Category: USGA

Ellis punches ticket to 2021 U.S. Senior Amateur

August 10, 20210 commentsNews, USGA, USGA Qualifiers

Gary Ellis (right) is headed to Detroit following his first attempt at qualifying for a U.S. Senior Amateur. The qualifier was held in Williamsburg at Stone Creek Golf Club and it played long, which suited the big-hitting 56-year-old of Norwalk.

Ellis fired a one-under round of 70 and tied with Jim Butler, of Fort Madison. The two competitors headed to the first tee box for a playoff to decide the who would qualify. Ellis pulled his drive to the left and Butler’s drive found the fairway, but left him with a long shot into the green.

“I had to lay up to about 30 yards after my tee shot and was able to make par,” Ellis said. “I shortened some holes today off the tee, which gave me a slight advantage.”

Butler managed a par and Ellis made birdie to came away with the medal. Though Butler missed the qualifying spot, he had an impressive round. Four of the six par threes resulted in birdies for Butler, and he finished as the first alternate.

The second alternate spot went to Ron Peterson who carded an even round of 71. Peterson played a solid round of golf and birdied the final hole to give himself a chance to join the playoff.

Gary Ellis will play at the Country Club of Detroit at the U.S. Senior Amateur beginning on August 28.

U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifying
1. *Gary Ellis -1 70 – Qualifier
2. Jim Butler -1 70 – 1st Alternate
3. Ron Peterson E 71 – 2nd Alternate
4. Chris Kramer +1 72
T5. Tom Norton +2 73
T5. Bret Taylor +2 73
*Won Playoff

Three advance to U.S. Amateur from Lake Panorama National Resort

July 7, 20210 commentsNews, USGA, USGA Qualifiers

Harrison Ott (right), of Brookfield, Wisconsin, claimed the medalist honors at U.S. Amateur Qualifying hosted by Lake Panorama National Golf Course in Panora. Ott went low in the first round, firing a 6-under 66 and was able to follow it up with a 5-under 67 in the final round.

“My goal was to get to 10-under par,” Ott said. “I got to 10-under, but then I bogeyed six. I came back and birdied seven and nine to get to 11-under and finished my round. “I thought 10 would do it, but I just had really good speed on my putt on nine and it ended up dropping.”

Ott wasn’t the only player to post a low score today, Cecil Belisle (left) carded a 70 and a 6-under 66 in his final round to earn second place. Belisle, who is from Red Wing, Minnesota, knew he had some work to do to qualify.

“My mom told me I was in a good spot, and she told me to stay focused and that is what I did,” Belisle said. “I said to myself that you have to make at least one more coming in and I ended up making two more.”

The third qualifying spot went to Dennis Bull (right), of Norwalk, who posted rounds of 68 and 70. Bull stayed inside the top-three for the entirety of the day. Bull recorded a birdie on 14 and 17 to take the third-place finish and the last ticket to Oakmont Country Club, site of the 2021 U.S. Amateur.

“It feels really good to qualify for this thing,” Bull said. “I have been playing well, but my putting has been struggling lately. We got off to a good start today by making a 15-footer for birdie on the first hole. My group played amazing today which really pushed me.”

A playoff was needed to decide the first and second alternates. Connor Peck defeated Nate McCoy on the fourth playoff hole to become the first alternate for the U.S. Amateur. Peck made birdie after just missing the green short with his second shot.

U.S. Amateur Qualifier
1. Harrison Ott 66-67 – Medalist
2. Cecil Belisle 70-66 – Qualifier
3. Dennis Bull 68-70 – Qualifier
4. Connor Peck 70-69 – 1st Alternate
5. Nate McCoy 71-68 – 2nd Alternate

Johnson, Tjoa share medalist honors, advance to U.S. Junior Championship

June 8, 20210 commentsNews, USGA, USGA Qualifiers

The U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina is now in sight for Ankeny native, Hunter Johnson (above left) and Cedar Falls native, Maxwell Tjoa (above right). Johnson and Tjoa fired rounds of 71 to earn co-medalists at the U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier at Briarwood Golf Club in Ankeny on Monday.

Johnson stuck to his game plan and played consistent, recording three birdies to only two bogeys. On his back nine, where he carded a 1-under 35, Johnson was bogey free with a lone birdie coming on hole 14.

