In 1956, Sarg Fontanini made Iowa Golf history by becoming the first amateur golfer from Iowa to play in the Masters.   27 years after he began his golfing career as a caddy at the Wakonda Club at the age of 13, Sarg stepped foot onto Augusta National’s hallowed grounds.  During his playing career, Sarg won the Des Moines City Championship 4 different times and made an appearance in the 1956 U.S. Amateur.  Sarg won 5 matches before his run ended in the semi-finals.  That finish, however, was good enough to be one of eight amateurs invited to play in the 1957 Masters.  Sarg shot 85-83 and missed the cut that year.  Sarg’s successful amateur career also included a win at the Northwest Amateur in 1956 and two wins at the Herman Sani Invitational in 1958 and 1961.  Overall, Sarg has tournament victories in a total of six different decades.

1956     Semi-finalist in U.S. Amateur

1956     Northwest Amateur Champion

1958 & 1961     Herman Sani Champion

–  Qualified for the 1957 Masters, shot 85-83 to miss the cut

–  4-time Des Moines City Champion