The wind never let up at Glynns Creek Golf Course, making for a challenging opening round at the Iowa Junior Amateur Championships. While many in the field battled the blustery conditions, some standout performances rose above the breeze.

Marion’s Morgan Rupp (right) delivered a sensational round, carding an 8-under 64 to take a commanding five-shot lead in the Iowa Girls’ Junior Amateur over Sumner’s Chloe Bolte.

“I felt like everything in my game came together today,” Rupp said. “I just tried to stay relaxed and not get too worked up about anything. I hit 17 greens and made a lot of solid putts. I didn’t make many mistakes.”

Bolte, who shot a solid 69, acknowledged the wind was a significant factor throughout the day.

“I hit a lot of knockdown shots today,” she said. “You really had to pay attention to the wind. I think playing in some harsh conditions this spring helped. It’s a new day tomorrow, and you just have to focus on the shot in front of you.”

Three players are tied for third after posting rounds of 2-over 74, all looking to close the gap heading into the final round.

On the boys’ side, the Iowa Junior Amateur leaderboard is tight at the top, with Jonathan Ward (Waukee), Drew Larimar (Cedar Falls), and Cade Sunde (West Des Moines) all shooting 3-under 69 to share the lead.

Grant Sherrick of Bettendorf is just two shots back in solo fourth after an impressive 1-under 71.

“My ball striking was really solid today,” said Ward (right). “I made a lot of two-putt pars, and I knew par would be a good score with the wind. I got into a good rhythm on the back nine. There are a lot of birdie chances out there—you just have to take it one shot at a time.”

Larimar echoed a similar sentiment.

“I made a couple of bogeys but rolled in a lot of putts,” he said. “It was all about managing the wind and keeping it in play off the tee. Every shot required extra focus.”

Sunde was also pleased with his performance.

“It was a really good day for me,” he said. “My short game saved me a lot—I chipped and putted well, especially with the wind being so tough. On some holes downwind, you could be aggressive, but staying patient was the key.”

Tomorrow’s second round promises more drama as the top juniors in Iowa battle for the title — and the wind may once again have its say.

Complete results