“I knew I needed to hit fairways and attack pins when I could and just be cautious when I needed to be cautious,” Johnson said. “I know I am a pretty good ball striker, so I was able to hit through the strong winds in the afternoon.”

Tjoa had an early tee time and took advantage of it, going 4-under through his first 11 holes. A double on the tough 191-yard par-3 13th hole did not fluster Tjoa, he managed to keep his game right where it needed to be to advance to North Carolina.

“I just wanted to play my game and see how well I could play,” Tjoa said. “I wanted to play to my strengths, and I trusted my putting. I had an early tee time so throughout the entire round I played without wind, but towards the end of the round the wind started to pick up and made things a little tougher.”

North Carolina will bring some of the best golfers across the world and Johnson and Tjoa know that the experience will be unbeatable. They both have goals, but overall, they want to play the best they can against a strong field at the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

Jack Dumas, of LeClaire, recorded a birdie on the fourth playoff hole to defeat Owen Mullen, of Shortts Lake. Dumas earned the first alternate spot and Mullen will be the second alternate. Both players carded rounds of 72.

Co-Medalists:
Hunter Johnson – 71
Maxwell Tjoa – 71

1st Alternative:
Jack Dumas – 72

2nd Alternative:
Owen Mullen – 72

Iowa golfers chase dreams at U.S. Open Final Qualifying

June 7, 20210 commentsUSGA, USGA Qualifiers

The greatest players in the world will gather next June at Torrey Pines in San Diego, Calif., for the 121st U.S. Open. (Fred Vuich/USGA)

Several players from or with connections to Iowa chased the dream of the U.S. Open. Players listed below competed over 36-holes with a chance to qualify for the 121st U.S. Open to be played at Torrey Pines Golf Course (pictured above), San Diego, Calif., June 17-20. Final qualifying results and links are listed below.

Atlanta, Ga. – Piedmont Driving Club
Luke Slaymaker, Marion
https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2812281

Rockville, Md. – Woodmont Country Club (North Course)
Chris Baker, Iowa State University graduate – Qualified for U.S. Open
Brad Hopfinger, University of Iowa graduate
Andrew Petersen, Bondurant
https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/7077185672418724749

Purchase, N.Y. – Century Country Club & Old Oaks Country Club
Rod Hamblin, Iowa State University graduate
https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2791929

Columbus, Ohio – Brookside Golf & Country Club and The Lakes Golf & Country Club
Matthew Walker, Ottumwa
Sam Meuret, West Des Moines
Tripp Kinney, Des Moines
Nate Yankovich, University of Iowa graduate
https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2464349

Springfield, Ohio – Springfield Country Club
Carson Schaake, University of Iowa graduate – Qualified for U.S. Open (Medalist)
Troy Merritt, Osage (born) – Qualified for U.S. Open
https://www.miamivalleygolf.org/events/event-pages/usga/us-open-sectional/tee-times-7824.html

IGA welcomes three P.J. Boatwright interns for 2021

May 18, 20210 commentsNews, USGA

From left – P.J. Boatwright interns Annika Patton, Gavin Matthias and Justin Farrell

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is excited to announce its three P.J. Boatwright Internships for 2021. Each intern will be primarily focused on the following areas – Championship Administration, 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 in addition to their focus area.

Annika Patton, from Aurelia, will serve at the Championship Administration intern. Patton said that the game of golf has been a passion of hers and has enjoyed playing for as long as she can remember. Patton is a 2019 graduate of Alta-Aurelia High School and currently attends the University of Northern Iowa. Studying Business Management and Sport Administration.

“I look forward to gaining hands-on experience in the golf industry this summer as a 2021 Iowa Golf Association P.J. Boatwright Intern,” Patton said. “Having played in IGA Championships throughout my career as a junior and beyond, I was excited for the opportunity to come aboard the IGA to work with and serve many of those who I have looked up to over the years. Most of all, I look forward to meeting and reconnecting with many of Iowa’s great players.”

Gavin Matthias, of Ankeny, will serve as the Handicapping & Course Rating intern. Matthias, who attended Ankeny Centennial High School, attends the University of Iowa and is studying Sports Management and Recreation.

