top courses in the United States. The format for the championship includes a 36-hole stroke play qualifier to decide the 64-player match play bracket. Follow the action and your fellow Iowans at the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship on Sept. 10-15. 

Brown’s Quarterfinal Appearance Leads Strong Iowa Fivesome at U.S. Senior Amateur

September 2, 20220 commentsUSGA

Jon Brown (above) reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Senior Amateur championship in his first try. He led a strong contingent of five Iowans in the field. (photo courtesy of USGA)

The state of Iowa was well represented at the recently contested U.S. Senior Amateur held August 27-Sept. 1 at The Kittansett Club in Marion, Mass. Jon Brown, Gene Elliott, Curtis Holck, Mike McCoy, and Joe Palmer were all part of the 156-player field competing in the 67th annual edition of the championship.

Brown, who reached the minimum age of 55 a day before the championship started, led the Iowa contingent through the 36-hole medal play qualifying by firing a 72-70 to match the fourth lowest qualifying score at 142. He then advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Oscar Mestre (1 up), Jim Plotkin (3&2) and John Adams (25 holes), the latter equaling the second longest match in the championship.

Brown was eliminated in the quarterfinals by veteran Doug Hanzel, the 2013 U.S. Senior Amateur champion, by a 5&4 margin.

Three other Iowans reached the match play segment of the championship. Reigning British Senior Amateur Champion and Walker Cup captain Mike McCoy of Des Moines registered another solid USGA showing by reaching the round of 16 in match play before being defeated by England’s Stephen Jensen 3&1. McCoy qualified for the match play segment (low 64 medal play) by firing a 78-71-149, then defeated Erik Hanson (22 holes) and Jeff Wilson (20 holes) in the rounds of 64 and 32 respectively.

Defending champion Gene Elliott of West Des Moines reached the round of 32 by shooting a 152 in the medal play qualifying and beating Tom Winegardner (1 up) in the first round. He was defeated by Stephen Jensen (1 up) in the second round. Elliott was competing for the first time in several weeks after being hampered with injuries for most of the 2022 season.

Recently crowned Iowa Senior Amateur champion Joe Palmer of Norwalk also reached the round of 32. Palmer qualified with a 152 then defeated Danny Nelson 3&2 in the round of 64. He was defeated by former PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour player Lee Porter 1 up in the second round of match play.

The final Iowan in the field, Curtis Holck of Ankeny shot a 79-80 in the medal portion of the championship but did not qualify for match play.

Five to represent Iowa at U.S. Senior Amateur

August 26, 20220 commentsUSGA

Five Iowans are set to tee it up at the 2022 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship this week. There are only seven states that have more qualifiers than Iowa this year. The prestigious championship is being played at The Kittansett Club (above) in Marion, Massachusetts from August 27 – September 1. 

Gene Elliott will look to defend his title after dealing with injuries this summer. Last year, Elliott defeated the No. 9 seed, Jerry Gunthorpe, in the final round to claim the 2021 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship. 

Currently, Elliott ranks as the second best senior amateur according to World Amateur Golf Rankings. He also finds himself ranked inside the top-500 for amateurs in the world. 

Mike McCoy, your 2023 United States Walker Cup Captain, has his eyes set on completing the same feat Elliott accomplished last year. McCoy dominated the field overseas at the 2022 British Senior Amateur Championship earlier this summer, and looks to keep that momentum going.

During last year’s U.S. Senior Amateur Championship, McCoy fell in the Round of 32 to Elliott. As the fourth ranked senior amateur according to WAGR, McCoy’s expectations are at an all-time high. 

Recently crowned as the 44th Iowa Senior Amateur Champion, Joe Palmer is set play alongside his fellow Iowans this week. Known for his match play performances, Palmer will likely make some noise in Massachusetts. 

As a senior amateur, Palmer ranks inside the top-15 according to WAGR. With momentum coming off a come-back victory at the Iowa Senior Amateur Championship, Palmer looks forward to more competition. 

Jon Brown, the ‘youngster’ of the group, is set to compete in the first U.S. Senior Amateur Championship he is eligible for. Brown cracked the top-25 age-eligible points leaders in WAGR and will be the youngest player in the field. Coming off his 13th career Des Moines Men’s City Championship victory, Brown has some positive momentum as he heads into next week. 

Qualifying out of Hyperion Field Club, in Johnston, was the Ankeny native, Curtis Holck. With two victories on the year coming at the IGA Four-Ball and The Classic in Marshalltown, Holck could make a run this week. 

The format for the championship includes a 36-hole stroke play qualifier to decide the 64-player match play bracket. The last senior standing will be crowned the 2022 U.S. Senior Amateur Champion.

Canfield, Combs advance to 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur

August 2, 20220 commentsUSGA, USGA Qualifiers

David Combs (above left) and Michael Canfield (above right) are headed to a USGA Championship for the first time in their careers. After qualifying for the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship, hosted by Geneva Golf and Country Club, Combs and Canfield will travel to Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin come early September. 

Canfield had to sit and wait for the rest of the field to finish after turning in his three-under round of 68 early in the day. The wait was worth it, but there was still work to be done.

Canfield joined Combs and two others in a four-player playoff to decide the qualifiers and alternates. With a par on the first and second holes, Canfield and Combs shook hands and congratulated each other as first-time USGA Championship qualifiers. 

It was a special moment for the two qualifiers. Full of excitement, Canfield hopped into the cart, after taping in and called his family. 

“I made it,” Canfield said. 

The feeling of qualifying for a USGA Championship is like no other. Only 18-holes to qualify makes it important to get off to a strong start.

“I haven’t played in a qualifier in a while, so early in the round I had to put myself in the position to go get it,” said Combs. 

At the turn, Combs was sitting at even par and three shots back. Birdies on 10 and 11 put Combs one shot back of Canfield. Combs made a putt off the green on 17 for birdie to tie Canfield and sneak into the playoff. 

Tying Combs and Canfield at three-under, Ryan Horner earned 1st Alternate honors after making a bogey on the second playoff hole. Horner had it going early in his round, but a bogey on the 17th hole sent him into the playoff. 

The 2nd Alternate honors went to Charlie Hoyle, who rounded out the four-way tie for first place. Hoyle’s impressive four-under start through his first four holes gave him an early edge. Late bogeys on 15, 16 and the first playoff hole put Hoyle in the 2nd Alternate position. 

On August 8-9, the IGA is conducting the 57th Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. Lake Panorama Golf Course in Panora is hosting the historic championship. Use our live scoring feature to follow the leaderboard next week.

U.S. Mid-Am Qualifier
T1. Michael Canfield -3 68 *Qualifier*
T1. David Combs -3 68 *Qualifier*
3. Ryan Horner -3 68 *1st Alternate*
4. Charlie Hoyle -3 68 *2nd Alternate*

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