Doug Dunakey, originally from Waterloo, began turning heads on the golf course at an early age. One of the first came at his hometown’s biggest event.

Dunakey, then 13 years-old, opened with a first round 69 at the Waterloo Open which earned him a final round pairing with former Masters champion Bob Goalby. Following wins at the Iowa Junior Amateur (1981), IGA Match Play (1985) and Iowa Amateur (1987) Dunakey turned professional and eventually made his way onto the PGA Tour.

Dunakey made 96 starts on the PGA Tour, including a third place finish at the 1999 Honda Classic and three top 10’s. He also made 72 starts on the (then) Nike Tour, which included a win at the 1998 Nike Cleveland Open. That win came one week after shooting 59 in the Nike Miami Valley Open.

Dunakey, who was a three-time All-American and team National Champion at California State University-Stanislaus, is remembered by many who grew up with him or played against him over the years as a great competitor.

“At a young age, he was a competitor that just hit his next shot without any dramatics – just getting the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible for that day,” IGA Board Member Tom Christensen said. “He cared about the game and those that he played with.”

Amateur Career
Iowa Junior Amateur – 1981
IGA Match Play – 1985
Iowa Amateur – 1987
3-time All-American and team National Champion at California State University-Stanislaus

Professional Career
Made 96 starts on the PGA Tour, including a third place finish at the 1999 Honda Classic and three top 10’s.
Made 72 starts on the (then) Nike Tour, which included a win at the 1998 Nike Cleveland Open. That win came one week after shooting 59 in the Nike Miami Valley Open.