“I have spent the last four years working at Otter Creek in Ankeny,” Matthias said. “I have enjoyed working with junior golfers, working in the pro shop and being around the golf industry. I applied for the P.J. Boatwright Internship because I want to work in the golf industry after I graduate college, and the internship looked like a great opportunity to learn, gain experience, and meet new people within the golf industry. I am looking forward to the 2021 season.”

Justin Farrell, of Preston, will serve as the Marketing & Communications intern. Farrell attended Easton Valley High School and currently is studying at Iowa State University.

“It was not until my freshman year of high school when I started to play golf and developed a passion for the sport,” Farrell said. “My focus turned to finding a future career within the game of golf, and that brought me to Iowa State. I am currently majoring in public relations and have recently completed my sophomore year. I worked within Iowa State Athletics and my love for golf and other sports started to grow. I saw the opportunity to work with an amazing organization like the Iowa Golf Association and jumped on it immediately. I knew I would enjoy the opportunity and the experiences would be rewarding.”

The program honors the contributions of P.J. Boatwright Jr. (pictured), the USGA’s third executive director, who played a pivotal role in the development of both the USGA and golf in the United States. An accomplished amateur player and one of the game’s foremost Rules experts, he served as executive director of the Carolinas Golf Association for five years before joining the USGA in 1959. He served the association until his death in 1991, leaving a legacy of sportsmanship and service.

In addition to being a recipient of the Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor, Boatwright’s legacy is celebrated through his enshrinement in the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame, Wofford College Hall of Fame and Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame, among others. In 1990, the Golf Writers Association of America presented him with the William D. Richardson Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to golf.

The internship program is part of the USGA’s annual $70 million investment back into the game fueled by revenues generated by the U.S. Open Championship.

Four grab spots into U.S. Open Final Qualifying

May 4, 20210 commentsUSGA, USGA Qualifiers

Survive and advance was the name of the game at Monday’s U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Beaver Hills Country Club, Cedar Falls. With four qualifying spots up for grabs into Final Qualifying for the U.S. Open, players battled nerves as well as the elements, which included off and on rain most of the day, in pursuit of a dream.

Des Moines’ Tripp Kinney, who was -9 at one point in his round, shared medalist honors with Andrew Petersen, of Bondurant, (both pictured above – Kinney left, Petersen right) as both posted rounds of 66 (-6) to secure two of the four qualifying spots available. Sam Meuret (right), of West Des Moines, shot 67 (-5) to elude a playoff of five players, who shot 69 (-3) chasing the final spot.

With a birdie on the first playoff hole, Ottumwa’s Matthew Walker (left)  captured the lone remaining spot. All four are now one step closer to the U.S. Open and will compete at Final Qualifying locations across the country in a couple of weeks.

“I chipped in for eagle on #2,” Kinney, who shot 30 (-6) on his opening nine holes, said. “I hit it to an inch on #7, so those were my two eagles. I made a couple of other good putts from 10-15 feet on the front (nine). I was really happy with the way I hit it all day.”

With rain in the forecast, Kinney felt like he could score well – making six birdies and a pair of eagles during his round.

“You had to figure out the course,” Kinney said. “You have a lot of wedges into these greens, but the ball would still skip somewhat before spinning back. Without the wind you can attack this course and hit it close. I had prepared really well for today and it translated.”

Kinney commented that he never looked at the leaderboard during the day.

“I just tried to keep attacking the course,” Kinney said.

Andrew Petersen, who made seven birdies against just a lone bogey, said keeping the ball in play and under control was important.

“I was able to hit every green today,” Petersen said. “I had a lot of looks at birdies. A little bit of moisture softened things up some, as it was dry when I played my practice round. I tried to take advantage of the par 5 holes when I could and everything else just fell into place.”

Petersen said he wasn’t really keeping an eye on where he stood during the day either.

“Honestly, I usually have enough going on with my own play,” Petersen said. “I just tried to keep track of my own ball. I didn’t have any idea where I stood. I set myself up off the tee well today and had a lot of wedges into greens. I could have putted better, but I gave myself a lot of opportunities.”

Kinney and Petersen both commented they hope to head to Ohio for Final Qualifying.

“Maybe I can rub elbows with some of the tour guys,’ Petersen said.

Kinney said he looked at the two Ohio options due to the simple fact he could drive to either. A total of 10 Final Qualifying sites will be used in the United States on May 24 and June 7.

