The Iowa Golf Association is proud to recognize Ron Peterson (right) as the 2026 recipient of the George Turner Distinguished Service Award, honoring his longstanding commitment to the IGA, his dedication to championship golf in Iowa, and his countless contributions as a volunteer and leader.

For more than two decades, Ron has played an important role in advancing the mission of the Iowa Golf Association. Through his service on the IGA Board of Directors, leadership on the Rules & Competitions Committee, work with the Sani Scholarship Selection Committee, and growing commitment to championship volunteering, Ron has consistently given his time and expertise to support the game and the people who make it special.

His contributions reflect the spirit of the George Turner Distinguished Service Award: a lasting dedication to Iowa golf through service, leadership, and an unwavering willingness to help wherever needed.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Ron’s involvement with the Iowa Golf Association dates back to 2001, when he began serving on the IGA Board of Directors. He remained on the board through 2010 before returning in 2026, bringing years of experience and institutional knowledge back to the organization.

He also served on the Rules & Competitions Committee from 2001 through 2025, including a distinguished tenure as committee chair from 2002 to 2010. During those years, Ron contributed to the administration of competitions and the continued development of championship golf throughout the state.

His service to the IGA also includes a longstanding commitment to supporting the next generation. Ron joined the Sani Scholarship Selection Committee in 2009 and has continued to serve ever since, becoming committee chair in 2026. Through this work, he has helped support the scholarship program and its role in providing educational opportunities for Iowa students.

These decades of involvement demonstrate Ron’s commitment not only to the success of individual championships, but also to the long-term strength and growth of the Iowa golf community.

Going Above and Beyond as a Championship Volunteer
In recent years, Ron has taken his service to another level by becoming a dedicated volunteer at IGA championships and events throughout Iowa.

After attending a USGA/PGA Rules Workshop and becoming a certified rules official, Ron began devoting significant time to supporting tournament operations. His willingness to travel to events, assist competitors, and help ensure championships run smoothly has quickly made him a valued presence across the IGA schedule.

In 2025, Ron volunteered seven days across five different championships. In 2026, he more than doubled that commitment, contributing 16 days of service across 10 different championships.

His involvement also builds on years of helping at IGA junior and women’s events, where he regularly volunteered at tournaments in which he was not competing himself. Beyond IGA events, Ron has also volunteered in recent years at the Iowa PGA Champions Tour PCC Qualifier at Veenker Memorial Golf Course.

Whether assisting with rules, supporting tournament staff, or helping provide a positive experience for competitors, Ron brings the knowledge, reliability, and enthusiasm that make championship golf possible.

Supporting the Next Generation of Iowa Golf
Ron’s service has consistently extended beyond the competitive experience to the broader development of the game. His longstanding involvement with the Sani Scholarship Selection Committee reflects a commitment to supporting students and helping create opportunities for future generations.

His early volunteer work at junior golf events also highlights his dedication to ensuring young players have opportunities to compete, learn, and develop their appreciation for the game. By giving his time to these events, Ron has helped support the welcoming and well-organized tournament experiences that are an important part of growing golf in Iowa.

His continued involvement across championships of different levels and formats reflects a broad appreciation for the many ways the game brings people together.

Celebrating Ron Peterson
The George Turner Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals whose contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on Iowa golf. Ron Peterson exemplifies that commitment through more than 25 years of involvement with the Iowa Golf Association, decades of committee service, leadership in scholarship selection, and an increasing dedication to championship volunteering.

His return to the IGA Board of Directors in 2026, combined with his expanded role as a rules official and tournament volunteer, underscores that his commitment to the game remains as strong as ever.

The success of the IGA depends on people willing to give their time, share their expertise, and work behind the scenes to create outstanding experiences for golfers across the state. Ron has demonstrated that spirit throughout his involvement, and his contributions continue to benefit players, fellow volunteers, and the Iowa golf community as a whole.

Congratulations to Ron Peterson on receiving the 2026 George Turner Distinguished Service Award! The Iowa Golf Association is proud to recognize his exceptional service, longstanding leadership, and continued dedication to advancing the game of golf in Iowa.