Marion’s Luke Slaymaker (1st) and LeClaire’s Jack Dumas (2nd) earned alternate status into Final Qualifying on Monday as well.

Click here for final scoring results

Additional Distance Research, Areas of Interest Proposed by governing bodies

February 2, 20210 commentsNews, USGA

The USGA and The R&A are re-engaging with the golf industry on the Distance Insights project, which aims to help achieve a more sustainable long-term future for golf.

The governing bodies are issuing specific Areas of Interest to help mitigate continuing distance increases and three proposed changes to the Equipment Rules to ensure their effectiveness in relation to distance limits.

The delivery of research topics related to hitting distances and golf’s sustainability was delayed in 2020 to allow the golf industry to focus on the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Areas of Interest notice, sent on Monday to golf equipment manufacturers, follows the conclusions of the Distance Insights Report delivered last February. It is the first step of the established Equipment Rulemaking Procedures, which give the opportunity for golf’s stakeholders to provide research and perspectives on topics that might lead to equipment Rules changes.

In addition, three proposals related to Equipment Standards were also sent to the manufacturers yesterday and have been published – two to modernize equipment testing protocols and the other to consider the adoption of a Model Local Rule that would provide flexibility for committees, if they so choose, to limit the maximum length for clubs other than putters from 48 to 46 inches. Notice and comment periods have begun immediately to invite feedback on each of the three proposals from golf industry stakeholders.

Click here to learn more

2021 Boatwright Internship Opportunities with the IGA

January 8, 20210 commentsNews, Uncategorized, USGA

The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is excited to offer three (3) P.J. Boatwright Internships in 2021 – Championship Administration, 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 multiple 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, Chad Pitts, Katelynn Hogenson, Nate McCoy and Clint Brown are all former Boatwright interns.

The deadline to apply is Monday, March 8th or until position(s) are filled (whichever is later).

Click the links below to view the 2021 Intern job description and instructions for applying.

– Championship Administration Intern

– Handicap & Course Rating Intern

– Marketing & Communications Intern

2021 IGA Championship, USGA Qualifying Schedule announced

November 13, 20200 commentsChampionships, News, USGA Qualifiers

The Falls, in Larchwood, will host the IGA Four-Ball Championship in 2021.

The 2021 IGA Championship calendar has been released. The schedule includes a wonderful lineup of IGA Member Clubs that will serve as host sites for next year’s IGA championships.

In 2021, the Iowa Amateur will be conducted at Wakonda Club in Des Moines, July 12-14. This coming year will mark the sixth time the Iowa Amateur will be held at the club, with the first time being in 1926. The last time the classic venue hosted the Iowa Amateur was in 2005 when Brian Verudyn captured the title with a two-over par total of 218. Since 2013, the club has been home to the Principal Charity Classic on the PGA Tour Champions. The William Langford-designed golf course will provide a great stage for the state’s best amateurs.

The Iowa Women’s Amateur will be played at Dubuque Golf & Country Club in Dubuque, July 26-28. It has been over five decades since the club first hosted the Iowa Women’s Amateur in 1970, when Corkey Nydle of Ottumwa earned the title. The club has hosted the Iowa Amateur in 2001, 1988, 1968, 1962, and the Iowa Mid-Amateur in 1994. While not exceptionally long, the course requires precision shot making and good course management. It’s natural terrain and mature tree-lined fairways will challenge the experienced golfer, while providing a playable experience for many.

The men’s and women’s IGA Match Play Championship will return to Talons of Tuscany in Ankeny, June 29-July 2. Talons of Tuscany, is a privately-owned course routed between beautiful rock walled streams and covered bridges. In 2020, the men’s and women’s IGA Match Play Championship was held at Talons of Tuscany for the first time, when 2020 Men’s Player of the Year Connor Peck and IGA veteran Leanne Smith took home the hardware.

In 2021, The Preserve on Rathbun Lake in Moravia will host the Iowa Senior Amateur. The dates of the championship are Thursday-Saturday, August 19-21. The Preserve has hosted numerous IGA Championships in the past and hosts the Southeast Iowa Amateur, an Additional Sanctioned Point Event, each year.

The Iowa Wife-Husband Championship is set to return to Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo. The championship is set for Sept. 17-19. The tournament will remain a 3-day format in which couples choose to play their two rounds on Friday & Saturday, Friday & Sunday or Saturday & Sunday.

The Herman Sani Tournament will return to Johnston’s Hyperion Field Club in 2021. The ‘Sani’ has a long and storied history at Hyperion Field Club, as the event was held there every year from 1953 – 2012. Since 2013 the event rotates between Echo Valley Country Club and Hyperion Field Club and continues to feature the state’s best amateur and professional golfers vying for the trophy. The 2021 edition of The Sani was slated to be held at Echo Valley CC, but due to anticipated course projects at Echo Valley CC, Hyperion Field Club has agreed to host again next year with plans of Echo Valley CC hosting in 2022.

Elmwood Country Club, in Marshalltown, has agreed to host the 2021 Iowa Cup, with dates of that event still to be finalized at this time.

In addition to those championships already listed, the IGA will conduct events at the following venues – Finkbine Golf Club (Iowa Mid-Amateur), The Falls (IGA Four-Ball), Geneva Golf & Country Club (IGA Senior Match Play), Hillcrest Golf & Country Club (Iowa Forever 39 Match Play), Jester Park Golf Course in Granger (Father/Son, Parent/Child), Coldwater Golf Links (Iowa Junior & Girls’ Junior Amateur), Sioux City Country Club (IGA Women’s Four-Ball), Elmcrest Country Club (Women’s Club Team), Indianola Country Club (Iowa Senior Women’s Amateur) and The Meadows Golf Club (IGA Club Team).

The IGA Women’s Mid-Am Series events and IGA Member Play Days will be scheduled and announced at a later time.

The IGA will also conduct and administer several USGA Qualifiers throughout the state in 2021. Here are the sites for this year’s qualifying events:

  • Beaver Hills Country Club, Cedar Falls – U.S. Open Local Qualifier
  • Briarwood Golf Club, Ankeny – U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier
  • Lake Panorama National Golf Course, Panora – U.S. Amateur Qualifier
  • Stone Creek Golf Club, Williamsburg – U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier
  • Stone Creek Golf Club, Williamsburg – U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Qualifier
  • Otter Creek Golf Course, Ankeny – U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier
  • Blue Top Ridge, Riverside – U.S. Four-Ball Qualifier

Entries to all IGA Championships will be available in March. Entries will be available for USGA Championships at a later date, which will be determined by the USGA and announced on their website.

 

 

Follow those with Iowa ties at the 2020 U.S. Amateur

August 10, 20200 commentsUSGA

The par-4 eighth hole at Bandon Dunes golf course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Ore. on Saturday, June 15, 2019. (Copyright USGA/Steven Gibbons)

The first two rounds of stroke play qualifying for the 120th U.S. Amateur Championship begin today, Monday (Aug. 10) and Tuesday (Aug. 11), at 7,214-yard, par-72 Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon Dunes) and at 6,850-yard, par-71 Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon Trails), in Bandon, Ore.

Below are players with Iowa ties and their tee times (PST).
Monday (Aug. 10), BT, Hole #1 / Tuesday (Aug. 11), BD, Hole #1 – 8:39 a.m. / 12:52 p.m. – Tripp Kinney, Des Moines (Iowa State University)

Monday (Aug. 10), BD, Hole #1 / Tuesday (Aug. 11), BT, Hole #1 – 9:23 a.m. / 1:36 p.m. – Eugene Elliott, West Des Moines

Monday (Aug. 10), BD, Hole #1 / Tuesday (Aug. 11), BT, Hole #1 – 9:56 a.m. / 2:09 p.m. – Lachlan Barker, Australia (Iowa State University)

Monday (Aug. 10), BD, Hole #1 / Tuesday (Aug. 11), BT, Hole #1 – 11:13 a.m. / 7 a.m. – Alex Schaake, Omaha, Neb. (University of Iowa)

Also – Indianola’s Jake Marvelli will be caddying for Tanner Owens this week in Oregon.

The U.S. Amateur consists of 36 holes of stroke play on Aug. 10 and 11, after which the 264-player field will be reduced to the low 64 scorers. There will be six rounds of match play, starting Aug. 12. The quarterfinals and semifinals are slated for Friday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Aug. 15, respectively. The championship is scheduled to conclude with a 36-hole final on Sunday, Aug. 16, starting at 9:30 a.m. PDT.

Click here for more information on this year’s event

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